For me, this was the HARDEST part of becoming a PHOTOGRAPHER! 

I really appreciate the love guys. It isn't easy to put yourself out there and talk about those things that are sensitive to you but I just really hope it inspires others that are going through their own obstacles

I overcame my social anxiety by becoming a landscape photographer LOL

I can relate so much! I have anxiety and also english is not my first language. When i get nervous i slur words, talk really fast and it just gets awkward haha. But once you overcome your fears, you become stronger than ever and anything seems possible :)

That's amazing! I love when people are real. This is one of the reasons I admire your work!

same for me, when i started photography it help me step out of my comfort zone. i started to made new friends, meeting models and travels. couple years ago, i just hide inside my room and play video games. thanks photography. and thanks for making this videos.

Old enough to be your dad (maybe your grandpa), but I am learning so much from you. Thanks for being genuine.

Thank you, Manny, for this video. I turn 32 this year, and I have only just recently realized that my social issues are very valid and have a name. It was seriously just today that I came across the term social anxiety, I have been working on my photography for a while now, and my social anxiety is stopping my progress in it's tracks. The fact that you just uploaded this video on September 1st is amazing. It's just what I needed. And I am sure that so many others needed it, too. Thanks again.

Social anxiety was instilled in me via my parents and their local societies. I was expected to be perfect all the times and I could never be. Over my first eighteen years I got conditioned sort of well. But then I left home and others just saw me as gregarious and confident... not so afraid to be outside the boxes of the many societies. So, even though I was taught to have social anxiety, I came to understand that the conditioning did not take to me so well. In that way I have been lucky in that I really do not, for my upbringing, value the opinions of most people about who and what I am. However, the pain of those first eighteen years, which formed the me that I was post-eighteen and have become, I would not wish on anyone. I used the tools that I had, for coming to know the tools that I had, and used them in a way positive for me... which came to be positive for others also. I can only imagine what makes those I encounter be the way that they are. +Manny Ortiz I would not have immediately guessed that the you are today on RU-vid is not what you saw yourself to be many whiles ago. Happy many others and I are that you allowed yourself to not stay whatever you were for whatever reasons you had to be that way during those times. Now, let me bring my daughter into this comment. What I learned from my raising of her to adulthood is that she had her own path. But, by allowing her to be her own way while I was my own way, she got to see at least one (healthy?) alternative to how she was. Today she is nowhere close to where she was prepubescent. I would have never guessed it. The chose was her's alone. My guess is that your wife saw you for who you could be as much as for you were at the time. As I learned about me from others, betcha you learned some to a lot about yourself from her willingness to share with you as she had and is. A photography and RU-vid profession for you may be more to her belief in you than anything about you stepping off cliffs. Just saying.

This is so relatable to me! Being a musician and an avid photographer, I'm expected to be sociable and required to attend events and speak to tons of people. But I easily get socially awkward and most of the time it gets exhausting. Confidence and just putting ourselves out there, like you mentioned, is a good way to be better. Thank you Manny and Diana!

another great husband and wife team : )

Outstanding to see a husband and wife team put it out there for the world to see. So good to hear others that went through some of the same road blocks, worries, fears and how photography made them blossom. I have found so much truth in the saying "Behind every successful man is a successful woman". Keep on keeping on!! Love watching your reviews and look forward to more inspiring stuff like this video where you constantly place yourself out of your comfort zone and eventually you're comfortable being out of your comfort zone. That first step can be a doozie, it's good to see others do it and thrive. Kudos to both of you!

Just discovered your channel today! This video could not be more timely for me. I live with anxiety, depression and PTSD, and my photography keeps me going. Thanks and keep up the inspiring work!

You're a god-send! 🙏 I've started watching your videos and all those jitters, comparing yourself to other/more experienced photographers, the internal frustration of being an introvert and wanting to come across as smooth and confident...I've been reeling from all the same feelings. Your videos and experiences are truly helpful! Thank you so much

as they say behind every great man there is a great woman

Stuff like this is the reason I love youtube. I'm getting to the point now that I'm not watching tv anymore because RU-vid has taken over. You'd never see something like this on tv. Well done I love it. Made me feel loads better!

