We are a family operated business, located in the Tampa Bay area. Specializing in weddings, quinces, and portraits, our work is distinguished by our passion, experience and artistic perspective.
The art of photography has been a Montes de Oca family tradition for three generations. Born in Mexico City, Manuel R. Montes de Oca was the first photographer to pave the way for his children and grandchildren. Throughout his career, Manuel "Chato" captured the life and times of Mexico City, working for several national newspapers, including El Universal. His commendable work won several national awards. Often times, his pictures were so captivating that the press would have to run a second edition in order to meet the demand for paper sales. His extensive work has been archived and used by various museums and publications.
Our Family:
Starting from a young age, Manuel A. began to learn his father's craft and soon he too, developed a passion for the art of photography. By the time he was in high school, Manuel A. began his career as a photojournalist for the daily newspaper, El Novedades. The philosophy of the paper was that every photographer should be able to photograph every event. And so, in one of the world's largest cities, Manuel A. learned to capture a myriad of events, including: the World Cup, Formula One races, bullfights, the Olympic games, embassy cultural events, political scenes, and the campaign of the president. Other photographic expereinces obtained, incuded capturing the portraits of movie stars, such as Shirley MacLaine and Rahcel Welch, as well as the portraits of other important figures like Henry Kissinger. Outside of his work for El Novedades, Manuel A. experimented with painting and oceanography. It wasn't long before his passion and skill launched him to head of his department, where he issued assignments and managed the work of eighteen photographers. His work proved to be just as commendable as his fathers. El Novedades dedicated two full pages with each daily publication to present his work.
Later, Manuel A. moved to the states and eventually settled down in Tampa, FL to raise his family. In October 2002, Manuel A. opened the doors to his very own photography and painting business, calling it Studio 81 Photography & Fine Art. Later, as the studio developed and honed its skills, it's name was changed to Studio 81 Photography & Video.
A life-long photographer, with expereince in capturing just about any moment you can think of, Manuel A. has the skills, and above all, the passion to capture the moments important to you.
Manuel S. Montes de Oca is the third generation of the family to carry on the skills and passion for the art of photography adding a unique addition to the family business.
Born in California, later moving to Tampa, like his father he was introduced to photography at a young age. Accompanying his father on many different photography assignments, participating and learning everything he could. In addition to photography, he has expanded the family tradition to include videography.
Still attending college, Manuel S. has taken many classes in photography expanding his knowledge and skills for his craft. His dedication and talent has fueled his success and can bee seen in all of his work.
Angelique A. Montes de Oca has also been trained to photograph and capture video for various events. However, you will often find her working behind the scenes managing the non-artistic aspects of the business.
Manuel A. Montes de Oca