Photographer’s Passport: Claudia Uribe
I’ve found that one of the greatest joys of travel is spreading the word of “what’s out there” with the rest of the world and inspiring those around us to go out and experience something new. I believe that only through learning our differences can we truly respect what makes our cultures unique, while also appreciating our many similarities. In fact, that is the premise of what Passport in Photos was founded. That is why I’ve decided to reach out to photographers near and far to hear their stories and be transported by their photos to places they’ve been, so I could pass them on to you.
It’s an honor and an absolute pleasure to feature one of my dearest and most talented friends, Claudia Uribe, in this first Passport in Photos Photographer’s Passport. Claudia is an award-winning photographer whose career has been focused on architecture and still life. Her work has been published in numerous noteworthy books and magazines from all around the world. But what some may not know is that Claudia is also a well-traveled and culturally aware individual with a knack for capturing breathtaking landscapes. Here are some excerpts from my recent interview with her.
All photos featured in this post were taken by Claudia Uribe, unless otherwise noted.
Passport in Photos: Why do you love to travel?
Claudia: Travel for me is exciting and inspiring. It gives me a sense of freedom. I travel to disconnect, to explore, to learn about other cultures, languages, food, lifestyles and traditions. I travel to escape from daily life in the city and to connect with nature.
Passport in Photos: How many countries have you visited?
Claudia: 50
Courtesy of cmoreira.net
Passport in Photos: What are your top destinations of all time and why?
Claudia: Africa, Africa, Africa! I visited Africa for the first time in 1991, and it was a life-changing experience for me. I love every country I have visited in this continent, but Namibia is at the top of my list. It is mysterious and fascinating. To be able to stand like a speck of dust in the middle of an ocean of dunes with no other humans in sight for miles and miles is true magic. Namibia has the most spectacular landscapes, with its vast expanses of unspoiled beauty, endless skies of sharp, clean blue, infinite plains of golden grass, and rolling dunes of orange sand. I can’t get enough of it, and I’m always looking forward to going back.
Passport in Photos: Describe a moment during your travels where you felt your photographs were truly significant to someone else.
Claudia: On one of my trips to Namibia, I photographed the Himba women somewhere on the border between Namibia and Angola, and the following year I returned with the printed photos, hopeful that I’d be able to share the images with them. As luck would have it, I ran into two of the same women whilst visiting a Himba temporary settlement (they are nomadic) and was able to hand them their portraits. I was honored to see a photo of mine displayed in one of their huts.
Passport in Photos: What places are on your bucketlist to visit?
Claudia: Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia, Greenland, Hawaii and Alaska.
Passport in Photos: What is a piece of advice you would give someone regarding travel?
Claudia: Have an open mind and don’t be afraid to try new things. The things you take in through touch, sound, and taste are just as important as what you see. It’s not only the beautiful sights. It’s the people. The culture. The landscapes! I think you should travel to collect new experiences and memories, not just to take pictures to get “likes”.
Market in Helsinki, Finland
Maasai Selous Tanzania.
Passport in Photos: What travel publications has your work been featured in?
Claudia: Travel + Leisure, Centurion, Departures, Wallpaper City Guides and Fiji Water Guides.
