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PHOTOGRAPHER | Joséphine N. Manet

  • 15 hours ago
  • 3 min read


Based in Washington, D.C Joséphine N. Manet’s photography captures the unfiltered beauty of life, finding sacredness in movement, emotion, and the often overlooked. With intuition honed from years of experience, she trusts her instincts, enabling her to capture moments that feel genuine and deeply personal while allowing scenes to unfold naturally. Her film and digital images exude a softness and nostalgia, evoking warmth and a sense of home. More than just photographs, Joséphine N. Manet's work preserves the fleeting beauty of life.


Where are you based?


Washington DC.


Do you travel for weddings?


Yes, anywhere!


How would you describe your style?


My style of photography is pretty hands-on, but laid-back. My goal is for my clients to feel seen and cherished, and for my photographs to tell a bigger story overall. It’s a mix of documentary, editorial, a little bit of “I am going to get real close to you with my camera for a second!”, badly dancing along on the dancefloor, and feeling lots of feelings with you.


My unofficial motto is "sincerity is the secret, perfection is irrelevant” which encompasses my attitude about over-produced, overly-posed, and overly-perfect events and photos. There’s something so sexy about photographs that feel a little bit undone, a little bit weird, but full of life!


What is your most memorable career moment?


I have so many favorites. Two that come to mind are:

1) getting to drive a bride up a very steep hill in my little car for her first look, fearing we will not make it up there, laughing hysterically, and then snapping a picture of her in the passenger seat

; or 2) shooting a wedding at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

Two slightly different moments, both very memorable.


What inspires you?


So many things! I have always been really inspired by fashion and portraiture. I used to rip out spreads in Vogue and stick them on my wall as a child because I was obsessed with the artistry in the photographs. I also just love people– people’s expressions, emotions, gestures– everything! For a long time, I wanted to be a makeup artist because I wanted to make people feel beautiful and just stare into their faces (ha!). It was only later that I realized that it was my love for photography that combined all of those factors– the artistry, the design, and the storytelling.


As far as inspiration goes nowadays, it is constantly evolving. I love old movies and TV shows. I have been rewatching ‘Bewitched’ and am so inspired by the 60s colors and the grooviness of it all. I also love old family photos. I have a collection of vintage wedding photographs I often look at before weddings. I love that no matter how much time passes, some things are fundamentally timeless– even if shoulder pads and big flower crowns feel a little bit passé (for now). Last year, I got the photobook ‘Kate’ about Kate Bush and have been so inspired by the colors, the drama, and the weirdness (in the best way). 


Other than that… probably music. A good playlist really sets the tone for me!


Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?


Both! I always say it’s “the best of both worlds”: Digital is high-performing and reliable, while film is nostalgic, dreamy, and tactile. The fact that we get to physically make an image by exposing little crystals on a piece of plastic is magical and feels so symbolic for a wedding day!


I also print a lot of my film photos in a darkroom so that I can give my clients an heirloom keepsake.


Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?


Absolutely. No couple is the same, so everything can be customized entirely to your vision, dreams, and whims!


What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?


All of my services offer analog photography, but I love shooting a wedding entirely on film or capturing moments on Super 8 video.


Where would you love to travel to for work?


My mother is French so I feel very drawn to France. It would be a dream to get to spend more time there, connect with my roots, and take lots of gorgeous photographs! Otherwise, the California coast, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, the UK, Croatia, South Africa, Italy, and anywhere in Mexico.


Who is your dream client?


Cool people who love both the precious and the silly moments, trust the process and the people around them, and allow themselves to be in the present moment.





Joséphine N. Manet


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