Meet Ismael Quintanilla III | Music Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ismael Quintanilla III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ismael, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind success is the aspiration to create genuine connections with clients and their interests. If the brand becomes the principal focus, what’s best for the client might be overlooked. A brand is nothing without a client to sell it to. However, when the client becomes the number one priority, the brand becomes tailored to their interests. Brands evolve over time, but genuine connections will exceed the product regardless of the market.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a music photographer, my art is about capturing the essence and energy of live performances, the raw emotion of musicians, and the immersive atmosphere of concerts. What sets me apart is my dedication to storytelling through imagery. I strive to not only document the moment but to convey the passion and intensity of the music being performed.

What I’m most proud of is the ability to connect with both the artists and the audience through my photographs. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see my work evoke emotions and memories for those who view it.

My journey to where I am today professionally has been anything but easy. Like any creative pursuit, it’s been filled with challenges and obstacles. One of the biggest challenges was breaking into the music photography industry and establishing myself as a reputable and sought-after photographer.

To overcome these challenges, I stayed persistent and focused on honing my craft. I networked relentlessly, attended countless shows, and collaborated with as many artists and venues as possible. I also embraced social media and digital marketing to showcase my work and reach a wider audience.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and humility. It’s crucial to stay true to your vision while also being open to new opportunities and experiences. Every setback is an opportunity for growth, and every success is a reminder of why I fell in love with music photography in the first place.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m not just a photographer; I’m a storyteller, a collaborator, and a passionate advocate for independent artists and small businesses. My mission is to celebrate the beauty and diversity of music through my lens and to support the thriving community of creatives who make it all possible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I would want to show them the best of what the area has to offer, combining local favorites with hidden gems. Here’s a week-long itinerary for an unforgettable trip: We’ll start the day with breakfast at Spread & Co. a cozy local cheese-centric cafe known for its delicious dishes and artisanal coffee, followed by a trip to Zilker Metropolitan Park for a morning of hiking, picnicking, and outdoor adventure, In the afternoon, we’ll be spending time at Blanton Museum of Art to immerse ourselves in culture and creativity. Before dinner, we’ll take a stroll through the city’s Red River Cultural District, exploring landmarks, street art, and loud music venues. Wrap up the day with dinner at a Hopfield bistro, enjoying hearty comfort food and warm hospitality.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the artists, musicians, and creatives I’ve had the privilege to work with throughout my career. Their talent, passion, and collaboration have not only inspired my photography but have also shaped me as an artist.

I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the small venues and independent music promoters who provide platforms for emerging artists to showcase their talents. Without their dedication and support, the music scene wouldn’t be as vibrant and diverse as it is today.

I also want to acknowledge the fellow photographers and mentors who have guided and encouraged me along the way. Their insights, feedback, and camaraderie have been invaluable in my growth and development as a photographer.

Lastly, I want to thank my friends, family, and supporters who have believed in me and cheered me on every step of the way. Their love and encouragement have been the driving force behind my pursuit of my passion for music photography.

Website: https://www.iq3photo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ismaelquintanillaiii/

Image Credits
Personal Photo by Grant Pal