Meet Manuel Hernandez | I’m Manuel Hernández, a photographer and creator of transformative experiences. Through my philosophy Desconocidos

We had the good fortune of connecting with Manuel Hernandez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manuel, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
The most important lesson my career has taught me is the power of connection. Whether it’s through a photograph, a story, or an experience, I’ve learned that what truly resonates is the ability to see and honor the humanity in others. This belief is the foundation of my philosophy, Desconocidos, where every project becomes an opportunity to discover ourselves and others on a deeper level.

My journey has shown me that success isn’t just about technical skills or artistic talent—it’s about vulnerability, empathy, and the courage to embrace the unknown. When we connect authentically, we not only create impactful work but also transform lives, including our own.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The biggest challenge in my career has been sustaining this practice as both a lifestyle and a business every single day. To address this, I developed a content production house and built a team rooted in a philosophy of hospitality. For me, hospitality means ‘loving the unknown.’

Even on days when you don’t feel like doing it, the real challenge lies in pushing past that resistance and transforming it into a business opportunity aligned with a vision that evolves daily. This balance between staying true to my philosophy and running a sustainable business is what drives me to create meaningful work while continuously growing as a person and professional

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d take them to my favorite beach in Key Biscayne. We’d set up a hammock, have meaningful conversations, share a lot of hugs, and wait to watch the sunset together—it’s truly one of the most magical experiences in Miami.

Afterward, we’d go to a place that serves great grilled meat, something simple yet delicious. I’m not a fan of alcohol or the typical nightlife scene, but I’d find an alternative plan to show them Miami from my perspective—a calmer, more personal way of experiencing this vibrant city. It would be about sharing the way I’ve found to live here, embracing the beauty and peace that can be found away from the chaos.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible journey I’ve walked to heal myself and become what I call a ‘wounded healer’—someone who, through their own humanity, recognizes the pain of others and embraces them with empathy. This transformation was only possible thanks to the therapists I’ve worked with, the workshops I attended, and every mentor who, even without being connected to photography, helped me become a better human being. In the end, it’s that humanity that holds the camera in my hands and allows me to connect deeply with others.

Website: https://manuelhphoto.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manuelhphoto/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuel-hernandez-00b591188?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manuel.hernandez.771

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ManuelHernandezPhotography

Image Credits
Manuel hernandez