samba all-star photo session in Lapa

I had another great photo session today in the historic Lapa district. By now I'm sure these cats are starting to look very familiar, no? This was like an all-star group pulled from some of the best groups and pagodes in town! They have all become great friends to me and are the sweetest bunch of ridiculously talented young musicians.



I'm having great fun getting back into photography again. It's especially a treat to have these guys feel at ease and look so natural in front of the lens. They have great energy and the minute they bust out their instruments, even when just posing, they start having fun. There were even some people following us around hoping to hear them play more. I really regret not having my video camera on hand as well...



A little adjustment and post-processing, but as always, absolutely NO CROPPING! Straight out of the camera! (this is where I pat myself on the back...).


(João Martins, bad-ass banjo player)


(The multi-talented Makley Matos. He used to play for the Harlem Globetrotters)


(Jorge "Dedé" André. We're still working on the smoking thing...)


(Marcelo Amaro)


(Jorge Alexandre)


(Lula Matos)




On the famous tiled staircase tourist stop in Lapa. Some gringos sat down thinking the fellas were going to put on a show. I'm sure they were disappointed when we left for the next location.


(At Beco do Rato. I don't usually see this place in the daylight!)


fui...