We had the pleasure of sitting down with Higor Bastos, a renowned fashion photographer known for his striking imagery that often blurs the lines between art and fashion. While typically immersed in the world of high fashion, Higor’s latest project, “Enchanted Amazon,” showcases his unique perspective on the natural world. Shot during his recent work in the Amazon Rainforest, this exclusive series offers an extraordinary glimpse into the heart of one of the planet’s most mysterious and captivating landscapes. In this interview, we explore his journey, artistic vision, and the inspiration behind this remarkable collection.
1. Higor, thank you for joining us. To start, could you share a bit about your journey as a photographer and what led you to focus on nature, particularly the Amazon Rainforest?
Higor Bastos: Thank you for having me. My journey as a photographer began in the fashion world, where I’ve spent years capturing the elegance and creativity of high fashion. However, I’ve always had a deep connection to nature, a passion that dates back to my childhood growing up in Brazil. Surrounded by the country’s natural beauty, I developed a fascination with the intricate details of our environment. While fashion remains my main focus, I see my work in the Amazon as an extension of my artistic expression—an opportunity to explore and document a world that is both powerful and fragile. The Amazon Rainforest, in particular, has always held a special place in my heart. It’s a place of unparalleled beauty and mystery, and I felt a profound responsibility to capture and preserve its essence through this personal project.
2. Your latest series, “Enchanted Amazon,” is truly captivating. What was the inspiration behind this series, and how did you approach photographing such a unique and remote location?
Higor Bastos: “Enchanted Amazon” was born out of a desire to showcase the Amazon in a way that goes beyond the typical depictions. The rainforest is often portrayed as an exotic, untamed wilderness, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a living, breathing entity with its own rhythms and secrets. My goal was to capture that sense of enchantment, the feeling that you’ve stepped into another world where nature reigns supreme. The process of photographing the Amazon was both challenging and rewarding. The conditions are tough—intense humidity, unpredictable weather, and difficult terrain—but those challenges are part of what makes the experience so unique. I spent weeks immersing myself in the environment, often waiting for hours for the perfect light or the right moment to capture the image I had in mind. Each photograph is the result of patience, respect for the environment, and a deep connection with the landscape.
3. Your work is known for evoking a strong emotional response from viewers. How do you achieve this connection through your photography?
Higor Bastos: For me, photography is about more than just capturing a scene; it’s about conveying a feeling, a sense of place that resonates with the viewer on a deeper level. I believe that the key to this is authenticity—being true to the moment and the subject. When I’m in the field, I’m not just looking for the most visually striking shot; I’m trying to capture the soul of the place, the emotions that it evokes in me. If I can translate that into my work, then I’ve succeeded in creating a connection between the viewer and the subject.
4. The “Enchanted Amazon” series features some truly breathtaking images. Could you tell us about one or specific photograph from the series that are particularly meaningful to you?
Higor Bastos: Every photograph in the series holds a special meaning for me, but there is one that stand out. One of the most powerful images is titled “Resistance.” It captures a solitary tree standing strong in the middle of a river, surrounded by rushing water. This image is particularly significant to me because it symbolises resilience and the enduring strength of nature in the face of adversity. The tree, despite being surrounded by the powerful currents, remains steadfast, embodying the spirit of the Amazon itself—a place of incredible strength and tenacity.
5. How do you see your work contributing to the broader conversation about conservation and the importance of preserving places like the Amazon?
Higor Bastos: I believe that art has the power to inspire change, to open people’s eyes to the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Through my work, I hope to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the Amazon and other vital ecosystems. The rainforest is not just a collection of trees and rivers; it’s a living system that plays a crucial role in the health of our planet. By sharing its beauty through my photography, I want to remind people of what we stand to lose if we don’t take action to protect it.
6. Finally, what do you hope viewers take away from the “Enchanted Amazon” series?
Higor Bastos: My hope is that viewers come away with a renewed sense of wonder and respect for the natural world. The Amazon is a place of incredible beauty, but it’s also a place of deep mystery and power. I want people to feel that connection, to experience the enchantment that I felt while capturing these images. And, ultimately, I hope that this series inspires people to take action—whether it’s supporting conservation efforts, learning more about the Amazon, or simply appreciating the beauty of our planet.
Higor Bastos’s “Enchanted Amazon” series is available as fine art prints through our gallery. Each print is a window into the heart of the Amazon, offering a piece of this incredible ecosystem for your own space. Explore the collection and bring the magic of the rainforest
into your home.
