Augusto Carneiro (1925-2015) was a Brazilian photographer who is best known for his iconic images of the country's landscapes and people. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Carneiro developed an early interest in photography and began taking pictures at the age of 15. He studied photography at the Escola de Belas Artes in Rio de Janeiro, where he graduated with honors in 1947.
Carneiro's career as a professional photographer began shortly after his graduation, when he was hired by the newspaper O Globo to cover news stories. He quickly gained recognition for his work and soon became one of Brazil's most celebrated photographers. His photographs were featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, including O Globo, Jornal do Brasil, and Veja.
Throughout his career, Carneiro traveled extensively throughout Brazil to capture its diverse landscapes and cultures. His photographs often focused on rural areas and small towns that had been overlooked by other photographers. He also documented the lives of everyday people, capturing their struggles and joys with a unique eye for detail.
In addition to his work as a photojournalist, Carneiro also taught photography classes at several universities in Brazil. He was an active member of the Brazilian Photographic Society (SBF) and served as its president from 1975 to 1977. In 2000, he was awarded the Order of Merit by the Brazilian government for his contributions to photography.
Carneiro's work has been exhibited around the world, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the International Center of Photography in Paris. His photographs have also been published in several books, including Augusto Carneiro: A Photographic Journey Through Brazil (2005). After a long career as one of Brazil's most influential photographers, Augusto Carneiro passed away in 2015 at the age of 90.