Welcome to my Blog!

 I'm the first to admit...."I'm in love with love".  I love seeing two people happy together.  I enjoy seeing the way a couple looks into one another's eyes and seeing the spark between them...that magic.  It makes me smile. I love seeing families and friends bond. I adore children smiling and laughing...that's why I photograph people.
     These things keep me happy and motivated.  They fuel my passion to always be the best photographer I can be for myself and for my clients.  I consider all of my family, friends, peers and clients a part of "Manalo Empire".  A group of people who I keep close to my heart...
     I love what I do, and I pour myself into my work wholeheartedly. It is a part of me. How do I "define" my work?  It's hard to put me into a box.  But a few words that come to mind are romantic, fun and spontaneous.  It's a mixture of so many things. It's me....Manalo Empire.

A Few Tid-bits on Me

I'm a California girl at heart

I'm married to a wonderful man and I have 3 beautiful children

I'm a veteran of the United States Air Force

I can weld, use a lathe and mill, and shoot an M-16 (strange fact, I know) LOL!!!

I <3 coffee and boba!

I dig my boots

I love accessories (but I don't have enough)

I'm friendly and I like to have fun

I like pretty girly things

I love spending time with family and friends

I'm pretty easy-going and not too hard to please

I like the little things in life, like children's smiles, the smell after a good rain, and listening to the waves crashing on the beach

Mexican, Italian and Asian foods are my favorites!

I'm not too big on chocolate, but I LOVE Red Vines Licorice!

It's hard for me to put down my camera I love using it too much! (Just ask my kids...LOL!)