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During my long career in editorial photography, I’ve had the rare privilege of working with a wide range of magazines, each with its own voice, pace, and creative demands. Over the years, my assignments have spanned nearly every corner of the industry, from deeply immersive documentary work to tightly orchestrated portraits of top executives, Hollywood actors, and some of the most iconic musicians of our time. The diversity has been extraordinary. On any given assignment, I might find myself photographing a classical composer in a quiet concert hall, a country singer backstage before a show, or a chart-topping rap artist in a high-energy studio environment. That range is one of the reasons I’ve stayed passionate about this craft for so long.

Editorial photography, at its core, is about storytelling. Sometimes that story unfolds over weeks or months, as in long-term documentary projects. Other times, it happens in the span of a few hours during a fast-paced portrait session. I’ve worked on feature stories that stretched across multiple pages, cover stories that demanded a single unforgettable image, and photo-driven news projects where timing and instinct mattered more than anything else. I’ve also spent time shooting action sports, capturing athletes at peak performance, as well as portrait-driven sports stories that aim to reveal something deeper beneath the surface of competition.

What has always stood out to me is how each assignment, no matter how big or small, offers an opportunity to connect, with people, with places, and with moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. My work has taken me across the globe, to locations I could never have imagined visiting when I first picked up a camera. At the same time, some of the most meaningful assignments have happened close to home, proving that compelling stories exist everywhere if you’re willing to look for them.

There’s a particular kind of excitement that comes with certain phone calls. Even after years in the industry, I never lost that feeling. When the phone rang and, on the other end, was a photo editor or art director from ESPN, Men’s Journal, or Sports Illustrated, I knew something special was about to happen. Those assignments often came with high expectations, tight timelines, and the opportunity to photograph individuals who were shaping culture in real time.

One assignment that stands out in my memory is photographing Pau Gasol during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. From the outside, he was a global sports icon, a key figure in one of the most celebrated teams in basketball. But in person, he was remarkably down to earth—friendly, thoughtful, and genuinely engaged in conversation. We spoke in his native Spanish, which created an immediate sense of connection. Beyond the shoot itself, we talked about his favorite places in Spain and his experiences traveling throughout Europe. Moments like that remind me that behind every public figure is a human being with stories, interests, and a life beyond the spotlight.

There’s something uniquely powerful about working one-on-one with athletes, especially those at the height of their careers or those who have already cemented their legacy. In those moments, the camera becomes more than just a tool, it becomes a bridge between the subject’s public identity and their private self. The goal is never just to create a technically perfect image, but to capture something authentic, something that resonates beyond the page.

When a story is given significant space in a magazine, whether it’s a multi-page feature or a cover story, the scale of production increases dramatically. With larger budgets comes the ability to build a team, and those teams are essential to bringing a creative vision to life. On these shoots, I typically work with two to five photo assistants who help manage lighting, equipment, and logistics. A Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) ensures that the files are captured, backed up, and processed correctly in real time. A makeup artist and stylist help shape the visual narrative, while catering keeps everyone energized during long days on set. There may also be props, set design elements, and multiple wardrobe changes, all carefully planned in advance.

Each person on set plays a critical role. Photography at this level is never a solo effort, even though the final image may carry a single credit. The presence of a strong, collaborative team allows me to focus entirely on directing the shoot, interacting with the subject, and refining the creative details that make an image stand out. When everything comes together seamlessly, the result is something that feels effortless, even though it is anything but.

Of course, the ultimate goal is to create images that satisfy the magazine’s vision. A happy client is essential in this business. But equally important is how the subject feels about the experience. The best shoots are the ones where the subject walks away feeling seen, respected, and even inspired by the process. Creating that kind of environment requires more than technical skill, it requires empathy, communication, and the ability to put people at ease.

The setting of a shoot plays a major role in shaping its outcome. Some assignments take place in large studios, where every detail can be controlled. Others happen on location, inside sports arenas, at workplaces, or even in the subject’s own home. Deciding where to shoot is always a collaborative process involving the magazine, the subject, and the photographer. Each option comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. A studio offers precision and consistency, while a real-world location can add depth and authenticity.

Over the years, I’ve found that most athletes are surprisingly easygoing and cooperative. Despite the pressures they face in their professional lives, many approach photo shoots with a sense of openness and professionalism. They understand the importance of media and are willing to invest the time needed to get the right shot. That said, not every experience has been positive.

There have been moments that tested my patience and challenged my expectations. I remember working on a major cover story where, even before the article was published, the subject demanded that People magazine send him 300 copies. It was a surprising request, and one that spoke volumes about the complexities of ego and fame.

On another occasion, while on assignment for Sports Illustrated, a player asked me to bring him two cases of Cristal champagne. For context, a single bottle can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the vintage. It was an outrageous request, and when I relayed it to my photo editor, we couldn’t help but laugh. Moments like these are reminders that the world of celebrity can sometimes drift into the absurd.

I’ve also observed the different ways people carry their success. Some athletes arrive on set with a full entourage, agents, publicists, friends, creating an atmosphere that can feel more like a production than a photo shoot. Others show up alone, grounded and focused, ready to work. Those quieter arrivals often lead to the most genuine and memorable interactions.

Experiencing this full spectrum of personalities has been one of the most fascinating aspects of my career. Fame has a way of amplifying both the best and the worst in people, and as a photographer, you’re often given a front-row seat to that dynamic. There have been moments when things didn’t go as planned, technical issues, scheduling conflicts, or simply a lack of connection with the subject. But even those challenges have contributed to my growth, teaching me how to adapt, problem-solve, and remain creative under pressure.

All of these experiences, both the highlights and the challenges, have shaped the way I approach photography today. They’ve also inspired me to share what I’ve learned with others. After years of working with publications like ESPN, Forbes, GQ, TIME, and Sports Illustrated, I founded International Photo Workshops (IPW) as a way to give back to the photography community.

The idea behind IPW is simple: to provide hands-on, immersive learning experiences that go beyond theory. Photography is a craft that’s best learned by doing, by experimenting, and by making mistakes in real-world situations. Through these workshops, participants have the opportunity to learn practical, effective techniques for capturing compelling images, all while working in inspiring locations.

What sets these workshops apart is the emphasis on real-world experience. The lessons I share are not abstract concepts—they’re drawn directly from years of professional assignments, from the challenges I’ve faced, and from the solutions I’ve developed along the way. Whether it’s understanding how to work with natural light, directing a subject, or building a visual narrative, the goal is to equip photographers with tools they can immediately apply to their own work.

Equally important is the sense of community that develops during these workshops. Photography can often feel like a solitary pursuit, but it doesn’t have to be. Bringing together people who share a passion for visual storytelling creates an environment where ideas can be exchanged, perspectives can be broadened, and creativity can flourish.

Looking back on my career, I’m struck by how much photography has given me, not just professionally, but personally. It has allowed me to see the world through a different lens, to connect with people from all walks of life, and to be present in moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed. It has challenged me, inspired me, and continually pushed me to grow.

And while the industry continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the power of a strong image. Whether it’s a portrait, a documentary frame, or a fleeting moment captured in motion, a photograph has the ability to tell a story, evoke emotion, and create a lasting impact. That’s what drew me to photography in the first place, and it’s what continues to drive me today.

As I continue this journey, both behind the camera and through teaching, my goal remains the same, to create meaningful images and to help others discover the joy and depth of this incredible craft.

Photo and article © Manuello Paganelli