We are thrilled to announce the launch of our first-ever XOXO Photography Fellowship program! This initiative is part of the XOXO Downtown Austin campaign, which aims to bring Austinites and downtown back together through the lens of talented local photographers.
After an extensive selection process with over 50 applicants, allow us to introduce our six XOXO Photography Fellows for 2024:
- Ismael (Ish) Quintanilla
- Shania Montúfar (Naya Papaya)
- Isabelle Milford
- Sabine Fletcher
- Russel Crawford
- Eric Duong
In addition to our fellows, we welcome our mentors, who will guide and support our fellows throughout the program:
- Chie Endo
- Marina O’Neill (Marina Wanders)
- Jay Ybarra (PhotoJay)
Thank you to our incredible team and selection committee for guiding us through the process and bringing us all together.
About the Fellowship
The XOXO Photography Fellowship Program is an XOXO Downtown Austin campaign initiative aiming to empower emerging photographers. This fellowship celebrates the unique perspectives that make our city vibrant and welcoming. Through the campaign, we aim to create a sense of belonging and empower our community to build an authentic, connected Downtown Austin.
The 2024 XOXO Photography Fellowship runs from September to the end of the calendar year. Each fellowship lasts six weeks, with rolling starting dates and a final assignment to produce high-quality images of Downtown Austin icons for the XOXO Downtown Austin campaign. Fellows receive a stipend, shooting, editing and check-in sessions with their mentors and the Downtown Austin Alliance team while growing their photography network and elevating their work. The next round of applications will open up at the beginning of 2025.
Meet the 2024 Fellows
Eric Duong
Instagram Handle: @EricTheDuong
Website: erictheduong.com
Bio: Eric The Duong is a creative photographer based in Austin, Texas. He began his photography journey just seven months ago, picking up a camera in the Winter of 2023 after ending an emotionally traumatizing relationship. With no prior photography experience, Eric relied solely on his eye and how the images made him feel. His intuitive approach and obsession with execution quickly established him as a creative force in Austin. During a time of searching for identity, Eric chose to channel his energy into photography, finding fulfillment and purpose in this art form. Driven by a passion for pushing boundaries and challenging himself, his work is continually evolving. Eric’s focus is on the art and emotional depth of his photos, with themes taking precedence over the subject matter. His work is also inspired by his upbringing as a Vietnamese-American in a predominately black community, where personal identity plays a huge role in his vision. Eric’s goal is to spark creativity within the Austin community, aiming to establish it as a hub for creative photography alongside cities like LA and NY. Through his photography, he seeks to challenge conventions and showcase his unique perspective, contributing to Austin’s vibrant artistic landscape.
Russell Crawford
Instagram Handle: @GrainAnuerysm
Website: russellcrawfordphoto.com
Bio: I am the son of a pastor and teacher from Allen, Texas. I moved to Austin in 2021 to study journalism at UT, which is where I took up photography. Since then, I have taken huge steps into the world of street and documentary photography. My most recent long-term project (still ongoing) took place in Dallas and covered the lives of some of the original JFK assassination conspiracy theorists. I have also been doing street photography in Austin for several years and have built up a considerable backlog of photographs documenting life in Austin.
Isabelle Milford
Instagram Handle: @SceneByIsabelle
Website: isabellemilford.com
I’ve always been in love with creativity. One of my first creative endeavors was drawing a book about a rock. Almost 20 years later, I find myself studying to tell stories visually through a major in film, along with a major in geosciences at UT Austin. Both fields have furthered my desire to create artwork that draws people in. I’ve always thought of my photos as if they were paintings in a museum. Each one is intricately thought out to tell a story and share emotion. Whether it’s the story of science, a personal experience, or an abstract emotion, people can connect to that narrative better through visual art. That inspires me every day to create–to help people make new connections through art. No matter the narrative, I enjoy being able to showcase people’s own unique stories and emotions through my lens. The satisfaction of seeing someone feel fully represented by a photo I took is a feeling I’ll always look forward to. Carefully crafting an image with storytelling and originality at the forefront, all while putting the subject at ease, is what I’m best at and what I love doing.
Naya Montúfar
Instagram Handle: @NayaPapayaPhotos
Website: Shaniamontufar.com/photography
Bio: Naya Montúfar is a third-year Ph.D. student in Sociology and a visual artist. She is a first-generation Ecuadorian-Colombian-American from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who grew up in rural Missouri. She arrived in Austin in 2022 and has found a supportive community in Austin’s BIPOC art community. Her vibrant and dynamic artistic style captures the energy and spirit of Austin’s diverse community. Her richly colored photography often features lively scenes of social gatherings, urban landscapes, and expressive portraits. Shania’s work emphasizes identity and culture, showcasing LGBTQ+ individuals, BIPOC artists, and everyday moments that highlight cultural richness. Her images exude celebration and community, reflecting her commitment to telling the stories of underrepresented groups through a visually engaging and authentic lens.