Awesome video. Never seen a video done like this that addressed the social anxiety I've personally gone through and still somehow shows up in the middle of a portrait session. Thanks for your honesty Manny. Beautiful wife by the way.

I would have never thought that you dealt with social anxiety. The way you described how it made you feel hit home in a very personal way. It is hard to make someone who has never dealt with social anxiety understand what we go through. My immediate family were the hardest ones to convince I had this problem. So many times I'm out shooting and I want to approach someone to ask if I can take their pictures and I end up walking away with butterflies in my stomach. I thank you both from the bottom of my heart for speaking publicly about this issue. Thank you.

Keep pushin' Manny! I know how difficult it is to be afflicted with anxiety. My wife has suffered for years, to the point of being severely over-medicated by physicians which caused her to develop two additional personalities that would present themselves during her anxiety attacks so she could basically mentally shut-down & regroup. The drugs are gone, the two personalities are gone, & I have my wife back! That beautiful woman next to you is your rock. Stay anchored to her. You two just work - effortlessly. Something that is difficult to find in young relationships in today's world. Thank you for sharing your insights, lessons, & yourself with us. I stumbled on to your videos last week, & I am blown away at the quality of the content, the subject matter, & your obvious desire to help us succeed in the world of photography. Thanks again, & please keep doing what you're doing. So many of us are thankful that you do!

Great video! I suffer from social anxiety and watching and hearing you admit it in this video is helping me move forward with my love of photography and film. You show that support can come from anywhere, even complete strangers. Thank you. both of you are great!

I have to say that the fear of not doing a good enough job plus social anxiety is still keeping me at bay and away from what is most important to me in life and the only thing that makes me get out of bed every morning. Plus, given how long I've been in this situation without a single idea of how to change it, I feel a deep sense of shame for the person that I am. I feel like time is running out... and that is undoubtedly the worse feeling I have ever experienced - no breakup or death has ever left me feeling like I feel at the moment. Thank you for sharing this Manny.

Dam bro... This sounds like ur describing my life...mine is so bad I saw u at sammys camera in L.A and chose not to ask or approach u i missed out bcuz I like and have learned from ur work I don't shoot Sony but I do enjoy ur content and This was an awesome video... 4 a moment I zoned out and felt we were having a homie conversation... I'm tripping out lol... Yo thanks for this bro ✊ 🙏

Manny and Dianna, WOW, you hit it out the park. I’m a PhD level psychologist and intermediate amateur photographer. Both are my passion so watching your love connection for each other and supportiveness of each other are valued tremendously. In our professional, personal and social settings, we sometimes don’t fully appreciate how our words and actions touch lives. Blessings to both of you. Bob (in Atlanta)

I get anxiety just like this. I am glad you were able to overcome it and your wife is supportive. My wife is the same way always encouraging me. Just feels like the entire room is staring at you. I have to learn to overcome this obstacle, Photography has helped push me out the door as a landscape photographer, but since I really want to get in to portraits I had to learn to beat that fear. Thanks Manny.

Thank you for sharing. Your chemistry is infectious! While I don't share the social struggles of shooting, I love your uncanny ability to put yours out there. Love your work, and the dynamic between you and your wife! Keep up the good work, my man!

Thank you for your hard work and always being real. Your are one of the few photographers that actually takes the time out to interact with your fans. Keep it up! I overcame most of my fear by throwing myself under the bus when it comes to socializing with people. So far, I haven't regretted it. If it was easy, everyone would be a great photographer like Manny. Create your own style.

I appreciate your honesty. This story resonates with me because I was the same exact way. I, too, started with the technical aspect of it as well because of my anxiety. I have become much much better with that, and my skills have gotten better as a result. Thank you for posting this video, as it hit really close to home for me. I'm sure this will help a lot of other people going through the same thing.

Thanks, Manny. This is the reason I do street portraits of strangers - to confront the fear and improve my people skills. A cold approach with only one chance to nail the image is a worst-case scenario. It forces me to 'get it right' quickly, and there's no consequences if I fail at taking a free street shot. Those learning experiences build skills and confidence that follow me into the pre-planned shoots.

