Brazilian photographer Simone Arruda has shared her captivating phone photograph, taken during a soggy March evening commute in São Paulo, showcasing the city's unique blend of chaos and beauty. The image, which she describes as her 'best phone picture', captures passengers engrossed in their books through a train window, offering a glimpse of peace amidst the urban hustle.
Arruda, a native of São Paulo, describes her home city as a place of both affection and frustration. "Anyone who knows it knows that when it rains, everything turns to chaos," she remarked. Despite the disruption, she believes the rain also imbues the city with a cinematic quality, a sentiment clearly reflected in her work.
The photograph was taken during rush hour at Brás station, a significant transport hub known for its intense commercial activity and constant busyness. As Arruda made her way home, she observed the scene through the window of a departing train, drawn to the colours, contrast, and particularly the human element of commuters finding quiet moments.
Her intention was to capture people reading, which she views as a representation of introspection and a brief respite from the surrounding commotion. Arruda also noted the upward gaze of a woman in the shot, which directs the eye towards a red light indicating closing doors, suggesting a collective anticipation for the train to finally move – an element she felt added to the sense of solace.
In processing the image, Arruda applied only minor adjustments to saturation and sharpness, keen to preserve the authentic atmosphere of the scene. She emphasised her commitment to avoiding exaggeration, ensuring the photograph's true essence and the natural beauty of the moment remained unaltered, expressing pride in her city's distinctive character.