About Briana
Briana Quintanilla is a London-based Mexican-American photographer whose work explores human connection through intimate, unguarded imagery. Her photography blends observation with artistry to create images that feel less like staged portraits and more like secret moments of truth—capturing people as they truly are: vulnerable, honest, and beautifully human.
About her Philosophy
“I’m always looking for that thread of connection–the thing that makes us undeniably, beautifully human.”
Influenced by Brené Brown's work on vulnerability, Briana believes the most powerful images help us feel empathy and recognize our shared humanity. Whether photographing a single person, a couple, or behind-the-scenes moments on set, she seeks that quality of connection that transcends the frame.
About her Values
Briana brings a decade of technical experience and is fluent in professional editing tools, but technique always serves the story—never overshadows it.
She's most drawn to projects with personal resonance: work that prioritizes authentic human narratives over commercial polish, where vulnerability becomes a bridge rather than a barrier.
How Briana Works
“I respond to the movements that I see in people”
Briana's working philosophy is simple: create space for authenticity, then capture what emerges. She observes her subjects as they move through space, waiting for those unguarded moments when the camera is forgotten. She also works with constructed imagery when a specific vision calls for it—building the scene intentionally but staying open to the unexpected.
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About her Background
Briana's love of photography began at age 15 with an art elective that changed everything. She went on to study at Central Saint Martins, completing a Foundation in Art & Design and a BA in Photography from the University of Westminster. Her final major project—capturing the ambient tenderness of everyday life with her family in Mexico—was exhibited at graduation and is a clear example of the observational approach that defines her work today.
Her multi-cultural perspective, with ties to Mexico, the USA, and the UK, continues to inform her nuanced approach to themes of identity and belonging.
About her Passion
For the past three years, she's been co-photographer for London's Bloomsbury Festival, capturing performances, street markets, and community moments across the city. She also works as a behind-the-scenes photographer for film productions and captures dancers, yoga instructors, and creative professionals.
Her work draws inspiration from photographers like Eleanor Cariddi, Justine Kurland, and Tanya Franco Klein—artists who, like Briana, explore identity and vulnerability through both documentary and constructed imagery.
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Professional Experience
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Co-Photographer, Bloomsbury Festival — London, 2022–Present
Documenting performances, street markets, and community events across London's annual arts festival -
Behind-the-Scenes Photographer — Film Productions, 2023–Present
Capturing on-set moments and crew dynamics for film and video productions -
Portrait Photographer — 2020–Present
Creating imagery for dancers, yoga instructors, and creative professionals
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Education
Foundation in Art & Design - Central Saint Martins, London
BA Photography — University of Westminster, London
Graduated with exhibited final major project
Professional Experience
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Co-Photographer, Bloomsbury Festival — London, 2022–Present
Documenting performances, street markets, and community events across London's annual arts festival -
Behind-the-Scenes Photographer — Film Productions, 2023–Present
Capturing on-set moments and crew dynamics for film and video productions -
Portrait Photographer — 2020–Present
Creating imagery for dancers, yoga instructors, and creative professionals
Exhibitions
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Final Major Project — Central Saint Martins, London, 2022
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Personal documentary work exploring family and identity in Mexico
Artistic Influences
Eleanor Cariddi, Justine Kurland, Tanya Franco Klein
Technical Skills
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10 years photographic experience
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Working across analog and digital mediums
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Natural light specialist, currently expanding into studio lighting
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Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Bridge, InDesign, Illustrator)
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Event photography, portraiture, documentary, and behind-the-scenes work
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