Meet Manuel Ceniceros

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

Manuel, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

Well, it would have to be from my parents. They raised me showing what a good work ethic was all about.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I began my career as a photojournalist, purchasing my first camera on my 21st birthday. Within a month, I had already been published in a karate magazine—an experience that would shape the trajectory of my professional life. From working at the SDSU Daily Aztec to contributing to newspapers, magazines, and renowned news agencies like the Associated Press, photography became an undeniable passion.

As time progressed, I delved into fashion photography and graphic design before fully immersing myself in video production and post-production. It has been quite the journey! If you’re interested in hearing some captivating stories—from the San Ysidro McDonald’s massacre to covering the Mexico City earthquake of 1985 or even rubbing shoulders with Roddy McDowall while discussing photography—I’ve got plenty to share.

Beyond incredible experiences like spending time in Milan working with amazing models, one thing remains constant: my enduring love for all things related to photography.
Now I’m concentrating on fine art photography, photographing still lifes or my surrounding.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I think the first quality is grit, never giving up. I give my best to everything I’ve tried.
Second would be always trying to learn something new. I’ve never stopped try to learn new things. It doesn’t have to be about what I’m doing, it can be about anything. Learning helps open your mind.
Third is not being afraid to fail. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I never really look before I leap. I just go for it.
If something really matters to you, you have to keep moving forward. Sometimes you may need to step back and the to the side, but always keep moving forward.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

Right now I’m moving into fine art photography. I’ve never tried this before. I’ve always photographed for clients, never for myself. I’m having to learn a whole new way of doing things. I’m trying to figure out how to sell prints and get into galleries. I’m having to learn how to remake myself, in a new way. Before I just posted a demo reel and sent a resume. Now I have to sell myself and my work. I’m still trying to figure it all out. I was able to get one of my photographs into an exhibition opening in mid September and one in early November. We’ll see how these goes.

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