AJ Dybantsa for Sports Illustrated: Capturing the Future of the Game

One morning, a text popped up on my phone from someone claiming to be a photo editor at Sports Illustrated. In an era of endless digital noise, I casually deleted it, assuming it was spam. Then came the voicemail. Then the follow-up email.

It wasn't spam. It was Sports Illustrated reaching out from NYC with a specific vision: they needed me to photograph the young BYU Basketball phenom, AJ Dybantsa, for a special feature.

As a lifelong basketball fan (a passion that started the moment I moved to the U.S. back in '92), this was more than just a commission; it was a full-circle moment. AJ is a generational talent, widely projected as a top-3—if not the #1—pick in the upcoming NBA draft. To have the opportunity to document his journey at this pivotal chapter was an immediate "yes."

I’d be lying if I said there weren’t a few nerves, but I've learned that a photographer’s most important job is to lead. Even in high-pressure moments, I make it a priority to provide the direction and confidence my subjects need to feel they are in capable hands.

Every high-stakes shoot brings its own set of variables, and this one was no different. My goal in these sessions is always the same: to move past the surface and capture a subject's true essence through a unique, intentional lens. We pivoted where we needed to and adapted to the energy of the day, ensuring the final images were truly magazine-worthy.

The result is a series of frames that capture the genuine personality and upside of a future NBA star.

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And a few BTS:

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A look behind the lens during our Sports Illustrated cover shoot with AJ Dybantsa. This video captures the movement and atmosphere of the session—from lighting setups and technical adjustments to AJ’s natural charisma in front of the camera. It’s a glimpse into the collaborative process of documenting one of basketball's most exciting future stars

MODERN MARVEL: A Study in Light and Luxury with Vanessa Di Palma Wright

Go inside one of Park City’s most striking contemporary estates, where high fashion meets architectural precision.

The Architectural Soul
This project began as a pure creative pursuit—an editorial shoot with the hope of finding the right home for such a unique space. We were thrilled when Park City Magazine recognized the vision and chose to feature this "Modern Marvel" in The Luxe List Winter issue. Walking through the residence of Vanessa Di Palma Wright and Jeff Wright, you are immediately struck by the level of taste and sophistication. Not to mention the incredible art on display throughout the home.

The Power of Leading Lines
One of the most technically rewarding aspects of the shoot was balancing real, ambient light with the occasional use of a strobe. Capturing the interaction between integrated LED lighting and sharp geometric lines is a surgical process. The goal was to let the architecture speak for itself, balancing the ambient mountain glow with the home's internal luminosity to highlight its modern elegance. I prioritize visual honesty, capturing the organic atmosphere of a room rather than chasing an over-perfected, artificial ideal often seen in architectural photography.

Artistry in Residence
Vanessa Di Palma Wright, Founder of Farasha, brings a level of curation to her home that extends far beyond her incredible personal wardrobe. For Vanessa, high-fashion isn’t just something you wear—it’s an artistic expression that flows into the very design of the home. Whether it’s the high-end, bespoke sanctuary of her personal closet or the "jewel box" energy of the powder room—styled with Gucci accents and rich textures—every corner feels like a curated gallery. While the study remains a dedicated, quiet retreat for Jeff Wright, the rest of the estate serves as a vibrant canvas for their shared life. Documenting Jeff and Vanessa in these personal spaces allowed me to photograph the true lifestyle of a Park City power couple where every detail is a masterpiece of personal style.

Salt Lake City Interior Photography: "Small Space, BIG Personality."

For Utah Style & Design.

I am incredibly honored to be featured in the Winter edition of Utah Style & Design. This project holds a special place for me as it marks my first collaboration with Tally Stevens and Rustin Owens of Curios Homess. Seeing our work together picked up by such a prestigious publication makes the experience even more rewarding.

The space itself was a dream to photograph—full of character and unique details. A huge thank you to the owner, Taylor Lamont, who was the perfect host and made the entire shoot a breeze.