This is so inspiring! As a 17 year old photographer it’s so awkward to take pictures of people engaged, or even seniors! And to add to that, I’m not the best with small talk and striking a conversation! I have noticed that I have gotten better, but it’s hard work!

This is why I connect with you so well Manny. I am also an introvert, and at the beginning of my photography journey I was having difficulty communicating with models and clients. I called it point and click back then. For the past two years I have made it a goal to communicate more with people I'm shooting with and I have found this to be a great way to work on opening up with people in general. I don't know about you, but it is a total endorphin high when I'm communicating and connecting with the models I work with because I'm forcing myself to get out of my shell. And when the pictures come through the way the model/client and I had envisioned, that endorphin high continues on through to the next shoot. I have also found that I've made many more friends in the field because of this decision. If I had more time, I'd love to try what you are doing and start something on RU-vid. Talk about taking that introverted-ness to the next level even more. Keep the good content coming my man. I really love seeing how you've grown and it is exciting to see all of these influencers talking about how great your content is. You totally deserve it. I hope to meet and shoot with you one day.

i was the same way except i didnt have anxiety, i simply didnt have any desire to deal with people, at all, i was a true introvert. But after being pressured to shoot an old friends daughters senior images, something happened, and now i love meeting new people & working with them. Photography has made me a better person for real. You two are awesome, keep up the great work.

Well Manny, I’m a retired Soldier. After 22 years, I found out that now I can’t be around or in large groups of folks. I’m working on it, and it’s hard. But I love photography and its helping me get back out there and around folks. But when it comes to finding clients, it isn’t easy for me. But I have no plans to give up on photography. I’m at peace when I’m behind a camera for some reason. I enjoy helping folks feel good about themselves. Thanks for the information in this video.

4 years late but this is what I needed to hear right now as an introvert starting my business this year! Your a major inspiration manny! Keep it up

It's creepy how relatable this is lol. I feel like a pro when it comes to the technical side but when it comes to communicating and posing I crumble. Thanks for the advice!!!

Thanks Manny for this inspirational video. Believe me, you are not alone feeling awkward in social settings. I am the same way and continue to push myself to become more at ease in groups of people. I hope you continue on with your journey! Keep shooting pictures...

hello Manny & Diana! such a amazing and inspirational content! I've started to watch you guys from a video "crop sensors vs full frame sensors" and i really love it, and from then i watched all your videos. Appreciate this way to speak honestly like best friends do... Love the background music of your videos too! Great great job!

I feel you, Bruh...... Its can be touch engaging with strangers alot of times. Keep the vids coming. Just be yourself and folks will migrate to you. Most are in thhe same situation as you.

This is so relevant 3 years later. I’m a brand new photographer based out in SoCal and just finished my 4th photoshoot and I’m just as socially awkward. I’m glad to know that this isn’t just me haha. Thank you so much for this

Ditto. It's great to have a supportive spouse!! My husband is so supportive and goes with me on many many sessions. Great advice! Especially thinking about the client being just as nervous!

Respect for talking about this subject. First time I have seen a photographer be true to the bone about this.

Man, you just gained even more respect from me. Thats actually suprising, you don't seem like you suffer from social anxiety. I'm just struggling with that right now in manny areas of my life, its motivating to see that you've been through the same process and had sucess overcoming it. Thanks for sharing and keeping it real. Good content again ! 👍

wow buddy, this really helped me, i was trying to find the reason why is hard for me to go out and shoot, i avoid meetings and parties too, my goal is to be more confident and socialize more, and photography will help me to achieve that, thank you so much Manny

Def. one of my biggest problems is meeting and shooting new clients, but like u said, shooting coworkers and family before the meeting helps with not just the technical part of it, but with my confidence. I'm only shooting about two years, but great video as always Manny and Diana.

Takes a real man to get on social media and confess his past fears. Great video, real, authentic, and another reason why I follow you.

Social anxiety is currently a major problem for me but I am working on it. I just completed my first major shoot (with 11 models) in Cincinnati. The joy of overcoming is wonderful. Thanks for the video!!

