Meet Jonny Monasterio of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonny Monasterio.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a young American-Bolivian man, and my story is as much about exploring the world as it is about discovering myself. Born in Philadelphia but raised between the U.S. and Bolivia, I grew up with one foot in two very different worlds. That mix of cultures has shaped how I see and tell stories—always with an eye for the unique and the authentic.

Eventually, my creative journey brought me to California, where I felt the call to dive deeper into my craft. After studying at various colleges, I graduated from CSUN, a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter. Living and working here among other creatives is like fuel for my soul. There’s nothing quite like the energy of a community that shares your passion—it’s inspiring, grounding, and reminds me that we’re all figuring it out together.

From the moment I could hold a camera, I’ve been drawn to the arts. What started as a passion has become a career that lets me connect with people and ideas in ways I never imagined. As a filmmaker, I’ve directed projects that bring diverse narratives to life—stories that matter and resonate. As a photographer, I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing brands and agencies, crafting high-quality content for models’ portfolios and campaigns. Seeing my work featured in publications and celebrated in different spaces has been both humbling and exhilarating.

At the heart of it all, what drives me is a love for storytelling and connection. Creativity, for me, is a way to build bridges between people, to share experiences, and to make sense of the world. It’s a journey I’m grateful to be on, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road—it rarely is when you’re chasing a creative dream. Balancing dual cultures was one of my earliest challenges. Growing up between the U.S. and Bolivia, I often felt like I didn’t fully belong to either place. But over time, I realized that this duality wasn’t a limitation—it was a strength. It gave me a unique perspective and the ability to adapt to different environments, which has been invaluable in my work as a storyteller.

Pursuing a career in film and photography has come with its own set of struggles. Breaking into these industries meant countless hours of practice, networking, and putting myself out there. Rejection was a frequent companion, and self-doubt often crept in. Financial hurdles also played a role—I had to get creative with resources and make the most of what I had while working toward my goals.

Moving to California was a big leap. While it was exciting, it also meant starting over in many ways—building connections, finding opportunities, and carving out a place for myself in a competitive creative landscape. But each of these struggles shaped me, teaching me resilience, patience, and the value of persistence.

Looking back, I wouldn’t trade the challenges for anything. They’ve made the victories sweeter and deepened my appreciation for the journey. I’ve learned that creativity isn’t just about the end product; it’s about the process, the growth, and the connections you make along the way. Those lessons continue to guide me as I navigate this unpredictable yet rewarding path.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work revolves around storytelling, whether through film, photography, or creative production. As a filmmaker, I specialize in directing projects that bring diverse and meaningful narratives to life—stories that resonate on a human level and connect people across boundaries. My photography focuses on creating high-quality, impactful visuals, particularly for brands and agencies, and elevating models’ portfolios with creative direction and attention to detail. My work has been featured in numerous publications, which is always humbling and a testament to the effort and passion I pour into each project.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to connect with people and bring out the best in their stories or visions. Whether it’s a film, a campaign, or a portrait session, I strive to create work that feels authentic and evokes emotion. Seeing a client’s or collaborator’s excitement when they see the final product is incredibly rewarding.

What sets me apart is the unique perspective I bring to my work. Growing up between two cultures and living across different parts of the world has given me a broad lens to view and interpret stories. I see the beauty in differences and the universality of human experiences, and I try to capture that in my art. Additionally, my hands-on approach and versatility—being able to direct, produce, and shoot—allow me to shape projects holistically, ensuring a seamless and cohesive vision from start to finish.

At the core of everything I do is a genuine love for creativity and collaboration. I thrive on working with others who share that spark, and I’m always excited to take on new challenges that push me to grow and expand my craft.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
A surprising detail that most people might not know about me is that I have a deep love for animation, which was a major inspiration for pushing me into the visual arts. Growing up, I was captivated by shows on Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and anime like Dragon Ball Z and Cowboy Bebop. The way these shows brought stories to life with such dynamic visuals and engaging writing truly left an impression on me. Whether it was the action-packed scenes in Dragon Ball Z or the complex, emotional storytelling of Cowboy Bebop, they showed me the power of combining visual artistry with deep narrative. Even though my work now focuses on film and photography, the influence of those incredible shows still runs through my creative approach today. They taught me that animation isn’t just about fun visuals—it’s about evoking real emotions and telling stories in ways that stick with people04

Contact Info:

• Website: jonnymonasterio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmphoto.raw/

Image Credits
Photo Subjects: Elysa Baino Michael Monasterio Marella Hajjar Aidyl Horsman