A small excerpt from the article:

To bring the luxury condo to life, Lamont called in designers Tally Stevens and Rustin Owens, principals of Curios Homes, giving them full creative freedom to turn the characterless box into something that reflects his outgoing personality, love of art and the new chapter ahead.

Working closely with Lamont, Stevens and Owens envisioned a home that is anything but beige. They layered stone, pattern and personality into every corner, turning the modest condo into a master class in small-space design. The living area sets the tone with its mix of art, texture and bold, full-scale furnishings that make the space feel substantial rather than small. "Fewer, large-scaled pieces are better than smaller, cluttered pieces," Stevens explains. What had once been a blank TV wall now holds a custom built-in cabinet-painted in a rich taupey clay tone-designed to house Lamont's record collection and provide concealed storage.

More original, uncropped images from the shoot:

ARITZIA Fashion Place Photography

I was recently commissioned by the good people at ARITZIA to photograph their brand new Salt Lake City store located at Fashion Place Mall. I only had two hours to get the entire shot list, so needless to say, I did not use any artificial lighting. Here are a few favorites:

Snapshots in Time: Recent Work Highlights

Spring brought a diverse range of commissions to the studio, from national book covers to luxury architectural studies. I am at my most creative when bridging the gap between people, spaces, and intentional design.

In this update:

Christine Brown — Editorial Book Cover for Simon & Schuster

A.J. Portraits — Creative Character Studies for Graphic Novelists

Palm Springs — Mid-Century Architectural Photography

Charlynne Edmunds — Personal Branding & Intentional Portraits

Utah Business — Corporate Editorial & Cover Photography

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Christine Brown: Sister Wife book cover

This was the second book cover I photographed for Simon & Schuster. Christine was super down-to-earth and easy to work with. The shot that made the cover was the second look we photographed. As soon as she donned that red blazer, everyone on set felt like this was it.

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A.J. Portraits

This was a dream project, precisely the type of work I want to do. Adam, a graphic novel writer, approached me for a portrait session that would capture his essence as an artist and reflect the genre of books he creates. I aimed to create images that hopefully make you feel like you’re inside Adam’s “dark musings.”

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Palm Springs Sights

Palm Springs is one of my favorite places to visit. I love the feeling of being transformed back in time to an era that seems to have a magic spell on me: the 60s. “Anemoia” is an apt term for what I’m trying to communicate here.

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Charlynne Edmunds Personal Portraits

The photoshoot with Charlynne was a bit of a therapy session for both of us. Sometimes, you meet a person who is going through something similar, and the conversation you end up having has a healing effect. Finding a certain commonality and relating to another human can be a powerful experience. I think it’s important to document the different seasons of your life.

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Utah Business “Outstanding Directors” April 2025 Cover

Utah Business has been an incredible client for a few years now. As a photographer, you experience the ebbs and flows of work volume, so having a client you can count on consistently is enormous. This ongoing collaboration has not only honed my skills as a portrait photographer but also helped me become a more empathetic and personable individual.

Is MANICPROJECT Right For You?

I created a questionnaire that can serve as a guide to help you, the potential client, determine whether MANICPROJECT is the right photographer to collaborate with. The market where I am located - Salt Lake City, UT - is saturated with a specific type of photographer. Let’s call it a “wedding photographer.” Let me be clear: I am NOT trying to impose on their clientele. I have always gone in the opposite direction of what most people consider “popular.” I can’t even say I’ve intentionally done it; it’s just not who I am or what I believe in. Hopefully, the photos you see on this website are proof of this, but just in case it’s not clear, let’s go through the questions:

1. I am looking for:
   A) The most affordable option
   B) A unique point of view

2. I want to create something:
   A) On-trend
   B) Timeless

3. My company needs:
   A) Someone to execute our vision
   B) A strong collaborator

4. I value:
   A) A large volume of images
   B) Quality over quantity

5. I chose my photographer based on:
   A) Their popularity
   B) Their work

6. I prefer:
   A) To fit in
   B) To stand out

7. I won’t compromise on:
   A) Budget
   B) Solid communication and mutual respect

If most of your answers are A, we are most likely not a good match.
We are probably a good match if five or more of your answers are B.

