Ariana Cubillos, a Colombian photojournalist, has been capturing moments of social unrest and humanitarian crises for The Associated Press since 2004. Based in Caracas, Venezuela, since 2009, she previously spent five years reporting from Haiti. Her photography captures raw emotions and profound experiences.

The Story Behind the Photo

On a mission to document families searching through the rubble weeks after an earthquake, Cubillos aimed to capture the intense emotions in this dire situation. While photographing a family, she noticed Carolina Munoz standing at a distance. Munoz was praying, her eyes directed towards the sky in a moment filled with desperation.

The Decision to Capture the Moment

Cubillos chose to photograph Munoz because the scene epitomized the anguish that many families faced. The families were tirelessly searching among the ruins of a collapsed 12-story building, hoping to recover their loved ones’ bodies for a proper burial. Munoz’s expression and actions represented the collective sorrow and deep longing for closure.

The Challenges of Capturing the Image

Cubillos was positioned at the top of the collapsed OPPPE 27 tower. Using a 70-200mm lens, she navigated a landscape filled with rubble, cables, and improvised shade to find a clear view of Munoz. Cubillos crouched to avoid obstruction by ropes that could obscure Munoz’s face. Despite physical constraints, Cubillos successfully captured a series of clear images before Munoz resumed her search.

The Impact of the Photograph

This powerful image of Munoz with her hands and face raised towards the sky conveys helplessness amidst a catastrophic event. It represents the pain shared by families who lost loved ones in the building collapse. While words may fail to express the depth of their grief, Cubillos’ photograph speaks volumes.