{"id":41286,"date":"2025-07-24T08:20:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T08:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/muse.international\/?p=41286"},"modified":"2025-07-21T08:24:55","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T08:24:55","slug":"pepe-manzanilla-talks-magic-realm-nature-and-the-power-of-storytelling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/muse.international\/index\/pepe-manzanilla-talks-magic-realm-nature-and-the-power-of-storytelling\/","title":{"rendered":"Pepe Manzanilla Talks Magic Realm, Nature, and the Power of Storytelling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pepe Manzanilla was given a camera at a young age and grew up in a time when photographs were treasured; watching his father and grandfather capture family moments left a lasting impression, sparking his curiosity for the mystery and craft of photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q1. Congratulations on winning in the MUSE Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was given a camera at a young age and grew up in a time when photographs were cherished. Watching my father and grandfather take pictures during family moments left a strong impression on me. The mystery and craft of photography sparked my curiosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q2. Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 a figure made from natural materials, surrounded by fireflies, in a scene that blurs the line between imagination and reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s 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\u2019s a rewarding moment in my path as a photographer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q3. How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q4. What first made you pick up a camera?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I feel most connected to nature and wildlife photography. I enjoy being outdoors, observing without interfering, and capturing moments that are often missed. It\u2019s also a way for me to promote conservation and awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q5. What\u2019s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I feel most connected to nature and wildlife photography. I enjoy being outdoors, observing without interfering, and capturing moments that often go unnoticed. It\u2019s also a way for me to promote conservation and awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MAGIC REALM<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore the journey of Lucie Nermutova<\/a>, the Gold Winner of the 2025 MUSE Photography Awards. She is a fine art photographer from Pod?brady, Czech Republic, with five years\u2019 experience capturing the soul and emotion of animals in personalized, calm, and natural sessions.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Pepe Manzanilla was given a camera at a young age and grew up in a time when photographs were treasured; watching his father and grandfather capture [\u2026]<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":41287,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[372,553,463],"tags":[12,17,382],"yoast_head":"\nPepe Manzanilla Talks Magic Realm, Nature, and the Power of Storytelling<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Winner interview with Pepe Manzanilla for MAGIC REALMN, the Platinum Winner of 2025 MUSE Photography Awards.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/muse.international\/index\/pepe-manzanilla-talks-magic-realm-nature-and-the-power-of-storytelling\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" 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