In 2019, the streets of Santiago, Chile, were ignited by a wave of protests triggered by a sharp increase in public transport fares. What began as a response to economic inequality quickly spiraled into a nationwide movement against systemic issues, including government corruption, police brutality, and the marginalization of indigenous communities, particularly the Mapuche people. Over time, these protests became a broader symbol of resistance to the status quo.
 

In 2022, I had the opportunity to document one of these protests, capturing the intense confrontation between protesters and Carabineros, Chilean police.
 

As a photojournalist, this was when i realized my role was not just to observe but to convey the complexity of these moments, bringing to light the emotional undercurrents and the evolving dynamics between the public and authorities. Through conversations with locals and ongoing assessment of the situation, I gained insight into the stories driving the protest.
 

This experience reinforced my understanding of photojournalism as a critical tool for documenting social movements. It’s about more than just capturing moments. It’s about giving visibility to struggles that might otherwise be overlooked. At its core, this work challenged my technical and ethical approach to storytelling, reminding me of the responsibility we bear in portraying these urgent realities with respect and authenticity.