Thais Aquino Talks ‘Soul Portraits’ and Self-Care

There’s a good reason that Brazilian photographer Thais Aquino uses the term “Soul Portraits” to refer to her work.  “I love the transformational essence of a photography session,” says Aquino whose subjects, usually captured in nature, come across as both vulnerable and strong. “The constant revelation and abundance of beauty and truth. I have a connection and relationship with everyone I photograph.” Her favorite part of being behind the lens? he magical blend between art, spirituality, community and empowerment,” she says. . 

Calling herself a “visual poet,” Aquino fell in love with photography at the age of 22 in Rio. “I was a bit unmotivated about continuing my path as a graphic designer in front of a computer screen,” says Aquino, who studied visual communications and graphic design at the Pontifical Catholic University in Rio de Janeiro. “I needed to get out, get lost, get wild with nature and other people. I wanted more collaborations. I fell in love with photography when I was looking to explore an unspeakable desire to dance with beauty, sensitivity, vulnerability and empowerment.” From there, she moved to NYC at age 25 and enrolled at Pratt University, where she studied fashion and media. “It gave me the tools I needed to start working for a cool agency at the time. At that moment I knew that photography was a career I could grow into and have lots of fun in,” she says of her journey that has since led her to shoot for the likes of L’Oréal, Garnier, Bloomingdales, Coca-Cola and more.


Amidst her busy schedule and travels between Maui (where she currently calls home), Rio, New York and beyond, Aquino ensures to make time for wellness via stretching and “a big dose of nature.” Learn more about her confidence journey and self-care routines below.

By Thais Aquino

“I fell in love with photography when I was looking to explore an unspeakable desire to dance with beauty, sensitivity, vulnerability and empowerment.”

By Thais Aquino
By Thais Aquino

“My confidence only came when I learned how to say ‘no,’ how to draw boundaries and ask for what I needed.”

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