Sabine Fletcher
Instagram Handle: @SabineRuth
Website: Sabineruth.com
Bio: Sabine is a multidisciplinary artist working primarily with the mediums of photography and ceramics to bring their ideas to life. For the past ten years, Sabine has been working to document each facet of life lived through the lens of romance. She blurs the lines between a staged photograph and quick documentary with the purpose of remembering a moment not just as reality but with beauty. The use of found lighting that portrays the naturally occurring colors formed by light, such as blues and oranges at dusk and by streetlight, conveys scenes that make you feel as though you’re catching a glimpse into another’s secret life.
Ismael Quintanilla III (Ish)
Instagram Handle: @IsmaelQuintanillaIII
Website: iq3photo.com
Bio: Ismael specializes in live music photography, musicians’ portraiture, and documenting the music industry. With an extensive portfolio encompassing numerous Austin music bands and festivals, he is notably recognized for his ongoing collaboration with Austin music festivals such as Red River Cultural City’s Free Week and Hot Summer Nights, ACL Music Festival and Levitation. Throughout his artistic journey, Ismael finds immense pride in the myriad of beautiful memories he has had the fortune to capture, alongside the magical friendships forged through concert photography. What sets Ismael apart is his unique perspective: he views photography not merely as a business but as a profound medium for self-discovery and connecting with others. Each photoshoot for Ismael is an opportunity to co-create art, fostering deep connections and mutual understanding.
Meet Our Mentors
Marina Oneill (Marina Wanders)
Instagram Handle: @MarinaWanders
Website: Marinawanders.com
Bio: Marina Wanders, a 29-year-old photographer from Wimberley, Texas, has made a name for herself in the world of brand photography. Specializing in capturing the vibrant energy of her subjects, Marina’s work focuses on empowering businesses and individuals to realize their dreams. With a passion for promoting growth and authenticity, she brings out the best in her clients, helping them to stand out and achieve their goals.
Over the past six years, Marina has built a successful career as a full-time photographer, a journey she embarked on after becoming a single mother. Her personal experiences have fueled her dedication to supporting others in their pursuit of success. By creating compelling brand images that resonate with audiences, Marina plays a pivotal role in helping businesses and entrepreneurs shine.
Marina’s approach is deeply rooted in her belief in the transformative power of business. She sees each project as an opportunity to contribute to her clients’ success stories, blending technical skill with a heartfelt commitment to their growth. Through her magic, Marina captures not just images but the very essence of her clients’ aspirations, making their dreams a reality.
Chie Endo
Instagram Handle: @Chie_Endo
Website: eanicreative.com
Bio: Chie Endo (she/her) is a multi-disciplinary artist focusing on storytelling through visual arts, photography, and design. Her photography work goes beyond the lens to create impactful visual narratives that resonate with her own experiences growing up as a first-generation Chinese-American immigrant. Her journey from being born in Japan, raised in the United States, and having Chinese heritage has instilled in her a unique perspective that drives her mission to celebrate the richness of cultural diversity. Chie’s journey took an unexpected turn when her creative voice and intuition led her towards the world of photography. After beginning her corporate career, she discovered a deeper passion for the arts and embarked on a self-taught creative journey. Learning through hands-on experiences and collaborations with other artists, she honed her photography skills across various genres, from documentary and event photography to fashion and travel photography. Her dedication to promoting understanding and self-acceptance within under-represented communities has driven collaborations with fellow creatives to explore themes of identity and belonging. Through her lens, Chie captures not only moments but emotions, allowing her subjects to tell their stories authentically.
Jay Ybarra (PhotoJay)
Instagram Handle: @Photo.Jay
Website: jayybarraphoto.com
Jay Ybarra is an acclaimed photographer based in Austin, Texas. Drawn to street and portrait photography, his work often emulates his interests and influences of album cover art, comics, and cinema. Paired with his preference for utilizing vintage technology and natural lighting, many of his works reflect a theme of nostalgia, elevating the significance of his subjects.
Originally from Uvalde, Texas, Jay has emerged as a trailblazer in Austin’s creative community since 2012, particularly through his representation of marginalized communities. His documentation of culture and influential figures has garnered recognition and praise, earning him numerous opportunities to showcase his work in community galleries and local press features.
Beyond his local impact, his technical proficiency and emulative film style have afforded him ambassadorships with prominent brands such as Fujifilm and Google Pixel. As an ambassador, Jay hosts local events and workshops, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring photographers.
Stay Tuned
We are excited to see the incredible work our fellows will produce and how it will contribute to showcasing the heart and soul of our beloved downtown. Stay tuned for updates and glimpses into their creative journeys! The next applications for the fellowship will open up at the beginning of 2025.