Ariana Cubillos on Documenting Grief in Venezuela

Ariana Cubillos, a Colombian photojournalist, has been with The Associated Press since 2004. Stationed in Caracas, Venezuela, since 2009, she reports on social turmoil, humanitarian issues, and breaking events. Previously, she spent five years in Haiti covering news.

Choosing the Moment

Cubillos describes capturing a significant photo during the aftermath of an earthquake. She covered families searching the rubble for relatives three weeks post-disaster. Her focus shifted to Carolina Munoz, a woman she noticed praying fervently.

Although unfamiliar with Munoz, Cubillos recognized the scene’s emotional weight. Munoz’s posture represented the despair of families as they sifted through the ruins of a 12-floor apartment building. The search was for closure, to recover bodies of loved ones, ensuring they were not left behind. Cubillos empathized with the pain and sorrow surrounding her.

Overcoming Challenges

On top of Caraballeda’s collapsed OPPPE 27 tower, Cubillos observed Munoz through a 70-200mm lens. The chaotic environment made moving difficult. Deep holes and makeshift sunshades complicated obtaining a clear shot.

Crouching to avoid obstructing cables, Cubillos took several photos of Munoz before she stopped praying. Afterward, they spoke, and Cubillos learned Munoz was searching for her son, Carlos Muñoz, expressing her resolve not to leave without finding him.

The Power of the Photo

Cubillos believes the photo is compelling because Munoz’s prayerful stance captures the helplessness amidst overwhelming loss. It symbolizes the shared grief of families affected by the disaster. While words may fall short, Cubillos feels the image communicates the profound sorrow experienced in this tragic situation.