Wildlife is one of the most loved photography genres, where photographers capture one-of-a-kind images. Pepe Manzanilla is one of those people who captures unbelievable moments in wildlife.
In 2024, Pepe Manzanila received International Photographer of the Year from reFocus Awards. Pepe has captured the red-eyed tree frog taking a bath, showcasing unbelievable moments in wildlife photography captured by Pepe Manzanilla.
Pepe Manzanilla is a Costa Rica-based photographer whose passion for wildlife photography captures nature’s raw beauty. With a background in underwater exploration, and macro and fine art photography, they transform fleeting moments into powerful visual stories, evoking deep emotions and appreciation for the natural world.
Three barn owls nestle closely together inside the hollow of an old tree, offering a rare glimpse into their intimate roosting spot. Photography by Pep Manzanilla.
3. Vibrant Red-Eyed Tree Frog on a Rainforest Perch
A brilliantly colored red-eyed tree frog, its vivid orange toes gripping a cluster of leaves, peeks out with wide, curious eyes. Photography by Pep Manzanilla.
4. Sunset Flight of the Flock
A sweeping flock of birds in silhouette takes to the sky against a warm, glowing sunset, creating a breathtaking natural tapestry over the water. Photography by Pep Manzanilla.
5. Scarlet Macaw in a Dazzling Mid-Flight Display
A striking scarlet macaw, its wings fanned wide to reveal vivid red, blue, and yellow plumage, soars gracefully against a pale sky. Photography by Pep Manzanilla.
6. Woodpecker Peeking from Its Nest
A vibrant woodpecker with a red crown and barred wings emerges from a tree cavity, clutching insects in its beak. Photography by Pep Manzanilla.
7. Elusive Ocelot on the Forest Floor
A beautifully patterned ocelot moves stealthily through lush rainforest foliage, its keen senses on alert. Photography by Pep Manzanilla.
8. An Ant’s Prey: A Tiny Feast
A macro shot capturing a determined ant clinging to the edge of a leaf while clutching its freshly caught insect meal. Photography by Pep Manzanilla.
9. A Dazzling Motmot’s Mid-Air Catch
A brilliantly colored motmot, its wings fully spread, snatches a bright green leaf insect from a thin branch with pinpoint precision. Photography by Pep Manzanilla.
10. Elusive Puma in the Treetops
Hidden among the lush green foliage, a puma perches on a high tree branch, offering a rare glimpse of its arboreal agility. Photography by Pep Manzanilla.
11. A Nocturnal Tree Porcupine on the Move
Sporting distinctive yellowish quills, this tree porcupine carefully navigates a sturdy branch under the forest canopy at night. Photography by Pep Manzanilla.
12. Resplendent Quetzal Taking Flight
A brilliantly colored resplendent quetzal, with its signature emerald plumage and flowing tail feathers, extends its wings while approaching a moss-covered tree trunk. Photography by Pep Manzanilla.
13. Black Hawk in a Skilled Aerial Descent
A majestic black hawk with vivid orange talons and a banded tail hovers in mid-flight, poised to land or seize its next meal. Photography by Pep Manzanilla.
14. Pelican Feeding Frenzy Under a Blue Sky
A low-angle view of brown pelicans with their bills wide open, while seagulls circle overhead in search of scraps. Photography by Pep Manzanilla.
15. The Hunter’s Ascent: Black Bird Emerging from Water
A dark-feathered bird with vibrant yellow-orange markings bursts from the water’s surface, wings outstretched in a powerful hunting display against the blurred wetland backdrop.
16. Iridescent Jewel: Hummingbird in Mid-Flight
A hummingbird with brilliant turquoise and purple throat feathers hovers near a yellow flower, its wings a blur of motion as it prepares to feed.
17. Nectar Harvest: Hummingbird and Thistle
A small hummingbird stretches its long beak into a spiky thistle bloom, wings fanned out in perfect balance as it extracts sweet nectar from the unusual flower.
18. Emerald Gaze: Tree Frog in Hiding
A translucent tree frog with striking turquoise eyes peers out from between green leaves, its delicate body perfectly camouflaged among the foliage.
Conclusion on Pepe Manzanilla Photography
Pepe Manzanilla’s extraordinary wildlife photography captures the essence of nature in its most authentic and breathtaking moments. From the vibrant red-eyed tree frogs of Costa Rica to majestic birds of prey in mid-hunt, Manzanilla’s work demonstrates an exceptional ability to connect viewers with the natural world.
