December 20 : 2024
Pepe Manzanilla
Manzanilla's International Photographer of the Year-winning image uses what the photographer calls his 'underwater split photography.' The resulting work allows us to experience a reinvented type of nature photograph and beckons us into a hidden world.
by Lily F.
Image: "The red-eyed tree frog taking a bath"
Q:
Can you please tell us more about the making of your winning image, “The red-eyed tree frog taking a bath”?
A:
Ah, the Red-Eyed Tree Frog. Ever since I was a kid, these little jungle creatures have felt like something out of a dream. They’re vibrant, magical, and so full of life. I’d always wanted to capture one in a way that felt personal, like sharing a little secret moment from their world.
That day, everything just came together. We stumbled on this spot that felt like a gift from nature—a quiet stream surrounded by lush greens, with just a light rain falling. The water was crystal clear, perfect for reflecting the frog’s beauty. Honestly, it was one of those moments where you can’t help but feel grateful. It wasn’t just me; it was the rain, the light, and a little bit of luck working in harmony to make it happen.
....I try to capture that magical line where two worlds meet—above and below the water. There’s so much life, light, and movement happening in both spaces, and I want to show how interconnected they really are.
Q:
Although being inherently a wildlife/nature image, there’s a very refined sense of composition and framing. Can you tell us about mixing the two?
A:
For me, storytelling is everything. Even in wildlife photography, it’s not just about what you see—it’s about what you feel. Growing up surrounded by the chaos and beauty of nature taught me to look for those tiny moments where everything aligns, like a verse in a song.
With this shot, I really focused on the little details. The curve of the branch, how the water shimmered, and how the light seemed to wrap itself naturally around the scene—it was like the frog was telling its own story, and I was just there to listen. It’s always about balance: letting the wildness of nature lead while adding a touch of artistry. I guess it’s something I’ve picked up over the years—combining what I learned in controlled environments like studios with the raw unpredictability of being out in the field.
Q:
In browsing your website and Instagram, you’ve created work that runs the gamut from weddings to nature. Tell us what draws you to different subjects.
A:
Photography, for me, is like speaking different languages. Each subject has its own voice. When I’m out in nature, especially working with endangered species, I feel this deep connection—a sense of responsibility to capture the moment so others can see how precious it is. It’s a quiet, almost sacred experience.
Weddings, on the other hand, are all about people and emotions. It’s vibrant, alive, and full of energy. I love being in the middle of those moments, capturing something that will live on in their memories.
Honestly, both worlds feed into each other. Nature has taught me patience, which helps me anticipate those perfect moments during weddings. And weddings have sharpened my eye for details, which I carry into my wildlife work. That constant back and forth keeps me inspired. Right now, I’m diving into some new projects, like my "split photography" for conservation campaigns and my personal project, The Forest Shepherds. A photo from that project even won an award recently—it’s been such a journey.
Q:
Who are some photographers, creatives, or artists that inspire you?
A:
I’ve always been drawn to artists who put their heart and soul into their work. Joe Fenton blows my mind—his drawings feel like dreams brought to life, full of layers and tiny details. Then there’s Thomas Dambo, who builds these massive trolls out of recycled materials. His art feels playful, but it carries such a powerful environmental message, and that really speaks to me.
Favio Napoleoni, though, hits close to home. His work is emotional and raw—it’s like looking into your own feelings. His art reminds me of those old songs my abuelita used to hum, full of love, loss, and hope. And David M. Bird, wow. He has this way of transforming nature into something extraordinary, making you see the magic that’s always been there.
Each of these artists reminds me to dig a little deeper, to tell stories that come from the heart. It’s not just about what people see—it’s about what they feel when they look at the work. That’s what I strive for in my photography.
Q:
What are you working on next?
A:
Right now, I’m pouring my heart into two projects. One of them is The Forest Shepherds. It’s something I’ve been working on for over five years, and it’s so close to my heart. Imagine a hidden world in the forest where creatures take shape from nature itself—it’s magical, but it’s also a reflection of how connected we are to the world around us. It’s fragile, beautiful, and something I think we often take for granted.
The other is my underwater split photography. This is where I try to capture that magical line where two worlds meet—above and below the water. There’s so much life, light, and movement happening in both spaces, and I want to show how interconnected they really are.
Both projects push me creatively, and more than anything, they remind me why I fell in love with photography: to share the beauty of the world, to make people feel something, and maybe, just maybe, to inspire them to care a little more about the wonders we have all around us.
ARTIST
