Rangel (b. Mozambique, 1924) photographs street scenes, landscapes, the everyday activities of individuals, and night scenes in the cafes and restaurants in Mozambique. His work testifies to his great involvement with the people of Mozambique's multi-cultural society. The photographs are pervaded by compassion for those portrayed and fury at injustices. Many of his photographs were banned from publication by colonial censors, and many of his negatives were destroyed by servants of the previous government.

Rangel worked some time for various newspapers. In 1970, together with four other journalists, he established the illustrated weekly magazine Tempo. This was the first colour magazine in Mozambique. In 1981 he became director of the weekly Domingo, and three years later he was asked to set up the Centro de Formaçao Fotográfica in Maputo, a school for photography. He remains its director down to the present day.

Since 1983 Rangel has been showing in European galleries and various European and African museums.