Manuel’s love for the art of photography started at the age of 13 when he took his first snapshot with an old Kodak 110 camera. Realizing he could capture a moment in time, he was instantly hooked by the magic of reproducing instantaneous depictions of life. Two years later, he worked all summer long and eventually saved enough to buy his first 35mm camera. 

By the age of 18, Manuel photographed his first wedding. His drive to excel has led him on a very rewarding journey where he has learned to appreciate the small details that make up the beautiful world we inhabit. Manuel has been awarded multiple international awards for his wedding photography. He passionately teaches and shares what he has learned at his photography workshops in his studio located in Monterey CA. Every opportunity he gets to photograph a wedding is unique, where through his lens, he captures special moments and translates them into extraordinary expressions of art.

Manuel Ortega bride and groom walking through winery grapevines and lavender fields

Manuel Ortega bride looking through car window backseat black and white

Manuel Ortega bride and groom walking down the aisle holding hands raised up with vineyard in background rose petals flying

Manuel Ortega portrait of bride with clouds and sky in background

Manuel Ortega bride and groom walking holding hands smiling outside under trees in garden

Manuel Ortega bride and groom holding hands smiling hugging