We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Manna Ibanez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Manna below.

Alright, Manna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?

My late Dad, who has been gone almost eleven years, remains my biggest hero. He profoundly influenced my career as a photographer, as it was he who placed a camera in my hands at the tender age of ten.

Photography truly took off for me when I was 14 during the Recession & housing crisis; we didn’t have a lot of money, but Dad found ways for us to have fun. He had bought me a Kodak throw away camera and we walked around Detroit, taking photos of what I thought was art. After filling up the reel of film, we went to a 1 Hour Pharmacy to develop the photos. We sat on the curb together as he flipped through the prints and was blown away on the images I created that day, from that moment on, my Dad fully supported my craft & urged me to hone in on it.

His unwavering belief in my ability to make an impact with my art and change people’s lives through the expression of human emotion has been the guiding force behind my artistic journey. His legacy continues to inspire and shape my artistic vision, fueling my passion to capture the depth and essence of human experience through photography.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Documenting and photographing people became incredibly important to me, stemming from the profound impact of having my own photos taken. Each image captured not only a moment in time but also preserved the emotions, stories, and memories that were dear to my heart. I realized that these photographs held the power to evoke happiness, heal pain, and immortalize pivotal moments. Thus, fueled by the love for storytelling, I embarked on a mission to capture the raw essence of human experiences – to convey the depths of happiness, the nuances of pain, and the significance of life’s most pivotal moments. This deep-seated passion led me to seek out and capture the diverse tapestries of human emotion, ensuring that every story, every emotion, and every moment was preserved in a timeless visual narrative.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

My most effective strategy for growing my clientele as a photographer involves being human, delving deep into understanding every client’s unique story. This approach teaches me to cater to each client’s individual needs, tailoring the photography experience to precisely match what they are seeking from me. By connecting on a personal level, I’m able to deliver a customized and meaningful photography experience that resonates with each client’s story and vision. If you love what you do, the rest will come.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

A common misconception that non-creatives often have about boudoir photography, and photography in general, is that it is solely focused on capturing overtly intimate images. In reality, photography is a celebration of self-expression, confidence, and empowerment, emphasizing individual beauty and personal narrative. It is a deeply personal and empowering art form that goes beyond conventional standards, aiming to capture a range of emotions, stories, and experiences, rather than being limited to a singular interpretation of sensuality.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/thehausofmanna
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1741948092548481/?ref=share_group_link
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manna-ibanez-21a733100

Image Credits
• Headshot by Trisha Putt of Bare Boudies Boudoir (Monroe, Michigan) • Hair and Make Up Artists – V Martin, Ashley Lizon, Alexandria Bishop • Models – Meghan Ross-Liles, Mitchell Posney, V Martin, Clifton Dudley, Meg Aleece, Molly Ryder, Erica Dork **If you need to clarity which models are who in the images, please let me know.