As a Latina growing up between Puerto Rico, New York, and New Jersey, Paola Franqui never imagined she could have a career centered around travel and photography. Yet, since 2021, she’s surprised herself daily by doing just that. Her career as an NFT photographer has included captivating photo collections like “Collecting Hands” and partnerships with top-tier brands such as TIME, Sony, Adobe, and Nike. 

She describes her photography as cinematic because she sees the world through a filmmaker’s point of view when shooting and because her moody photo editing style makes you feel like you’re watching the most climactic scene in your favorite movie. 

In the years since becoming an NFT artist, Franqui — better known as "Monaris," her artist name — has built a legion of fans both in the web2 and web3 space. You may already be one of the over 400,000 Instagram followers who know her work intimately, but just in case you aren’t or want to learn more, here are some important things to know about Monaris. 

Who is Monaris?

Monaris is a talented photographer known for her captivating and cinematic depictions of everyday life. Born in Puerto Rico and based in New Jersey, she picked up a camera more than a decade ago after downloading Instagram. The app’s creative energy sparked her interest in street photography, leading her to develop a style that feels both intimate and dramatic. She frames each moment with sharp attention to light, movement, and emotion, turning ordinary scenes into visually powerful narratives. Her ability to highlight fleeting expressions and hidden beauty has earned her a strong reputation in the photography world.

A fellow NFT artist introduced the photographer to NFTs

Monaris started photographing in 2014 after joining a photo group in New York City. The group would walk the city and focus on street photography, which Monaris considers her first true love. At the heart of her work is the emotional depth and personal connection she captures, which makes her photography resonate deeply with viewers. Over the years, she evolved her eye for street photography into what she calls “life photography” since she strives to capture life as it happens to herself and others.

While honing her passion for photography, Monaris’ friend, Dave Krugman (who also happens to be an accomplished NFT photographer), introduced her to NFTs and encouraged her to share her work. Monaris’ first mint was a piece titled “Until We Meet Again.” The image is shot through a window where the reflection pulls together three main characters—Monaris, who is off to the right photographing the image; an older woman sitting on a bench on the other side of the window, and reflected in the window is a young woman standing tall. Monaris’ visual storytelling is front and center in the image as it juxtaposes the women at different ages in their lives.

Her photography style is inspired by everyday people

Monaris creates striking street scenes and portraits with a cinematic, atmospheric quality. Her images capture everyday life in a way that feels both nostalgic and full of wonder. The energy of a bustling city, the quiet weight of a solitary moment — each frame tells a story. She composes her shots with sharp attention to color and balance, crafting images that transport viewers into a world shaped by light and emotion. Influenced by classic photographers and the storytelling of cinema, she finds endless inspiration in the people and places around her. Every photograph reflects her deep appreciation for the world, bringing beauty and meaning to even the simplest moments.

She incorporates visual storytelling through all of her NFT collections

Since her first mint, Monaris has continued uplifting visual storytelling in all her works and collections. Her “Collecting Hands” NFT collection is an ongoing photo series minted in the summer of 2021. Each of the 30 images spotlight a person’s hands behind their backs and whatever they may be holding at the time. While it may seem like a simple concept, the images bring up a lot of emotions when sifting through them, which is exactly what Monaris was hoping for. 

As she writes in the project’s description: 

“This collection is a grounding prompt that no pair of hands share or tell the same story, yet somehow, despite our different experiences in life, we’re able to relate to one another on one common ground: ‘Life.’”

In a separate collection, “NYC Underground Stories,” Monaris weaves New Yorkers’ commuter stories into a single series of 51 images. 

“Beneath the streets of New York, you'll find the underground — a world in itself,” explains Monaris on the project’s page. “It's a place where moments like these are created and experienced with each passing moment of the day. Here, there is an immense beauty overlooked amongst the chaos and grime. In my latest series, NYC Underground Stories, my purpose is to find, celebrate, and preserve these moments forever.” 

With each image, she brings her audience into the magical corners of New York City’s subways to look at the people and stories we may shuffle past when in a rush. In Monaris’ underground world, you’ll find people holding the train door open for a child, two lovers leaning on each other, or kids turning the subway into their classroom. 

You can also find Monaris’ work across other mediums and collaborations

While much of Monaris’ solo work is focused on the people and stories she notices as she moves through her world, she does not shy away from creating art through a specific prompt. For example, Monaris said “yes” when TIME Magazine invited her and a legion of other web3 artists to contribute to “The Seven Collection,” a joint collection between TIME and author Deepak Chopra. As a part of the collection, Monaris had to reimagine the book cover for Chopra’s bestselling book, “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success.” 

Monaris based her contemplative magazine cover on Chopra’s Law of Pure Potentiality, which emphasizes the importance of being in one’s own company. The NFT photograph brings this law to life by spotlighting a woman sitting alone at a table with only a single lamp above her head. 

In 2021, Monaris compiled her work into her first published book, “Momentos”, and used her first minted NFT image, “Until We Meet Again,” as its cover image. As if that wasn’t full circle enough, Krugman also wrote the foreword for her book. 

In April 2024, Monaris commemorated her third anniversary in the web3 space with the following statement: “Exactly 3 years ago, I minted my first NFT on the blockchain - a decision that would eventually change my life. Since then, I've been here every day, through the good and the bad. What a ride it has been!”

It’s safe to say that all who admire her work can say the same.