Photography also helped me get out of a pretty big social Anxiety. I was the same way you were and now I'm outspoken, social and have fun meeting new people

Man thank you again for posting this! Years ago I got a point and shoot and I was getting great photos with it and I did some graduation photos for my sister in law and they turned out great. Well some people saw them that I didn’t know and asked her how much I charge. Well to make a long story short I was so full of anxiety to work with a stranger that I never gave them an answer and lost that business opportunity. That would have been my first payed session and start of my business. This video was so encouraging. If I’m scared I’ll just have to do it scared!

I must say that i am a huge fan of your work and watching this video really inspires me as a new photographer suffering from the same anxiety issues to push through and become a good photographer for me the hardest part of the job is directing clients it is nerve recking

Awesome video Manny. Lots of people feel the same way and you just gave them the strength to push through that fear and anxiety. I don't have an issue meeting new people but getting in front of a crowd kills me. By the way, the chemistry you two have is priceless. My wife is named Diana and she doesn't pull any punches either, lol

Thank you for this. I'm a reality tv camera man and a photography enthusiasts but my slight social anxiety keeps me from doing more portrait people photos and even my desire to make RU-vid videos hearing your story is a good story to hear so I can do more.

Good video brother , I have the same problem and I was scared to pursue my dream because of that . Your videos have inspired me more than you know . Now im out there pursuing my dreams thanks to you and your wife.....im forever grateful...Thank You

I can totally relate, but it somehow works in reverse for my situation. I am a combat Veteran, was in the Army Infantry and deployed to Iraq from 2003-2004 (during the invasion). After getting out and living life for a few years I noticed my public anxiety getting worse and worse, I found myself always watching everyone and paying attention to every vehicle on the highway whether I was driving or not. Yup, this past year I was diagnosed with PTSD and about the same time, I had made my way back into photography, and bought a Black Friday deal on Nikon D3400. It was instant, when I am behind the camera, all anxiety goes away and artistic creation fills any voids. I notice that I am completely taken over by making sure that what/who I am photographing is the key focus and making sure angles are correct and lighting is good. I am now getting saved up to move to the Sony a7R II and the Sony line of lenses, looking forward to making the jump over to mirrorless. I wanted to drop a comment and say thank you for keeping this channel going, it’s truly educational for us who are getting started thru more advanced photographers. I can appreciate your ability to be in front of camera and talk about your anxieties, it isn’t easy, I wish y’all the best and if you’re ever in Central Florida, let’s go shooting! 📸 www.jeffjenkinsphotography.com

Great video Manny & Diana!! Thanks for sharing! I'm continually inspired by your videos and watching you both grow. I'm getting close to making the jump to full time and you're helping me find the courage to make the leap! Hope to see you again one of these days.

Really great of you to share your experience! You are SO not alone with that problem! Every successful case (like yours) really motivates those that share the same issues, and you are doing a great job over here, being open and honest! It's awesome that you enhance your channel with these videos. Thanks

Great video! I love doing portrait photography and it is a challenge being a deaf photographer. I sometimes have social anxiety, I don’t even hang out with my friends as much as I like to. Since becoming a photographer, I’m still learning how to communicate with the models using gestures or write on paper. I enjoy watching your videos learning how to take better portraits and also using different types of light like natural light, studio lights and on location strobe lights. I like that you use Sony cameras they are fantastic! I use a Sony camera, I love using 24-70mm, 70-200mm and 85mm for portraits. Couple years ago, I started doing RU-vid videos in Australian sign language, it was kind of nice to get out of my comfort zone and keep on trying my best to be a better photographer.

Awh man. It's funny cause you honestly seem so cool - I can't imagine you having social anxiety. Glad you got over it and can be open about it all

Man, I love you guys. You just keep things real and your tips are on point. I can feel the passion and the LOVE!! Keep up the good work!! 😃

Thank you I suffer with social anxiety and really struggle but it’s great to see that I can overcome it and do something I love

I can't relate to this enough. I struggle all the time especially when I've tried shooting events. I'll look forward working on it with your advice. Also you guys are great, you nail the personality, the content and your shots are really damn good. So thank you Manny/Diana.

