We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ricardo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ricardo below.

Ricardo, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

In high school, my love for movies led me to direct my own. With no camera but plenty of ambition, I convinced my entire class, a few teachers, and even the principal to take part. I wore all the hats—director, lead actor, and scriptwriter—because why not?
The school eventually lent me a camera, and after a full year of work, I had my own. My small group of friends and I somehow got the entire class an A for participating. Directing 40–60 people, including a very unconvincing teacher delivering news of a serial killer on the loose (yes, our plot was a mess), was both chaotic and thrilling.
That project showed me that art is a team effort, and it was the first time I felt the rush of bringing a vision to life. Little did I know, that same energy and passion would go on to shape my approach to many forms of art—including, now, wedding photography—where I get to tell real stories with a touch of cinema, only this time, frame by frame.

Ricardo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi! I’m Ricardo Quintana, a Chilean-born photographer based in Utah, fluent in both English and Spanish. My photography journey began in 2010 with a simple pocket camera, capturing my cousin’s engagement session. That experience sparked my passion for photography—not just as an art form, but as a way to preserve stories and emotions. By 2016, I was working full-time as a photographer, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of documenting weddings, couples, brands, and families across 11 states and 4 countries. My work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Junebug Weddings, and Utah Valley Bride.
At RQP, I focus on storytelling, capturing moments that feel candid and editorial, with a blend of artistic composition. I work closely with clients to ensure their traditions and personalities are reflected in every image, while always embracing diversity, legacy, and artistry.
5 things about my work:
1. Storytelling at the Core: Every photo I take is part of a larger story—one that’s real, emotional, and personal.
2. Diversity & Inclusion: I strive to ensure every client feels represented and valued.
3. Legacy: I aim to create lasting memories that can be cherished for generations.
4. Artistic Vision: I blend raw emotion with intentional composition, creating photos that are both striking and meaningful.
5. Collaboration: I work alongside clients to tailor every shoot to their unique vision, ensuring authenticity and connection.
Photography to me is about capturing real, meaningful moments. With a focus on legacy, diversity, and artistry, I’m committed to preserving stories that matter for generations to come.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I started, I had a “lucky break” when one of my weddings went viral on Twitter in 2017. That exposure led to publications and a wave of out-of-state and international weddings, plus some corporate gigs. By 2018-2019, I was traveling constantly for work.

Then the pandemic hit. I had a wedding lined up in Korea—my first big cancellation. Suddenly, my entire business shifted. While some photographers managed to keep their out-of-state work, I found myself struggling to balance personal life and business survival. For several months, I stepped back from weddings and worked on nonprofit projects with the state, still keeping my creative spark alive.

That pause helped me realize that my skills weren’t just valuable in my own business but in other spaces as well. When I returned to full-time photography, I restructured everything—focusing more on Utah while keeping some out-of-state projects. Adapting forced me to build a more sustainable business, and now I do feel better prepared for whatever comes next.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Finding a mentor might not be a “resource” in the traditional sense, but the sooner you do, the better. I wish I had understood this earlier. I’ve always wanted to do everything on my own, but over time, I’ve realized how much other artists have pushed me to grow and refine my craft. Building a network and learning from others isn’t just about making connections; it’s about seeing firsthand how they navigate both the creative and business sides of their work. Investing time (and sometimes resources) into these relationships is invaluable—it’s a learning experience that will challenge and elevate you in ways you wouldn’t expect.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ricardoquintanaphotography.com
• Instagram: ricardoqphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RicardoQuintanaPhotography
• Twitter: i dont use it
• Other: Pinterest: Ricardoqphotography