Pepe Manzanilla Talks Magic Realm, Nature, and the Power of Storytelling

All three awards I received at the 2025 MUSE Photography Awards came from a single image. The photo represents a fictional guardian of the forest — a figure made from natural materials, surrounded by fireflies, in a scene that blurs the line between imagination and reality.

It’s part of a personal project where I combine storytelling with my love of nature. Winning in three different categories makes me feel that the emotion and intention behind the image were truly received and understood. It’s a rewarding moment in my path as a photographer.

I choose images that hold emotional weight or tell a story. I ask myself if the photo can speak without needing explanation. If it feels honest and resonates with my intention, then it's a strong candidate.

Curiosity. As a child, I saw my father and grandfather use their cameras with care and intention, and it made me want to understand what they were seeing. My first camera was a 35mm Beirette. Once I started using it, I couldn’t stop.

I feel most connected to nature and wildlife photography. I enjoy being outdoors, observing without interfering, and capturing moments that are often missed. It’s also a way for me to promote conservation and awareness.

I feel most connected to nature and wildlife photography. I enjoy being outdoors, observing without interfering, and capturing moments that often go unnoticed. It’s also a way for me to promote conservation and awareness.

I work with Canon equipment because it’s reliable, adaptable, and delivers the image quality I need across a wide range of environments — from controlled studio setups to unpredictable conditions in the wild. What I appreciate most is how intuitive it feels in the hand, especially when time is critical.

One feature I rely on constantly is the silent shutter — it allows me to shoot without disturbing the scene, particularly when working with wildlife.

Connection. I want viewers to feel something — whether it’s curiosity, admiration, or even discomfort. What matters most is that the image sparks a moment of awareness or reflection.

The wind and sand were intense during the shoot, making it hard to keep the dog focused and the equipment safe. Timing was everything—I had just a few seconds when the light, pose, and atmosphere aligned perfectly.

Another challenge was working in darkness with fireflies and finding the right exposure without losing the atmosphere. It took a lot of trial and error, and physical effort to create the scene on location.

The natural world is my greatest teacher. I’ve also learned a lot by observing other photographers at work — how they manage their gear, their team, and their timing. Learning through observation has shaped many of my own habits.

Be honest with your work. Submit images that truly reflect who you are and what matters to you. Competitions can be a way to discover your own voice and connect with others.

Take your time. Practice often. Make mistakes and learn from them. Don’t rush to define your style—let it grow naturally from your experience.

Post-processing helps me fine-tune the image to reflect what I experienced. I don’t try to change reality, but rather to bring forward the feeling or mood that was present.

Technology can support us, make certain tasks more efficient, and help organize our work. But I believe the essence of photography remains presence and intention. Photography is about capturing light — a real, physical moment in time. Any AI process that generates imagery is not photography; it is AI-generated imagery and should be called as such.

I am drawn to places or beings that are disappearing—whether natural ecosystems or cultural traditions. I’d like to document what’s fading before it’s gone, to create a memory that others can see and maybe act upon.