Behind the Lens

Behind every photograph is a team working together to listen, gather stories and capture moments of connection. Bringing these encounters to others draws on many skills, from photography and interviews to design and digital storytelling. Meet some of the people whose shared care and creativity have helped bring the stories of Catholic Mission’s partner communities into Hope.

Simone Medri

For Simone, photography is a way of preserving the human encounters that have shaped his journey with Catholic Mission and deepened his passion for the missionary Church over the past decade. Drawn to people’s eyes and expressions as windows into their stories, he seeks to capture those fleeting moments when barriers disappear, and genuine human connection emerges.

His photographs have shared stories of hope through parishes, schools and campaigns across Australia and around the world, reaching people on every continent. Some now hang in his family home, daily reminders of the encounters that continue to shape his perspective and mission.

“A photograph captures a moment, but it is the people, the encounters and the journey that led to that moment that stay with me and continue to inspire me.”

Marcello Marchesini

For Marcello, film is a way of sharing the human stories at the heart of Catholic Mission’s work. After moving from television and corporate production into the not-for-profit sector ten years ago, he found a deeper sense of purpose in his craft. His first visit with Catholic Mission, to Ghana in 2018, took him beyond his comfort zone and shaped his approach to storytelling: taking time to connect, building trust and allowing people to feel at ease before the camera begins to roll.

The relationships formed through these visits continue to give meaning to his work. Among the moments he returns to is a boy’s smile captured on film in Malawi, a lasting reminder of the joy found in those encounters and one that still lifts his spirits.

“Our main rule is not really taking out the camera until we establish a relationship.”

Maria Fernanda Ramos

With decades of experience in creative arts and design, Maria has spent over five years helping share the stories of Catholic Mission’s partner communities. For her, design brings individual stories and contributions together to form a shared picture of hope. Spending time with these communities has deepened her connection to the people whose stories she helps communicate, giving a personal dimension to her creative work.

One moment that stays with her is sitting on the floor with women, sharing conversations about their babies and their lives. When they asked how she was feeling, the exchange carried the warmth and familiarity of being with family. That sense of belonging reflects her understanding of design: each person is a point on a line, contributing to an artwork that takes shape together. These connections continue to inform her work, reminding her that everyone has a part in the story being told.

“It’s like we are living in the same home but in different rooms, but we are all the same.”

Bruna Correa

Bruna combines her digital skills with a thoughtful approach to storytelling to raise awareness of Catholic Mission’s work and the communities it supports. Her first visit to Zambia, where she worked behind the scenes to gather stories and capture moments, brought a personal depth to the storytelling she carries into her daily work. Taking time to be present and get to know people strengthened her understanding of the encounters behind the content she shares, grounding her work in personal connection and shared humanity.

Those connections continue to shape her perspective. A photograph of a mother and baby remains her computer background, a daily reminder of an encounter that still moves her and gives personal meaning to her work.

“I just look at that photo every day to remind me that I am making an impact.”