Navigating São Paulo's Streets through Marina Leal's Film Photography

At 11 years old, Brazilian photographer Marina Leal (@marinagleal) was gifted her first camera – a Zenit 12 Pro from her father who recognized her fascination with tactile processes rather than digital devices. However, growing up in the countryside made it difficult for her to practice film photography due to the few quality labs available and expensive, low-grade development.

Over a decade later, Marina has traded the countryside for the city, still carrying the slow nature of film and embracing her creativity as it thrives in the arts and culture scene of São Paulo.

“I didn’t rush to do as much as possible, but instead, let the city unveil little by little as I gained more trust to explore it. It’s been a ride.”

Countryside Roots

Marina’s upbringing in the countryside shaped her eye for detail and a preference for simplicity. The limitations tied to shooting analogue back then don’t exist in the city where everything feels alive. Even as she deals with the faster pace of São Paulo now, her roots remind her to find calm in the chaos.

“It never ceases to amaze me with the proportions, the amount of everything, people, places, parks, cars, buildings. It's overwhelming. Being from the countryside, I guess that shapes us with that simplicity, a feeling of calmness that is rare in a large city like this.”

Immersed in the Underground

Marina’s door to São Paulo’s underground culture opened gradually. After leaving her lab job, she faced a period of uncertainty and self-doubt. It wasn’t until after she was offered a photo assisting job that her creative path began to unfold, welcoming her to the urban life that pulsed through the streets.

“I feel free working on the streets and that mix of things happening all at once is kind of magic, often tragic but purely alive.”

She quickly immersed herself in the local scene, documenting queer parties, skateparks, street festivals, and more. Through these gigs, her network grew, and she soon found herself embraced by a safe, diverse, and fiercely creative community that fueled her growth.

“I guess that one thing led to another. My friends are mostly queer and diverse, and I feel safe and good around these communities. At one point, we felt the need to start doing collabs and projects together, and everyone had their contribution.”

Stitching Style and Frames

Marina’s love for photography grew hand in hand with her passion for fashion. She began collecting and restoring vintage pieces for her online thrift shop, which she later grew into a physical studio.

What began as fun, experimental snapshots of her sewing projects has grown into a more refined practice. Marina now views fashion photography as a beautifully orchestrated collaboration, where every element comes together to create one vision.

“I think about [photography and fashion] as parts of one creative vision. Both with their own way of self-expression, and when combined, it's magical… It's something beautiful to participate in because you see that every part has its role – the makeup, the light, the models, the clothes. I really like that.”

Embracing Film and Feelings

Creating art has its hurdles, and Marina feels this deeply in São Paulo. Opportunities are limited, public support leans toward traditional or mainstream projects, and queer and marginalized communities still fight to claim their space. Apart from these external challenges, she has observed that artists like herself also wrestle with internal battles. In the face of all these, Marina reminds creatives to listen to their feelings as she believes they are the best guide that can help us navigate the world.

“I often sense a lack of fulfillment, like I’m empty for a while, and I guess that it comes from not listening to myself and ignoring my passions for pleasing others. As I start to verbalize these emotions to people, it starts to align, and I feel more like myself again.”

More importantly, Marina urges creatives to simply try – take that leap and give yourself the chance to fail or succeed. This philosophy also guides her analogue work, where mistakes are embraced and imperfections are celebrated.

“Analogue, for me, is learning with mistakes, embracing the imperfections along the way, waiting the proper amount of time to see what you have done. It demands patience but also accepts the rush, just pointing and shooting without judgment if it's nice or not.”

From the quiet countryside to the chaotic city of São Paulo, Marina’s creative journey is defined by passion, resilience, and a fearless drive to create art and keep it alive no matter the odds.

Explore more of São Paulo with Marina and follow her work by checking out her Instagram and LomoHome.

written by francinegaebriele on 2025-09-27 #culture #places #street-photography #arts #fashion-photography #sao-paulo-brazil Share Article