30 Candid Photos That Capture Raw, Real Life Around The World By Mariana Basurto

Three people and one unforgettable city shaped Mariana Basurto’s path as a photographer. Her grandfather and father sparked her sense of wonder and taught her to look at the world with boundless curiosity. Her sister — and an old white Kodak camera from the 1980s — encouraged her to pick up a camera for the first time and discover the magic of capturing fleeting moments. But it was Shanghai, China, that truly unlocked a world of stories for Mariana. In that vibrant and diverse city, she realized that photography could speak louder than words.

Since then, her work has been exhibited across the globe — from New York and Paris to Hong Kong and São Paulo — and featured in publications like All About Photo and Urban Photography.

For Mariana, street photography is much more than a passion; it’s a way to connect with the world and reveal the beauty tucked away in everyday life. Every image is a tiny story, every street corner a new discovery.