Chicano Photographer | Visual Storyteller | San Diego, CA
Manuel Ceniceros began his photographic journey over 44 years ago, working primarily throughout Southern California. He launched his career as a photojournalist, capturing hard-hitting stories and fast-paced sports for news services and magazines. His lens has witnessed profound moments in history, including the 1984 San Ysidro McDonald’s massacre and the 1985 Mexico City earthquake.
After the birth of his first child, Manuel chose a new path—shifting his focus to fashion photography. Over the next 36 years, he honed his eye for beauty, movement, and expression in the world of fashion. Following his retirement, he returned to photography as a personal passion, reconnecting with the raw, intuitive storytelling that first inspired him.
Living with neurodivergence, Manuel experiences the world through a unique lens. He finds magic in what others overlook—moments of quiet power and unexpected grace in the mundane. Working primarily in black and white, he removes the distraction of color to reveal deeper layers of meaning, inviting viewers to see the world as he does: stripped down, emotive, and profoundly human.
Why I Take Pictures
The moment I picked up a camera, it felt as natural as breathing. Photography isn’t just something I do—it’s something I have to do. I see images everywhere, and instinct guides my hand. Aside from checking exposure, I don’t think much. I feel the composition, I sense the moment, and I press the shutter.
It’s difficult to explain how I see what I see. I’m drawn to the unnoticed—the quiet scenes, the forgotten corners, the fleeting expressions that others walk past. That’s why I work in black and white: it strips away the surface, letting the essence of the subject come through with clarity and emotion.
Each photo I make is a reflection of me—my thoughts, my emotions, and my unspoken stories. When I press the shutter, I’m not just capturing an image. I’m sharing my hopes, my fears, my dreams, and a piece of my soul.
If you’re curious to learn more or simply want to talk about the beauty of this art form, I’d love to connect.
If you like my work and want to help support my photographic journey you can: