Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Victoria Mantler. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Victoria , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My family and friends. I truly have the most amazing support system.
My parents have been cheering me on for as long as I can remember. If we could afford it, they made it happen — ballet lessons, softball tournaments, modeling and acting classes. And when I didn’t have a car yet, they drove me to set without hesitation.
Both of my grandmothers have always sung my praises. They proudly tell everyone they know about my accomplishments, and that kind of unconditional support means the world.
I also have the most supportive boyfriend. He’s constantly encouraging me to chase my dreams and try new things, even when I doubt myself.
Each of them has faced their own struggles and gotten back up, time and time again. Watching them has shown me what real strength looks like — and being able to lean on them has been a gift.
And then there are my mentors — who are really more like chosen family. They check in on me, challenge me, and lead by example.
Having all of these people in my corner makes it easier to keep going when things get tough. They remind me why I started. They model for me when I have a last-minute photoshoot idea. They’ll work out or meal prep with me just to help me stay on track with my goals.
I truly couldn’t be luckier — I’m endlessly grateful for every one of them.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
If I had to boil it down, I’m a photographer, creative director, and actor — and I’ve built a career that blends all three. I’m probably best known for my work in photography, acting, and casting, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked across so many areas of the creative industry.
In film and television, I’ve had the opportunity to explore roles both in front of and behind the camera — from acting, modeling, and voiceover to casting, directing, still photography, assistant producing, and writing. I’ve worked on everything from indie projects to major studio productions, and that range has really shaped my perspective and creative voice. I also recently had the chance to guest lecture at an acting school, which was a full-circle moment I’m extremely proud of.
As a photographer, I’ve found a special passion in working with other creatives — capturing performances, headshots, and events that celebrate art in motion. I especially love photographing concerts, plays, productions, and anything that carries energy and storytelling. My photography style is all about finding authenticity, connection, and joy — whether that’s in a quiet portrait or a big, vibrant moment on stage.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how organically my work has evolved. I’ve had moments that still feel surreal — like appearing on 13 Reasons Why alongside my dad and best friends, or getting to see my photography published in print for the first time. These moments remind me why I do what I do.
Right now, I’m focused on growing my photography business, acting, and expanding my creative direction work. I’m especially excited about two upcoming projects: photographing a Halloween wedding (which I’ve been dreaming about for ages!) and capturing A Cause for Entertainment’s Annual Gala — a meaningful event I’m proud to support. I’ve also recently had work published in three magazines this year, which has been another exciting milestone.
What sets my brand apart is how interconnected everything is. I draw on my experience in acting and casting when I’m directing a shoot, and I bring my eye as a photographer into performance work. I believe having a wide creative lens makes my work more collaborative, intuitive, and honest. I’m also not afraid to experiment — I’ve transformed my apartment into a full photo set using thrift store props and a lot of imagination. I love building something beautiful and unexpected from whatever’s available.
At its core, my brand is about storytelling, connection, and celebrating creativity — and I’m excited to keep growing and sharing that with others.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three things that have had the biggest impact on my journey are adaptability, collaboration, and a willingness to keep learning.
1. Adaptability
Working across photography, acting, casting, and creative direction has required me to shift gears constantly — sometimes within the same day. Being adaptable has allowed me to say yes to opportunities I never saw coming and to step into roles I hadn’t originally imagined for myself. I’ve learned that things rarely go exactly as planned, especially in creative industries. The more comfortable you get with change, the more doors will open.
Advice: Stay curious and flexible. Don’t be afraid to pivot. Some of your best opportunities might come from the unexpected.
2. Collaboration
No matter what role I’m in — whether I’m behind the camera or in front of it — collaboration is everything. So many of the people I work with are friends, mentors, or people I admire. I’ve learned the importance of showing up with respect, compassion, and a team mentality. The best creative work happens when everyone feels valued.
Advice: Treat everyone like they matter — because they do. And you never know who you’ll meet that will become your best friend or mentor.
3. Lifelong Learning
From crews who took the time to explain their process, to mentors who’ve guided me, I’ve never stopped learning. Whether it’s watching how lighting changes a scene or researching how to direct talent more effectively, every experience adds to the toolkit. I’ve also learned to be proactive about researching — whether that’s to prepare for an audition, vet a new opportunity, or deepen my craft.
Advice: Ask questions. Watch everything. Be a sponge. The more knowledge you gain — even outside your “main” field — the more versatile and confident you’ll become.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
One of my biggest areas of growth this past year has been learning to get comfortable with discomfort — and to stop chasing perfection. For a long time, I held onto the belief that everything needed to be polished or “ready” before I could take a leap. But I’ve learned that showing up as my full, authentic self — even when I’m scared, uncertain, or still learning — is where the real growth happens.
Over the past 12 months, I’ve pushed myself to try new things, even when I wasn’t sure I’d succeed. And honestly? That mindset shift has led to some of the most exciting moments in my career so far. I’ve been published in three magazines, I’ve guest lectured internationally, and now I’m being interviewed — all because I stopped waiting to be “perfect” and started saying yes.
I’ve learned more this year than I have in a long time. And it all started with the decision to show up, try, and be willing to fail forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jeanessphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanessphotography/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeanessphotography
Image Credits
Models: Josh Wabel, Jordyn Reyes, Sean Connick
Photographers: Victoria Mantler, Robert Mantler
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
