We are thrilled to announce the selected applicants and mentors for the XOXO Videography & Photography Fellowship programs! This initiative is part of the XOXO Downtown Austin campaign, is a place-love campaign to show that everyone is welcome downtown because of the unique perspectives each one of us brings to our city and aims to bring Austinites and downtown back together. The fellowship highlights some of these different perspectives through the lens of talented local videographers and photographers.
After an extensive selection process with some fantastic applicants, allow us to introduce our two XOXO Photography Fellows for Spring of 2026:
- Andrea Escobar García
- Cat Cardenas
We can’t wait to work with our three XOXO Videography Fellows for the Spring of 2026:
- Shiv Patel
- Justin Humphrey
- Jeremiah Sudarmanto
In addition to our fellows, we welcome our mentors, who will guide and support our fellows throughout the program:
- Amanda Hoffman, Photography
- Eli Lee, Videography
About the Fellowships
The XOXO Fellowship Programs are initiatives in the XOXO Downtown Austin campaign aiming to empower photographers and videographers. 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 XOXO Fellowships run throughout the spring, from March to June to produce high-quality videos and photos 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 network and elevating their expertise.
Meet the 2026 XOXO Photography Fellows
Andrea Escobar Garcia
Instagram Handle: @HelloIsAndrewPhoto
Website: helloisandrewphoto.com
Bio: I’m a Mexican immigrant who came to the United States searching for a better life. Along the way, I fell in love—and, I also found my dream of becoming a photographer.I started out shooting music (what a better place than the capital of live music, right?), completely inspired by the energy, movement, and emotion of live performances. Over time, I realized I don’t just love one type of photography—I really like it all. What moves me most now is documentary, portraits, meaningful moments and people.I currently work as a photographer with the official teams at Live Nation music festivals, and I truly couldn’t be more grateful. Being able to do what I love in spaces filled with creativity and connection feels surreal. I’m a positive, honest, and kind person, and I approach both life and my work with openness and curiosity. For me, photography is about connection, storytelling, and creating images that feel real.
Experience: I have several years of professional photography experience, primarily rooted in live music and event coverage. Over time, my work evolved from independent show coverage to collaborating with official festival teams, where I document large-scale events, artists, and audience experiences in high-pressure, dynamic settings. Beyond music, my practice has expanded into documentary-focused storytelling. I am deeply interested in capturing authentic human moments and exploring narratives that reflect identity, community, and lived experience.My experience spans live events, editorial-style coverage, and documentary work, and I continue to actively seek opportunities that challenge me creatively and professionally. I’ve recently developed a strong passion for drone photography and aerial storytelling.I truly enjoy flying over Austin and capturing the city from a new, elevated perspective.
Cat Cardenas
Instagram Handle: @CatFromThePit
Website: bit.ly/3Mv1ROM
Bio: Cat Cardenas is a Latina writer and photographer based in Austin, primarily covering entertainment and Latinx culture. As a freelance photographer, she loves being in the pit capturing live music, whether it’s at a small, local club, or on a massive stage at SXSW or ACL. She’s worked with publications like Eater Austin to photograph some of the city’s most exciting and innovative restaurants, and has also taken photos for her own stories on drag queens, ghost hunters, and artists. Her work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Texas Highways, Texas Monthly, the LA Times, New York Magazine, Variety, Elle, and others.
Experience: I’m a professional freelance photographer. The bulk of my experience is as a concert photographer, and I would love to gain more experience with food, portrait, and fashion photography as I continue to grow and build my portfolio.
Meet the 2026 Spring Videography Fellows
Shiv Patel
Instagram Handle: @ByShivPatl
Website: llshivpatell9cb3.myportfolio.com
Bio: Hi, my name is Shiv. I’m a Business major at Austin Community College, born in New York and raised in Austin. I focus on travel photography and videography, collaborating with local brands and engaging with the cultures of the places I visit.Through my work, I aim to capture authentic moments and share new perspectives. I’m currently focused on creating more creative content in Austin and growing within the city’s artistic community.
Experience: I would describe myself as an emerging professional videographer. I have been working behind a camera since 2023 and began taking on paid client work (shooting photo/video) in August 2025. Videography is currently a side income while I am a full-time business student preparing to transfer to UT, but I am actively working toward making it a sustainable career. I have completed around 15 larger-scale projects beyond simple shoots, including event, brand, and travel work for clients such as Soma Wellness Club, Prana Wellness Club, KOLLECTIVE, Thai Fresh, Gati, a small South Asian brand during Milan Fashion Week, FreeCerveza Hostel, and Lava Trails Hiking Guides. This year, I’m focused on building long-term relationships with local businesses through consistent retainers.
