Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Manansala
Hi Anna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love for photography began when I was just seven years old. My family had just moved to San Diego from Guam, and my dad wanted some family photos in the backyard of the house we were renting. He handed me his film camera and told me to “just point and shoot.” I remember obsessing over whether I’d cut off their feet or if the photos were centered. When we finally developed the film a week later, sure enough—the feet were cut off, and the pictures were a little blurry. Instead of being discouraged, I felt inspired. My dad let me keep experimenting, giving me more opportunities to use his camera and even buying me disposable ones to practice with.
In college, I began taking photos of friends for their graduations, capturing birthday celebrations for my nieces and nephews, and bringing my camera on solo camping and hiking adventures. I’d climb to breathtaking peaks just to capture the beauty around me. Photography became my way of connecting with the world—and myself.
For years, I juggled two, sometimes three, jobs in the service industry. After a few injuries from rock climbing, I knew I needed to slow down and find something more sustainable while still pursuing my love for backpacking and exploration. People often told me to start my own photography business, but I resisted—I didn’t want something I loved to feel like a chore.
Eventually, I took the leap, and it’s been one of the best decisions of my life. Each photoshoot doesnt feel like work at all. It’s more like creating joyful memories with my clients. I love connecting with people, making them laugh, and capturing those moments of pure, unfiltered happiness. Those are the photos that truly tell a story—and I’m grateful to call this my passion and my career.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest obstacles I’ve faced on this journey have been time, money and self-doubt. Balancing two jobs in the service industry while trying to grow my photography business has been no small feat. With only two days off a week, I’ve been squeezing in photoshoots whenever I can—often on my limited days off or in between shifts. I haven’t had a full day off in about two months since I started this venture, which has been both exhausting and exhilarating. Investing in my business hasn’t been easy. Whatever funds I could get would go straight into it. I had to buy everything slowly throughout the years and piece everything together. For example, I could get the flash equipment that I needed but not the accessories I needed for that to make it work cohesively.
Self-doubt was another hurdle. I worried about how people would perceive my style of photography and whether I was good enough to succeed. A lot of that fear began to fade after I started talking with my coworker, Rachel Nagrone of Waves of Paradise, who’s launching her own spice blend business. We decided to collaborate on a joint launch party for our businesses that complemented each other perfectly. Rachel created incredible dishes using her seasonings, and I photographed the food and the event. Weekly meetings with her to plan and shoot product photos for her brand, Rachel’s positive energy and encouragement have been amazing, and her spice blends are equally incredible—I use them in almost every meal!
I’ve also been lucky to have the support of my good friend and talented local photographer, Mirjana Vidic. She helped me tackle the intimidating world of off-camera flash photography with so much patience and simplicity that it finally clicked for me. Her guidance has been invaluable, and I’m so grateful for her friendship and expertise.
Lastly, my boyfriend has been my absolute rock. He’s there for every late-night editing session and moment of self-doubt, offering pep talks and constant encouragement. When I’m too tired to promote my work or second-guessing myself, he’s always there to push me forward.
While I don’t feel like I’ve fully “made it” yet, I know I’m on my way—and with this incredible support system, I’m more motivated than ever to keep going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I specialize in a mix of portrait, landscape, maternity, engagements, athletic and food photography. At one of the restaurants where I bar manage, I’ve taken on the role of photographing the cocktail specials I create and the monthly sushi specials crafted by the sushi chefs. It started as something fun, a way to promote the restaurant through my personal Instagram, but it’s become a creative outlet I love.
When it comes to my personal photoshoots, my style is versatile—I love using deep, rich colors to create bold, striking images or leaning into a dreamy, ethereal feel, depending on the mood I want to convey. I live the vintage film look as well. I think it ties into my love for film photography. Regardless of the style, my main goal is to bring good energy to every shoot. I focus on capturing authentic smiles and laughs because I believe those candid, unfiltered moments are where the magic happens.
I prefer a more natural approach over rigid posing. When a session becomes overly posed, I find the subject can start to feel stiff and robotic. That’s why I specialize in candid shoots, letting people be themselves in front of the camera. My work spans family portraits, solo portraits, couples’ shoots, athletic shots and food photography, each with the same goal: capturing real connections and moments that tell a story.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is bowling with my dad and siblings. It was something we did often, even on holidays. Looking back, it wasn’t about how good we were (and, honestly, I’m still not great at it all these years later). What stands out the most are the fun, competitive moments we shared—the laughter, the playful teasing, and the joy of just being together. Those times still bring a smile to my face.
Pricing:
- Family photoshoots are $200/hour with $50 non refundable deposit that goes towards the final price
- Couples Photoshoots are $200/hr with $50 non refundable deposit that goes towards the final price
- Food photoshoots are $150/hr with $50 non refundable deposit that goes towards the final price
- Solo photoshoots are $150/hr with $50 non refundable deposit that goes towards the final price
- Current specials running through the holidays is $100/hr with $50 non refundable deposit that goes towards the final price
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna.illuminated/
Image Credits
Mirjana Vidic (portraits of me only)
