The Hotbox with Dustin Hoxworth isn’t your polished PR interview. It’s me getting stoned and asking people the questions they probably aren’t ready for. These aren’t cold reads or copy-paste Q&As; I sit with my guests, usually multiple times, and I’ve likely met them in person, which gives me a window to learn who they really are before I ever send the questions. By the time the words hit the page, it’s smoke-thick honesty, not surface-level bullshit. These are cannabis conversations that showcase the voices, stories, and truths that won’t show up in the boardroom.

Award-Winning Photographer | Creator | Artist | Fat Nugs Magazine

This week, we’re lighting up The Hotbox with one of the most gifted and visionary photographers in the cannabis space, Paola Tello. As the creator behind CannaShots KC, Paola has built a global reputation for her ability to capture the raw, intricate beauty of cannabis and the culture that surrounds it. 

Her work speaks to both the science and the soul of cannabis, blending artistic precision with deep emotion. With two international awards under her belt, 2nd place for Trichome Photography and 1st place for Concentrates, Paola has earned her place among the world’s best cannabis photographers. She’s not only an artist and a creator, she’s a core member of the Fat Nugs Magazine team helping define our visual identity and storytelling from the lens outward.

Born with an eye for light, texture, and truth, Paola has turned her camera into a bridge between art and activism. Through CannaShots KC, her photography brings cannabis to life in a way that is elegant, honest, and undeniably human. 

Her work highlights not just the product, but the plant’s energy, the pulse that drives the entire culture. Whether she’s shooting macro trichomes that look like alien landscapes or capturing authentic brand stories for clients, Paola’s work continues to push boundaries. As a freelance creator and FNM contributor, she’s helping elevate cannabis media to a higher standard, one that honors both craft and community.

Hotbox Q&A: 5 Questions with Paola Tello

What originally drew you to photography, and how did cannabis become such an integral part of your art?

I’ve been drawn to photography for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is watching my mom with her Kodak KB10 when I was about three years old. She photographed everything, everyday moments, family gatherings, little details that caught her eye. I used to play with the film rolls on our way to get them developed, completely fascinated by the process. My mom filled hundreds of photo albums, and to this day, I can sit for hours flipping through them. That love for capturing memories and telling stories through images definitely started with her.

You’ve won 2nd place for Trichomes and 1st place for Concentrates, which are huge honors. How have those wins now shaped your approach to your craft? And how does it feel to be recognized around the world as one of the best photographers in the industry?

It honestly feels surreal. At the same time, imposter syndrome definitely kicks in sometimes. There are so many photographers I admire and look up to, people whose work inspires me every day and reminds me how much more there is to learn. Being recognized for my photography feels amazing and validating, but I also try to stay grounded. I know I still have so much room to grow and improve, and that’s what keeps me motivated to keep evolving as an artist.

What do you think makes trichomes and concentrates so compelling as subjects for art? What challenges or surprises come with trying to capture those micro worlds through your lens, and how do you keep finding new ways to make them feel fresh and alive?

Concentrates have always been one of my favorite subjects to photograph, there’s something mesmerizing about the way the oils shine, drip, and catch the light. They almost look edible, and capturing that richness is incredibly satisfying. 

Trichomes, on the other hand, are much more challenging but just as rewarding. Finding the perfect spot on the plant to photograph takes patience, and stability is everything. When shooting at 10x magnification or higher, even the smallest vibration, like walking in the same room can cause the subject to move. You can’t shoot macro images like that on a second floor, because the tiniest motion in the building affects the focus. It’s a process that demands precision and calm, but when it all comes together, the results are worth every bit of effort.

As a freelance photographer and creator, what’s been the most rewarding part of your journey, and what’s been the toughest?

The most rewarding part of my journey has been realizing that I can make a living doing what I truly love. I know how rare that is, many people have hobbies or passions but don’t get the chance to turn them into a career. When people ask me what my hobbies are, I always say my job is my hobby, and I feel incredibly grateful to be able to say that.

The most challenging part, without a doubt, has been the censorship that comes with working in the cannabis space. As a photographer, I focus on the art itself, the lighting, composition, and emotion behind each image, but because my subject is cannabis, my work often gets flagged or removed from social media. It’s frustrating because these platforms are where most people first discover my portfolio and connect with my business. Despite that, I’ve learned to adapt and keep finding creative ways to share my work and push forward.

You’re now part of the Fat Nugs Magazine family. What does being part of this team mean to you personally and professionally? And what excites you most about helping shape the visual voice of Fat Nugs Magazine as it continues to evolve and grow?

On a personal level, being part of Fat Nugs Magazine means a lot because I feel like I’ve finally found a group of people who are in this industry for the right reasons, to elevate, normalize, and raise awareness about the plant. Professionally, it’s just as meaningful. Working with this team has made me feel like my work truly matters and is genuinely appreciated. It’s inspiring to collaborate with people who share the same passion and purpose, and to contribute to something that’s helping shape how the world sees cannabis.

Paola Tello is proof that artistry and cannabis are cut from the same cloth, both rooted in passion, patience, and perspective. Through her lens, she gives the plant a voice that transcends product photography and becomes something sacred. Her work continues to inspire creators, brands, and cannabis lovers around the world to see beauty in the details and truth in the culture. From her award-winning imagery to her collaborative work with Fat Nugs Magazine, Paola isn’t just documenting cannabis. She’s immortalizing it.