What is it like to photograph some of the biggest musicians of all time? Why document the everyday culture of your hometown? In this week’s special episode, Witte Museum President and CEO Marise McDermott interviews acclaimed photographer Al Rendón.

Well-known for his portraits of Selena, Rock & Roll concerts and Charreada competitors, Rendón has photographed Tejano culture in South Texas for decades. He has become one of San Antonio’s most celebrated photographers with images appearing in various magazines, corporate offices and collected by the Smithsonian Institution.

To learn more information about the sources and references for today’s episode, visit:

• Rendón, Al. Photography and Fine Art: https://www.alrendon.com/


• Rendón, Al. Mi Cultura—Bringing Shadows Into the Light: The Photography of Al Rendón. (2023). Trinity University Press.


• Witte Museum. Mi Cultura—Bringing Shadows Into the Light: The Photography of Al Rendón exhibition: https://www.wittemuseum.org/exhibitions/mi-cultura-al-rendon/

This episode is hosted by the Witte Museum’s Marise McDermott, President and CEO. Produced by Alyssa Sailor-Tynes, Digital Marketing Manager.

A companion to the Mi Cultura—Bringing Shadows Into the Light: The Photography of Al Rendón exhibition, at the Witte for a limited time. The exhibition is presented by the Sally and Charlie Cheever Foundation and generously supported by Guillermo Nicolas and the WellMed Charitable Foundation. The book Mi Cultura: Bringing Shadows Into the Light: The Photography of Al Rendón is generously supported by Marsha Shields and the McCombs Foundation.

For more information and to experience Mi Cultura at the Witte, visit https://bit.ly/3EHx61C.

Music in this episode by Randy Granger. Visit RandyGranger.net to check out more of his music.