BEYOND BORDERS - Portraits of Identity by Rodrigo Rangel de Alba

Rodrigo Rangel de Alba has seen the world, not as a

tourist, but as a witness. Over the last 35 years, he has

visited every country on Earth, including territories and

regions few dare to enter. But it is not the flags, borders,

or landmarks that define his journey, it is the people. The

faces. The fleeting expressions. The moments of truth that

exist between language and posture, beyond geography.

As a accomplished photojournalist and now an ambassador

for Lux Photo Lab, Rodrigo’s work is both expansive and

deeply personal. His lens moves through cities, villages,

markets, and margins, not to exoticize, but to recognize, to

honor presence, resilience, and the quiet dignity of

everyday life.

The portraits featured in this issue, captured over decades

of global travel, reflect identity not as a label, but as lived

experience. We see children smiling under heavy skies,

elders sitting in the shade of struggle, and strangers

meeting the lens with warmth rather than resistance.

These are not posed moments. They are glimpses of trust,

given freely and held with care.

His portraits are printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art papers

through Lux Photo Lab, carefully chosen for their ability to

honor the depth, expression, and humanity of the people

he photographs. For Rodrigo, the print is not just a final

step, it’s an extension of the moment. A way to give each

image the presence and permanence it deserves.

Rodrigo doesn’t claim to speak for the people he

photographs. Instead, he listens. And through the act of

printing, he ensures those voices are preserved quietly,

respectfully, and with permanence.

To look at these portraits is to understand that identity is

not bound by borders. It’s written in light, in gesture, in

presence. It’s found in the smallest corners of the world,

and made visible through the timeless act of print

Light & Paper Magazine Issue 1