A NIGHT ON CALLE 8: STREET PHOTOGRAPHY WITH CANDELARIA IN MIAMI

Mauricio Candela
Feb 1, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Oct 20

Introduction: Where spontaneity meets photography

Some of the most powerful images are not planned—they’re captured in the moment, as life unfolds. For photographer Mauricio Candela, that philosophy came to life on Calle 8, the heart of Little Havana in Miami, during an impromptu night shoot with model Candelaria.

Armed with just a camera, natural city light, and creative instinct, Candela wandered the vibrant streets for a few hours, seeking those unscripted, fleeting moments that define the energy of a place. The result? A series of images that feel personal, alive, and beautifully imperfect.

Calle 8: A visual playground

Calle 8 is known for its cultural richness, bustling energy, and vibrant street life. Music spills from open doors, neon signs flicker in the night, and locals move with the rhythm of salsa and conversation.

This iconic Miami street offered the perfect backdrop for Candela's spontaneous street photography session. No artificial setups, no styling teams—just raw ambiance, urban textures, and the organic chemistry between photographer and subject.

The model, Candelaria

Candela was accompanied by Candelaria, a frequent collaborator and muse, whose relaxed energy made her the ideal subject for such an unscripted shoot. Dressed casually and ready to walk, she moved freely through the streets while Candela observed and captured.

Whether illuminated by streetlights, storefronts, or passing headlights, Candelaria’s natural expressions and unposed gestures brought life and motion to every frame.

Shooting at night & embracing available light

Night photography without artificial lighting presents challenges—but it also offers magic.

Candela leaned into the constraints of shooting after dark, relying solely on available light sources: neon signs, lampposts, car headlights, and reflections from shop windows. This created a moodier, more cinematic feel, perfectly suited for the intimacy and honesty he aimed to capture.

“It’s when you have less control that you find the most beautiful surprises,” says Candela. “The imperfection becomes part of the story.”

Storytelling in motion

What makes this shoot stand out is the sense of movement and discovery. Rather than static portraits, Candela focused on motion blur, shifting angles, reflections, and composition inspired by the environment. Many of the images feel as though they were stolen from time—glimpses of a conversation, a laugh, a step across a puddle of light.

The goal wasn’t to manufacture a moment. It was to recognize one—and press the shutter at the right time.

Visual themes and highlights

Here are some visual themes that emerged from the Calle 8 session:

Movement and blur: walking, turning, laughing in motion
Reflections and neon light: bouncing color off windows and cars
Contrasts of warm and cool tones: deep shadows and pops of red, blue, and amber
Close-up intimacy vs. wide urban context: personal moments set against the buzz of the street

Project credits

Photographer: Mauricio Candela
Model: Candelaria
City: Calle 8, Miami, USA
Lighting: 100% natural / available light

Gear: handheld camera setup, no crew

Final thoughts: beauty in the unplanned

For Candela, this shoot was more than a creative exercise—it was a reminder of why he started in photography. When you remove the pressure of perfection and production, you’re left with the essence of the moment. And in that space, the real magic happens.

Calle 8 offered the perfect canvas: colorful, imperfect, full of movement and emotion. With just a camera, a trusted collaborator, and a little time, Candela turned a night walk into a visual love letter to the streets of Miami.

Photographer: Mauricio Candela

Model: Candelaria

City: Calle 8, Miami USA