Shari Franke's book "The House of my Mother" is a NY Times Best Seller

Wow, this is pretty incredible. I had the honor of photographing the cover image for Shari’s book “The House of My Mother.” We just learned it debuted at number 1 on the NY Times Best Seller list! Some of the images from the shoot have found their way onto multiple news and editorial outlets. It feels incredible to be part of something this meaningful. Shari was an absolute pleasure to work with. She came into the session knowing exactly the feeling she wanted to portray, and luckily, it was exactly what I was envisioning as well. Rarely are the subject and the photographer fully aligned; sometimes, you need to spend some time getting there. Shari carries her story inside and did a masterful job of emoting it through her eyes and expression. Thank you so much, Rebecca Lima, for styling Shari for the shoot and Paula Dahlberg for not only doing the hair & makeup but also being a calming presence and a great listener.

GIRLS' LIFE Holiday Issue featuring Freya Skye

I received a last-minute opportunity to fly out to London to do a shoot for Girls’ Life Magazine in September. This was our first time (Rebecca and I) in London, and we absolutely loved it. The city is incredible, and so is the food, despite what you may have heard. We started with the cover shot in the kind of space I would like to have at one point - JJ Studios, which is fantastic! There is a ton of space, great natural light if needed, a coffee bar, equipment rental, etc. We then ventured out to some of the iconic parts of London to shoot the editorial. This was my first time shooting in a big city like London among the crowds; it was a wild experience and definitely worth it. Our subject - Freya Skye, was an absolute trooper! It was a long day, and I found myself getting pretty tired and hungry toward the end, but not Freya; she kept her energy and spirits up for the entirety of the shoot! I was really impressed with her attitude and ease in front of the camera. Thank you for the talented Girls’ Life crew: Wardrobe Styling - Whitney Brielle | Hair & Makeup - Sophia Hutch | Special assistance by Rebecca Lima.

A few BTS shots:

The Newman Residence

I recently had the privilege of photographing a breathtaking residence in Highland, Utah. This exquisite dream home, envisioned by its owners, Brandon and Misty Newman, is a masterpiece of functional design. The Newmans generously welcomed me into their stunning property, allowing me to capture its beauty and essence through my lens.

In the words of Brandon Newman:
“Growing up, most Sundays, my parents would drag us kids to faraway places to see homes under construction. I would watch as they commented on the architecture, style, and function. Those countless Sunday house drives turned into a passion for beautiful homes and a desire to combine all those designs into a beautiful and inspiring while, functional and comfortable home for our family. This is the dream Misty and I brought to Millhaven 7 years ago. They helped us bring the impossible to life, from architecture and design to construction and decor. Now, after 6 months of living in our dream home, we could not be happier with the finished product, along with the continued support from the best in the business! Thank you, Millhaven!”

The ANDOLSEK "Romanov" collection

I’m happy to finally share the full gallery of a collection I photographed for ANDOLSEK in 2022. This was yet another magical collaboration between an incredibly talented and unique fashion designer - Michael Andolsek, and a crew filled with some of my favorite models, hair & makeup crew. My partner, Rebecca Lima, helped me produce this project; I couldn’t have done it without her.

Here’s what Mr. Andolsek himself had to say about his inspiration for the collection:
”I made this collection during the pandemic— about a hundred years after the February Revolution in Russia. In 1917, the Romanovs’ lives changed forever at that point, and those of their compatriots and subjects did too. The poignancy of this struck me. Only barely a century later, the COVID-19 pandemic instigated profound cultural shifts of similar magnitude. A phenomenon of reevaluation swept the globe for many. It impacted me, too, and I reassessed things in my life.”

Credits:
Wardrobe/Design: Michael Andolsek
Production: Rebecca Lima
Models: Elsa Harper / Kasemire Dieumerci / Leanne Freedman
Hair: Steven Robertson
Makeup: Liz Oyeneyin - Shades Of Radiance Beauty