Meet Mar Manzanares

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mar Manzanares. 

Hi Mar, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I am actually from Mexico City; I moved to Michigan in 2008 with my family to finish high school and start college. I was going into international law, and while I was at community college gathering credits to transfer, I took some art classes so I could also get an Associate’s degree.

I ended up switching my career completely and transferred to the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, where I studied Photography and Entertainment Arts. I started working while I was still in college, taking freelance clients when I could. That’s also where I met my husband!

After I graduated, I went on to work at Graphics Factory print shop, and then at Saint Andrew’s Hall as a concert photographer, and finally at Moosejaw Mountaineering as a studio photographer. I eventually became the manager of Photography and Production, and produced a handful of seasonal photoshoots for them and their parent company, Walmart.

I recently left my full time job to pursue photography and production as a freelance agent, and so far, it has been an exciting and rewarding journey. Some of my latest clients include Bon Bon Bon Chocolate, Marlo Beauty Supply, JARS Cannabis, Craft Salon, Quality Roots, Pietrzyk Pierogi, among others!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has certainly not been an easy ride! I’ve wanted to be a freelance agent *only* for a long time but of course, finances are a big issue. It’s difficult to work freelance in the city, budgets for productions are smaller, and of course, the field is competitive. For a long time, I had a full-time job while taking clients as well, and that always makes life a little hectic. I’m grateful to always have had a support system, my family and friends, who have always been encouraging. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a commercial photography and video producer; I have been working for 10+ years in the realms of music, fashion, e-commerce, outdoor, and food photography and videography. I specialize in product photography and as of recently, chocolate photography. 

What I am most proud of is my network of peers. I know so many people in this industry that have been part of my productions in one way or the other. It’s incredibly rewarding to build something from nothing and to collectively see our creations displayed whether it is digitally or in print. The people always make it worth it to me! 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marmnz.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marmnzbrock/