Patricia Moreira
ABOUT
Patricia de Melo Moreira was born in May 1983 in Lisbon, Portugal. With a passion for storytelling through images, she pursued studies in photojournalism at ETIC, where her journey into the world of photography began. In 2006, she launched her career as a freelancer, contributing to various local magazines and newspapers, honing her skills in capturing the essence of everyday life.
By 2010, Patricia became a stringer for Agence France Presse (AFP), and in 2022, she joined AFP as a staff photographer based in Lisbon. Her work focuses on daily news coverage in Portugal, allowing her to immerse herself in the country’s evolving narrative. Through her lens, she explores the intersection of culture, society, and current events, bringing attention to stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.
In 2018, Patricia made history as the first woman to receive the Estacao Imagem Award for her influential work “Dark Summer.” This recognition cemented her status as a leading voice in contemporary photography. Two years later, she was nominated for The Guardian Agency Photographer of the Year, highlighting her significant contributions to visual journalism.
Being based in Lisbon allows Patricia to focus on intimate stories that reflect the country’s realities. While Portugal often finds itself outside the global news spotlight, she skillfully documents the profound social and cultural transformations shaping modern life. Her recent work highlights the devastating impact of wildfires that plague the nation each summer, shedding light on resilience amid crisis.
Patricia’s photography goes beyond mere documentation; it seeks to challenge perceptions of a country often romanticised through tourism. Her commitment to revealing Portuguese life’s nuanced and sometimes overlooked aspects enables her to tell stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Through exhibitions such as “Dark Summer” and “Mon Portugal,” as well as her recent showcase “Passado|Presente,” she fosters a greater understanding of the complexities within her homeland. Patricia’s work captures the present and honours the traditions and histories that define Portugal’s unique identity.
2018 – Estacao Imagem Prize – Exhibition “Dark Summer” – Coimbra, Portugal
2021- Visa pour l’Image – Perpignan – Exhibition “Mon Portugal” – Perpignan, France
2022 – Exhibition “Passado|Presente” – Lisbon, Portugal
