asukkar

The Art of Seeing and Preserving your Family History

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Hello!

I'm Manuela Montañez, a Colombian creative calling Brooklyn, NY home, and the founder of asukkar – a visual laboratory dedicated to observing and capturing the profound beauty of your family's story.

With a heart that understands the wonder of parenthood, the tenderness of caregiving, and the importance of our personal histories, I've built asukkar to truly see and celebrate your unique journey.

Through my lens, we'll collaborate to capture the authentic moments of your life with heartfelt detail, crafting timeless images you'll cherish forever.

Testimonials

  • "Since my daughter was only 6 months old, we have done three family sessions with Manuela, and each one has been a beautiful experience. She has a very special chemistry with my daughter; it's incredible how she manages to make her feel comfortable, laugh, play, and be herself in front of the camera. Her photos are a treasure for us, they show the beauty of the everyday with tenderness and sensitivity. Each session has captured a different stage of our family, and watching her grow through her eyes has been wonderful."

    Alicia Ferreira

  • "If you're looking for a photographer who truly connects with you and your family, look no further than Manu. Her warmth and genuine interest made the entire process feel effortless, like talking to a close friend. But the photographs... they are simply stunning. Seeing them brought tears to my eyes. Manu doesn't just take pictures; she captures the soul of your story, revealing layers of emotion and significance. Her talent is truly exceptional."

    Monica

  • We had never done a photo shoot for our family before. We’re a bit shy and were worried it wouldn’t feel natural — that we’d end up looking stiff and awkward. But the session with Manu was so calm and fun that all of us, including our little kids, felt totally at ease, just like in our everyday routine. The photos turned out beautiful — a true reflection of who we are.

    Paula Maria

  • Manuela has helped me bring several projects to life—projects centered around motherhood and my work as a doula. Working with her has always been a wonderful experience because she knows exactly how to translate my ideas and vision through the lens of her camera. I’ve truly appreciated her understanding of the complexity, sensitivity, and vulnerability that come with pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and motherhood in general, as well as her creative input, professionalism, and flexibility. She’s also been incredibly kind and patient with my little ones, who were sometimes also involved in the shoots.

    Neram Nimindé

  • Being photgraphed by Manu felt so comfortable and natural, she helped me bring out this power and beauty I felt while being pregnant with my first baby. Those photos are memories I will always cherish.

    Alejandra Hernandez