100% me. I have a film & photography degree and I can't even get out there to shoot. I really like your channel. This is the 5th video I've watched but I promise that I watch every single one of them and leave a like.

Great video Manny. I know exactly how you feel. It can apply not only to Photography but many other professions and can really hold you back from your goals. Confidence helps and that comes from practice.

Bro I know what your talking about. But me as a Dj and photographer my 35+ years of djing helped me out in so many ways as a photographer. It was an easy transition for me when I interact with people that i know and dont know. Most of my public relations skills were done when I started out as a dj. And those skills spilled over into my photography business. Nice video yall had me cracking up at the end.

This is pretty awesome brother. As knowing a friend that has the same type of social anxiety, I see points that you mentioned that I will definitely tell him about. I definitely understand the situation you are going through and see the same in my friend and I always like to help him get through those times, so this definitely helps. Good stuff Manny and you are doing an amazing job brother! Keep up the great work! And Diana is hilarious! lol

Many and Diana, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts regarding Many's social anxiety. It was extremely enlightening and helpful. I too, by nature, am very much an introvert. Its not that I don't like interacting with people. I am very confident in small circles of people that I know, but when it comes to strangers that's a whole different animal (monster). Your advice on shooting acquaintances or relatives is excellent advice. Thanks again, loving the videos, inspired by your work. Diana is an amazing model, great teamwork guys.........

thanks for sharing this. this effects more people than people actually talk about. so seeing you work on it and move forward in your career is amazing. kudos to you my friend

Manny, you've come a long way I see! I started following your channel after seeing you on the toy camera challenge with Jessica Kobeissi. I got my 5yo daughter that camera, and she loves it. We even went on a group photo walk together, and she shot a better photo with that thing than I did with my Nikon D90. Anyway, I don't normally comment on videos, but I felt compelled to tell you I love this video. Your wife is absolutely beautiful! And your passion and dedication show through in this and all your videos. I also am starting out with the business side of things and have some social anxiety. Thank you for sharing your story.

Totally understand that. I have a social media following that is mostly photographers. I have mentored very outgoing guys and they are very successful. But instead of work on my social anxiety I just put myself into the "day job." Done with that excuse, really putting myself out there.

Tremendo! The social side doesn't bother me. I am just becoming a binge learner in photography. I want to know know all aspects and build by style. My wife is what you are Manny. An introvert. She has learned to gain that confidence by following my lead. Her trusting me that I would never put her in a situation that would take her into that state of shutdown. Follow your wife. We extroverts are like magnets on a fridge. Your courage today is because of trust in you and your growth.Props hermanito!

Awesome advice, and very timely as I photographed for the first time someone I've never met - and her family - today. Love your videos...always inspiring.

I never would have thought! You have a youtube channel now, so you have definitely come a long way. It's great that you shared this!

I thought I was the only one. This is really inspiring as someone who is only just starting to start photography and has always wanted to do portraits but shied away due to social anxiety.

Thanks for this talk, Manny. I am very much an introvert and I have focused on Street Photography because of it. I rarely have to actually talk to the people I photograph. I am thinking now that I need to change my genre and do like you did and use photography to force myself to interact until I can do it without feeling anxious.

Really great video. I am trying to establish myself as a photographer and hearing stories like this really help me to realize that it won't always be a smooth path but worth it to keep pushing. Thanks!

The two of you are just precious. Many she is one of your best assets and I'm sure you know that. Thanks for sharing.

Awesome Manny! I can relate to you. I started photography about 5 years ago. I started only with shooting landscapes and now I photograph people. I had social anxiety as well. I still struggle from it, but photography has helped me. The people I photograph give me great compliments and they are genuine about it. This gives me confidence to continue becoming social. Thanks.

In my day job I help people over come various barriers in life to find employment, & social anxiety is high on the list .. it's a lot about confidence & if you your can find confidence in your creativity & your own abilities that will be a huge lift ... we all suffer anxiety & its good too reconize youre not alone ... thanks for sharing this , I hope it gives others some strength..

way to go man! we are proud of you as well! thanks for opening up! you both rock!

