We were lucky to catch up with Antonio Espino recently and have shared our conversation below.
Antonio, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?
My hero is my father. He’s an incredible man who has shown me the true meaning of hard work, dedication, and love for family. We come from Mexico, and despite the challenges we faced, my father managed to put his three children through American private schools, run a successful business, and still make time for us after school and on weekends.
From a young age, my father instilled in me a strong work ethic and the importance of discipline. He would wake up early every morning to start his day, and he expected us to do the same. He taught me that nothing worth having comes easy, and that we must work hard for the things we want in life.
One of the most valuable lessons my father taught me is the importance of family. He always made time for us, even after a long day at work. He showed me that family should always come first and that we should support and love one another unconditionally.
As I began my journey as a photographer, my father’s unwavering support and belief in my dreams gave me the courage to pursue my passion. He always encouraged me to take risks and to push beyond my limits, believing that I could achieve great things if I put my mind to it.
There’s one particular story that stands out in my mind. When I first moved to Los Angeles, I was struggling to find my footing and make connections in the industry. I called my father, feeling discouraged and unsure of whether I was making the right decision. Instead of telling me to give up, he reminded me of how far I had come and how much I had already accomplished. He told me that setbacks are a part of life, but it’s how we handle them and keep moving forward that truly defines us.
His words resonated with me, and from that moment on, I became even more determined to succeed as a photographer. I started attending networking events, reaching out to potential clients, and working tirelessly to hone my craft. My father’s unwavering belief in me and the lessons he taught me have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation throughout my journey.
In conclusion, my father is my hero because he embodies the virtues of hard work, discipline, and dedication to family. He has taught me that anything is possible if we put in the effort and believe in ourselves. I am forever grateful for the lessons he has imparted and the incredible example he has set for me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Antonio Espino, and I am a Los Angeles-based photographer with a passion for capturing stunning images. Born in Mexico, I moved to the U.S. with my family when I was 18, settling in Texas. I had the privilege of studying in the U.S. from 1st grade all the way through college, which exposed me to diverse cultures and perspectives.
I first got into photography as a hobby, but over time, I discovered that I could turn my passion into a profession. As I developed my skills, I became more focused on fashion photography, ultimately setting my sights on becoming a world-renowned photographer for top global brands.
I offer a range of photography services, including headshots for actors, models, and professionals, product photography, e-commerce photography, and fashion/commercial photography. My goal is to help my clients showcase their unique beauty and personality through my lens, providing them with high-quality, professional images that elevate their personal brand, business, or portfolio.
What sets me apart from others is my commitment to understanding and connecting with my clients on a deeper level. I strive to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience during our shoots, enabling my subjects to express themselves authentically and confidently. This results in images that not only capture their outer beauty but also their inner essence.
I am incredibly proud of my journey as a photographer and the growth I have experienced both personally and professionally. Moving to Los Angeles was a significant leap of faith for me, but it has allowed me to expand my network, collaborate with amazing creatives, and work towards achieving my dreams.
As for my brand and work, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that I am dedicated to capturing their unique stories and helping them shine. I approach each project with enthusiasm, creativity, and a keen eye for detail, ensuring that the final images exceed expectations.
I also have an active social media presence, where I share behind-the-scenes glimpses of my work and life as a photographer. You can find me on Instagram (@antonioxespino), and YouTube (YouTube.com/antonioespinophoto). Additionally, you can view my portfolio on my website (www.antonioespino.com).
Have you ever had to pivot?
Throughout my life, I’ve experienced several pivotal moments that have shaped who I am today. These moments have taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience. Here are three significant instances where I had to pivot and embrace change:
Escaping violence in my hometown: The escalating violence in my hometown, characterized by businesses being burned down and people being murdered daily, forced my family and me to move to the U.S. This decision was a matter of having a better future and safety, and it completely changed the trajectory of my life.
Adapting to a new country and culture: At the age of 18, I found myself in a new country with a different culture, language, and way of life. Initially, this transition seemed overwhelming, but it allowed me to grow and broaden my horizons, ultimately leading me to discover my passion for photography.
Moving to Los Angeles: Relocating to Los Angeles was a significant risk, as I left behind my support network and the familiarity of my previous life. This move forced me to step out of my comfort zone and put myself out there, both personally and professionally. It pushed me to network, improve my skills, and truly commit to building a successful photography career.
These moments of forced change have been instrumental in shaping my character and teaching me valuable life lessons. Through these experiences, I’ve learned to embrace change and see it as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. As a result, I’ve developed a sense of adaptability and resilience that has helped me navigate the challenges I face in my career and personal life.
In essence, life is a series of pivots, sharp turns, and restarts. It’s how we choose to respond to these moments that define who we are and what we can achieve.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a photographer and creative is the ability to capture and express emotions, stories, and moments through my work. Photography is a unique form of art that allows me to connect with people on a deeper level and share their narratives with the world.
When I see the genuine happiness and satisfaction on my clients’ faces as they view the final images, it brings me an immense sense of fulfillment. Knowing that I’ve been able to create something meaningful and memorable for them is truly gratifying.
Another rewarding aspect is the opportunity for continuous growth and self-improvement. In the creative industry, there is always something new to learn, whether it’s a technique, a perspective, or an approach to capturing a subject. This constant evolution keeps me excited and passionate about my craft.
Lastly, being a creative allows me to build connections and relationships with diverse individuals from different backgrounds and walks of life. These interactions not only enrich my personal experiences but also inform and inspire my work as a photographer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.antonioespino.com
- Instagram: antonioxespino
- Facebook: antonioespinophotography
- Linkedin: antonio-espino
- Twitter: @antonioxespino
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/antonioespinophoto
- Other: TikTok.com/@antonioxespino