Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anna Manansala. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Anna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I discovered my passion for photography and editing back in high school, experimenting with Photoshop and Lightroom. At first, I honed my skills by designing websites and editing stock photos as practice. Over time, this hobby evolved into a craft I’m still perfecting today. With technology advancing rapidly—especially with AI tools—I’m always learning something new.

Currently, I balance my role as a bar manager, where I also design our cocktail menus, with running my photography business. It’s a juggling act, but one I genuinely enjoy. Time and money have been the biggest challenges. Adobe’s shift to a subscription model has made accessing premium tools a continuous investment, and as my business grows, so does the need to dedicate more time for editing, traveling around San Diego, and taking on new shoots.

Despite the challenges, this journey has been incredibly rewarding and a lot of fun! Every project is an opportunity to grow, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.

Anna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a portrait photographer with roots in landscape and astrophotography, passions I still hold close. My journey began with trips out to the desert, capturing the Milky Way during meteor showers under pristine, light-pollution-free skies. I also spent time solo hiking in Yosemite National Park, photographing breathtaking landscapes and finding inspiration in nature’s raw beauty.

These experiences shaped my artistic style, and now I’ve expanded into maternity, engagement, surprise proposals, couples, family, and birthday photoshoots. My approach leans heavily into storytelling rather than overly posed shots—I aim to create dreamy, authentic moments that evoke emotion and tell a unique story for each client. For me, it’s all about blending natural beauty with the magic of human connection.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

My photography journey is still in its early stages, as I’m relatively new to the portrait photography world. Right now, it’s a side hustle, but my goal is to grow it into a full-time career. Breaking into such a competitive field has its challenges, especially when it comes to building a client base, but I’m optimistic and determined.

In the meantime, I work as a bar manager and bartender at a restaurant in Coronado. This job helps cover my basic expenses, funds new equipment, and, unexpectedly, serves as a great networking opportunity. Many of my regulars are entrepreneurs who understand the hustle of growing a small business, and their support has been incredible. It’s inspiring to have people in my corner who genuinely want to see me succeed.

Even though I’m only about three months into this venture, I’m excited for what’s ahead. With hard work and the support of my community, I’m hopeful about turning this passion into a thriving career.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of my journey so far has been the incredible places I’ve explored as an astrophotographer and landscape photographer. One experience that stands out is a solo camping trip I took to King’s Canyon. I hiked to a secluded spot after midnight, once the moon had set, to capture photos of the Milky Way. It was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done—the pitch-black silence was both eerie and humbling—but it was also one of the most awe-inspiring. The beauty of the Milky Way was breathtaking, and every ounce of effort to get there felt worth it. I remember packing up my car, working a lunch shift, and then driving straight through the night with all my gear in tow. That trip was as much about perseverance as it was about photography.

As a portrait photographer, my reward comes in a different form—showing people the world through my eyes and capturing the unique beauty in each moment. My goal is to bring the perspective I’ve developed through landscape and astrophotography into the world of portraits, blending the grandeur of nature with the intimacy of human connection. I hope to continue traveling to incredible places, using my skills to create photos that tell stories and celebrate both people and the stunning world we live in.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/anna.illuminated

Image Credits

Anna.Illuminated