Mariana Mendes Querido (b. 2001) is an emerging Portuguese artist from Porto, drawn to the nuances of everyday life. Creativity has always been at the core of her identity. Photography became a way of sharing her vision of the world, serving as a personal journal—an intimate record of moments, emotions, and fleeting details.

An explorer by nature, Mariana is constantly seeking new places, people, and stories. Her love of travel, people-watching, and communication naturally intertwines with her artistic practice. She finds that shooting on film allows her to slow down, focusing on each shot with intention.

As someone whose personality can often feel overwhelmed by the fast pace of modern life, film photography has brought a sense of focus and calm to her world. The slower, more deliberate process of capturing images on film encourages her to pay closer attention to the small, often overlooked details around her. This has not only deepened her artistic practice but also provided a grounding sense of clarity in her personal life.

Through photography, Mariana documents her personal experiences, travels, and the people around her. Her images are snapshots of her world—capturing moments of emotion, exploration, and intimacy.

“My work is a celebration of life in motion, serving as an inspiration for others to pause and appreciate. I aim to encourage a deeper connection to the world, to see life in its simplest forms, and to find meaning in the fleeting moments that often go unnoticed.”