Behind the Image is an ongoing MODELS.com series taking a more personal look at both established and emerging creative talent. Produced by Carolina Orrico and Irene Ojo-Felix
courtesy Emmanuel Sanchez Monsalve
Emmanuel Sanchez-Monsalve, photographer
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Based: Brooklyn, New York
What do you love about what you do?
I enjoy being in a position and having a platform that allows me to choose my team. I am grateful to have the opportunity to push for a diverse group of people, including models. It’s gratifying to see the final product and the beautiful imagery created by a team consisting of all multicultural backgrounds. I’m huge on representation because I feel the industry used to lack so much of it. I think we still have some improvements to make. However, I slowly see the progression. I also enjoy having the ability to travel for work. It’s allowed me to meet people from all around the world and has allowed me to experience and witness things that I otherwise would not be privy to.
What has been one of your favorite projects to work on?
I would have to say photographing real people is the most fulfilling. I was given the opportunity to shoot in the islands of Tahiti for an iD.com article. In this specific article, they were paying homage to the island’s rich culture. We photographed NONAHERE Tahitian dance group on a holy land they call The Marae Arahurahu. The dancers were so incredibly talented and photographed so godly. It was one of the most epic shoots I have ever experienced.
How has your heritage played into/inspired your work?
I feel so grateful to have been raised by two Colombian parents. They’ve exposed me to so much art and dance. Dance is an element that I’ve always explored on my shoots. Also, being raised in Miami, where it’s so multicultural, made me understand how important that is to showcase that in my work.
Are there any Latinx talents to watch out for?
I am obsessed with Colombian beauty Elaine Lorelin @ Women, Puerto Rican Alexis Chaparro @ Next Models, and Mexican beauty Magdaleno @ Heroes Models.
Selected Work
Mannat & Sirat Kaur for i-D Magazine, Fall 2021
[I shot] Mannat & Sirat Kaur for my first 6-page story for i-D Magazine. Even more special the twins are from my hometown.
Andrea Ramlall for Harpers Bazaar US
Andrea Ramlall wearing one of my favorite brands, Wales Bonner.
Elaine Palacio for Vogue Mexico
[This was a] Valentino Special with Elaine Lorelin. I was super excited to work with a Colombian model.
Robby Carney & LZ Granderson for OUT Magazine
This story came out so powerful not only because of the diverse casting, but the team was so multicultural. Yashua Simmons also styled.
NONAHERE for i-D.com
[This was with a] dance group in Pape’ete, Tahiti.
