We recently connected with David Quintanilla and have shared our conversation below.

David, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I have been a creator for as long as I can remember. Even while in grade school, I was writing plays and looking for ways to put creative new spins on familiar stories. As I grew older, I began to expand into different mediums where I could share my art. Videography came first, having spent many years creating weekly short videos as a freelancer. Photography is a more recent addition, as I only ventured down that path in 2019. In all areas, I am primarily self taught, learning as I go. It has been difficult, at times. However, the skill that has benefited me most was my willingness to ask questions. I have been blessed in each area to be able to talk with those with much more skill, talent, or experience and learn from them. There is a wealth of experience in the world and I have found that most experts are more than happy to share their knowledge with you.

David, 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?

As I mentioned earlier, storytelling is important to me. My goal in either my short films or in my photography is take the viewer on a journey and encourage them to engage emotionally with the piece. While the technical components of a photo or video are valuable, they are secondary to ensuring that each photo and video stands on its as a unique expression of my point of view. In the travel space, especially at theme parks, that can be difficult as the locations and subjects have been photographed dozens of times. That is where I try to bring my own voice and perspective, so the viewer feels a connection to me as well as the subject. It’s that connection that has brought me success. We are truly a community (or a “Q-mmunity” as I jokingly refer them.) We share, discuss and enjoy each others company…virtually.

As an introvert, it wasn’t easy to be that vulnerable or transparent. Because most of the engagement occurs in the digital space, as opposed to in person, you never truly know how someone is reacting to a photo or video. I simply share what I create with the world in the hopes that it will be received well. Thankfully, the vast majority of my interactions have been positive and have encouraged me to continue to grow. There are plenty of joyful, positive people out there and if that is the energy you put out, they will find you.

Ultimately, if there is one thing that anyone was to take away from my story, it is that your level of effort will be rewarded. I strive to ensure that if a person takes the time to engage with a photo or video of mine, their time is not wasted. I appreciate and value the minutes they spend with it, and my hope is that it provides something of value to life, whether it be a new perspective, a good chuckle, or simply a smile to help them through their day.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I believe that it is essential to have a goal and a purpose driving you. Without it, the temptation to stray into areas or comprise your art would be harder to resist. For me, the goal is two-fold. First, I strive to produce content (whether it is written or via photography or videography) that is positive and tells a compelling story. Even if it is simply a silly pun (I love my dad jokes!), I hope that anyone who takes the time to view what I create can feel the passion and care that goes into each aspect of the photo, video or article.

Second, I strive to uplift others in my community. I assume that others, like myself, are putting thought and care into what they craft. That should be celebrated! I strive to do my part to ensure that positivity that others are putting into the world is shared and displayed. Early in my journey, one of the experts I mentioned earlier frequently used the phrase “community over competition.” That to me, embodies why I do what I do. Creating the best that I can to develop a platform to lift others up.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience can be broken down to two components: connection and work. An important of social media is the connection aspect. Anyone who who is using a social media platform wants to engage with others who are passionate about a topic. By reaching out to them in return, I have met some wonderful people who I am honored support my work. I never take that for granted and remember that each person who leaves a comment or sends me a message is using time they could have spent elsewhere. And I want to honor that.

However, it is not enough to take from social media. A good member of the community should also give back. As I mentioned before, people are putting their effort into their content. The least I can do is, when I enjoy what they have created, leave a positive comment back letting them know it was seen and appreciated. It can be a lot of effort to keep up with. However, each “Great photo!” or “Awesome post” lets them know that there is a real person who sees what they did and values it. It meant so much to me as a young creator, so I feel I have a responsibility to pay that back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.disneyfantography.com/
• Instagram: @qs_trips