Photographer Michael Donald recalls the harrowing experience of capturing a portrait of Brazilian World Cup legend Jairzinho in a Rio favela, where a gun was pulled on his crew. The image is part of Donald's project to photograph every living player who scored in a World Cup final.
The Project: Photographing World Cup Final Scorers
In 2007, Donald realized that only 58 people had ever scored a goal in a World Cup final, and just 34 were still alive. He decided to photograph them all. The project required travel to 13 countries over four years, funded by a film producer after a successful pitch. Donald interviewed and photographed every member of this exclusive club.
The Subject: Jairzinho
Jair Ventura Filho, known as Jairzinho, scored Brazil's third goal in the 1970 World Cup final against Italy, securing a 4-1 victory. Today, he works with underprivileged children in Rio's favelas, running a football school in the Manguinhos neighborhood.
The Shoot: Tension in the Favela
The portrait was taken at a public football ground in a favela where police have no jurisdiction. An unwritten rule requires outsiders to leave by 5pm. Donald's crew hired security from local drug lords, but they left by mid-afternoon. As Donald set up the shot, a man on a bicycle approached and pulled a gun on the crew. Donald, focused on Jairzinho, was unaware until told they needed to leave. He managed to get the frame before departing.
The Photograph: Chaos Behind the Camera
Donald loves the composition and the fact that the chaos behind the camera is not visible in the portrait. He used a Hasselblad with a digital back and a tripod, with an assistant holding a small light. The image captures Jairzinho at a foosball table outside a bar, a spontaneous find that added to the shot.
Michael Donald's Career
Born in Wakefield in 1966 but raised in Belfast, Donald's high points include being immersed in his work. His top tip for photographers is to do work that excites you, not just what you're told, as that's where you produce your best work.
