We’re looking forward to introducing you to ANTONIO BURRIEL. Check out our conversation below.
ANTONIO, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
What I think is most misunderstood about photography as a business is how much more it is than “just taking pictures.” People often see the final photo and assume it was quick and easy, but there’s a whole process behind it—planning concepts, scouting locations, styling, directing, capturing natural emotion, and then hours of editing to make sure every detail is polished.
Another big misconception is that the camera does the work. The truth is, the camera is just a tool—it’s the vision, creativity, and connection I bring that makes the difference. My business isn’t just about clicking a shutter, it’s about telling a story, creating an experience for my clients, and capturing moments in a way that makes them feel something when they look back.
Photography as a business also requires wearing many hats—photographer, editor, marketer, communicator, and business manager. It’s not just an art form, it’s a full operation that requires time, energy, and investment. For me, photography is about building trust with clients, making them feel comfortable, and delivering more than a picture—it’s giving them something timeless.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Antonio Burriel, and I’ve been building my photography journey for over six years. While I’ve always had a passion for storytelling through images, I really leaned into fashion photography in 2024, which has allowed me to blend creativity, style, and emotion in a way that feels true to my vision.
What makes my work special, I think, is the experience I create for my clients. I’m very collaborative—I want people to feel comfortable, seen, and confident in front of my lens. For me, photography isn’t about stiff poses or forced smiles; it’s about capturing someone’s true self and creating images that reflect their personality and story.
On the creative side, I’m drawn to depth of field, angles, and perspective—adding layers of depth to my photos that give them more than just visual appeal, but a sense of atmosphere and emotion. I love shaping a frame so it doesn’t just capture a moment but tells a fuller story.
Right now, I’m working on a brand and portfolio refresh. Instead of only showcasing the work I’ve been hired to do, I’m putting together concept shoots that reflect my own creative direction. It’s a way to push my artistry forward, share a more personal side of my style, and show people not just what I can deliver, but what I can dream up.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people, I believe, are things like a lack of trust, miscommunication, pride, and neglect. When we stop listening to one another, stop showing up for each other, or let ego take the lead, the bond begins to fray. Even small, unspoken resentments can pile up until the connection feels heavy or distant.
I also think one of the biggest things that breaks bonds today is the belief that differences are a weakness. Too often people feel they can’t be friends—or even respect each other—just because of the music they listen to, for example, the opinions they hold, or the backgrounds they come from. Instead of appreciating those differences, they see them as dividing lines. That mindset closes doors that could have led to real understanding and deeper connection.
What restores bonds is often much simpler—but harder to practice. Honesty, humility, and intentional effort breathe life back into relationships. What truly builds bonds is people choosing to understand one another—coming to a mutual understanding of a situation and respecting differing opinions and views with respect. When empathy and patience enter the picture, trust has room to grow again.
At its core, bonds are restored when people remember the why behind their relationship—the shared humanity, the care, and the moments that made the connection meaningful in the first place.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most in my life is imposter syndrome. Even though I receive a lot of praise for my work and people consistently tell me they admire what I do, there are moments when I feel the exact opposite—that I’m not good enough, that I don’t deserve the opportunities I’ve been given, or that I’m somehow “faking it.” Sometimes I worry that I’m giving my clients less than my best, and they could get better work from another “better” photographer.
It’s a strange tension—external validation versus internal doubt—but over time, I’ve learned that acknowledging the fear, rather than letting it control me, is what allows me to grow. It pushes me to improve, to stay intentional with my craft, and to remember that my perspective, creativity, and the experience I provide my clients is unique. Imposter syndrome hasn’t disappeared, but it motivates me to keep proving to myself—and to my clients—that I belong in this space and that my work matters.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what really matters to me is creating and capturing meaning—both through my photography and in the lives of the people around me. I care deeply about telling stories, preserving moments, and helping people feel seen and understood.
Beyond work, they’d also say I care about authenticity and connection. I notice the little things, I hold space for people, and I invest in relationships that matter. There’s also a quieter, more personal side to me—they’d know I care about growth, purpose, and making a positive impact, even in small ways. I especially care deeply about someone special in my life, and I genuinely want to see them grow, thrive, and find their own path in life.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes—I believe giving your best, even when no one is watching or praising you, is essential. For me, it’s about integrity, pride in my craft, and staying true to my vision. In photography, that means caring about every detail, every angle, every emotion I capture—not just for recognition, but because I owe it to myself and my clients to create something meaningful.
I’ve learned that the act of giving your best consistently builds character, skills, and confidence over time. Praise and validation are nice, but they’re fleeting. The satisfaction of knowing you’ve poured your effort, heart, and creativity into something is lasting, and that’s what ultimately drives me forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ab-studios.pixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/captured_by_antonio/