I also at the same stage, I am struggling with the color for now. But dude, just keep your love for photography, you will overcome this.

Thanks for sharing buddy and I know it wasn't easy but it will inspire so many people! 60,000 subscribers more like 120,000 subscribers stay tuned Manny Ortiz is coming to a town near you!

Yeah thanks for the advice man! I appreciate you talking about this! I have done this to overcome my shyness but I've gotten a lot better in the 6months that I have been doing this.

Awesome video Manny. Id like to think of myself too as an introvert, but ive learnt to overcome shyness through simple small talk with strangers. Like yourself its taken me years to overcome the social issue. Keep the great content coming. I enjoy learning what ever i can from you videos 👍😁

You’re the man. You guys are great together. I appreciate all your work brotha. Keep it up!

Thank you for your incredible honesty:) it's so rare and refreshing. I can totally relate to it. Please keep up the good work! Awesome

I know how you feel Manny. Photography has helped me out in many ways, communication with my clients. Keep up the good work. 👍

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing. I shot street for years. People liked it and said shoot me. I was like no [ooo. Then I joined a photography meetup group. I found that many people felt like that. In a group setting we would shoot portrait for kids that could not afford Sr pictures. They we so appreciative and happy it broke me of my fears. Now I shoot models in NYC, Detroit ect...it can be overwhelming. But, it can be overcome.

Well done! I'm trying to get into 'shooting people' and I can definitely relate to the anxiety that you describe. I'm and landscape and nature photog, so shooting portraits is really out of my box. I'll keep at it though. Thanks for sharing Manny and Diana!

Thank you very much for sharing your experience and thoughts Manny. I love your work! I suffer from the same thing, so this video was indeed, very helpful.

Im a photographer/ videographer based in Curacao, and om going to the Same obstacles, not only in my photography but in life also, i am an introvert also, so you know exactly what i mean, i am trying hard also to overcome it, great video ! 1. great to know that im not alone, 2. great to know that there are people who does care for us, although we are super difficult persons (we know) hehe !.. And brother you hit the jackpot !! (finding someone you is extremely in love with you, and understands you ) Bless !! i will try to find you on IG..

i will remember this video when i finally work up the confidence to do my first shoot with someone I don't know! love all this!

Thank you for this as I go through your videos i find more and more that hit me right where I'm struggling. Your work is amazing and the videos are spot on. Oh and you two are one of the cutest couples ever.

I’m so glad I found this video. I’m so socially awkward and act like a totally different person with strangers but as I move forward with photography it’s certainly improving. Thanks for sharing!

This is awesome. It helps with photography and in life. So many people deal with this and it doesn't really get much attention.

Feels like this is my story, just starting to get over my anxiety and its exciting. great video, thanks for the motivation!

hey man this was dope to hear, as a fellow introvert this is something that I struggle with sometimes even though I would consider myself a active introvert, thanks for being honest man, subbed to the new channel keep up the content. Keep shootin!

Thanks for sharing this with us Diana and Manny, I really love what you do. Must be exciting to quit your job and becoming a working photographer ! WOW

I’m with you Manny, though you seem to have made wonderful progress. I struggle getting past the lump-in-the-throat. Even now...

this probably took a lot to make, i fuck with this. appreciate you coming out to your fans; and we're all glad you beat your biggest enemy -- yourself.

I can relate to this. Way to very well. When it comes to interacting with new people. It's just really hard for me. I had my first photoshoot of my co-worker and her family. And I would try to be engaging. But I just felt so uncomfortable. Definitely something I'm wanting to work on. Overall your tips are amazing. Definitely plan on taking a lot of it into helping me become better. BTW. You two. Are couple goals for sure.

A feel this! But yeah, jump in feet first, and make it about them. Communication is absolute key!

Ten seconds in and big thumbs up, im dealing with putting myself out there now , but i understand that only I can tell people who i am

Thanks for sharing Manny. This is my biggest issue too. I appreciate your advice.