Justin Humphrey
Instagram Handle: @JustinHCinema
Website: Justinhumphrey.com
Bio: Born and raised in Austin as the only child, Justin Humphrey began using his imagination at an early age to keep himself entertained. After experimenting with photography, Justin began his filmmaking journey in high school. In his junior year he discovered his passion to write, direct, film, and edit images to tell cinematic stories. and became intrigued with the artistic process of filmmaking. Since his introduction to filmmaking in high school, Justin began experimenting with different cameras and creative projects, which prepared him for the “DSLR revolution”. When this shift happened, everything changed. His visual stories came to life as a result of this monumental increase in image quality. Since this shift, Justin went on to film and edit short films, promotional videos, music videos, and numerous creative projects that showcased his ability to connect his clients’ stories with their audience. Justin is constantly stretching his creative abilities and experimenting with alternative methods of storytelling. Justin brings accountability and artistic integrity to every project and endeavor he works on.
Experience: My videography experience spans the entire production pipeline, from initial concept and storyboarding to behind-the-scenes camera execution and post-production. Over the past years, I have managed diverse projects including [e.g., short documentaries, event recaps, and social media campaigns]. This hands-on involvement has given me a deep understanding of how to compose shots that not only look cinematic but also serve the final edit and the overarching narrative.
Jeremiah Sudarmanto
Instagram Handle: @7eremiah
Website: 7eremiah.com
Bio: Jeremiah is a local creative director with a passion for giving other artists the chance to bring their visions to life. From filming his Nintendo DS screen on an old camcorder to working with brands like Netflix and Adobe 14 years later. He graduated from ACC with a certificate in 3D Animation while also working as an intern for the Communications Department.
Experience: I made my first short film in 7th grade, in the height of the YouTube vlogger era with creators like Casey Neistat. In 2022, I had a short screen at SXSW under the Texas High School Shorts category. As of 2023, I’ve been freelancing for artists in the area. I could see myself making videos my whole life, probably.
Meet Our Mentors
Amanda Hoffman
Instagram Handle: @AmandaHoffmanArt
Website: amandahoffmanart.com
Bio: My name is Amanda Hoffman and I am a lifestyle & portrait photographer in Austin Texas. I’ve called Austin home since 2010 but come from the Midwest and am still a farm girl at heart! I love nature and being outdoors and I find creative inspiration all around Austin! I pride myself on making people feel comfortable in front of the camera, capturing heartfelt, fleeting moments and creating images that feel like memories. I care deeply for people and love creating community through creativity! When I am not focused on photography, you can find me at the YMCA, at a breathwork class or on the hike & bike trail downtown. I’m also a musician, an avid plant collector and a lover of books.
Experience: Photography started out as a hobby for me in 2008, I loved shooting nature & doing family photography for friends. I am self-taught and really just kept doing things that I loved, making portraits for people & exploring the outdoors. I learned photography and grew my client base for many years while working other jobs and in 2018 after growing an amazing family photography business, shooting many weddings, brands, product photos & events I decided to go full time. I have grown my business and skillset to include corporate & commercial work in addition to my portrait clients. I have done many different kinds of photography & love that I have a big range, it keeps things interesting and it keeps me busy. I am immensely grateful to be able to do work that I love and am passionate about & I plan to continue to grow my skills & photography business!
Eli Lee
Instagram Handle: @SonivisionStudio
Website: SonivisionStudio.com
Bio: Eli Lee is a self-taught videographer and multi-instrumentalist living in Austin, Texas after a decade of highways, hide-outs and late night diners. A constant fixture at many of Austin’s legendary music venues, he finds joy in amplifying the work of fellow artists through visual storytelling. A keen eye for fleeting candid moments and a strong sense of visual rhythm are the defining characteristics in his rapidly growing body of work.
Experience: I shot 35mm film as a street photographer for several years, and then branched into video as a way to synchronize music with the visuals I was creating. I’ve worked on environmental documentaries, brand campaigns and lifestyle pieces. Recently, my love of music has brought me back to working with local musicians to build visuals that support their music.
Stay Tuned
We are excited to see the wonderful photos and videos our fellows will produce and how they will showcase the heart and soul of our beloved downtown. Stay tuned for updates, works and glimpses into their creative journeys!