© Israel Castillo

Meet San Diego based photographer and APA member, Israel Castillo, specializing in editorial and commercial photography.

Do you have a favorite podcast?
Yes, The Emo Brown Podcast. I was introduced to it by my friend Enrique ‘Chikle’ Lugo. What I particularly appreciate about this podcast is its focus on local artists, business owners and musicians. It provides a platform for these individuals to share their stories, insights and experiences. It’s become a go-to-source for me to discover and connect with the vibrant community around me.

What 3 words describe your photography style?
Intentional
Environmental
Authentic

What inspires you? 
I find inspiration in the simple joys of everyday life, motivating me to embrace new experiences, nurture my passions and strive for personal fulfillment.

What’s your favorite thing about being a photographic artist?
I enjoy the process of bringing ideas to life as a photographic artist. As someone who is constantly engaged in multiple photo projects simultaneously, I thrive on the excitement and challenge of transforming concepts into tangible visual representations.

When you aren’t making photographs, what other pastimes do you have?
Spending quality time with my family, my wife and two amazing daughters (ages 6 and 4). Being able to create memories with them is invaluable to me. Recently, I’ve also taken up running, with the goal of completing a half marathon. For now, I enjoy leisurely jogs around the neighborhood, gradually building up my stamina. However, most of my time is dedicated to my kids.

Who have been your biggest influences? 
During my time at Brooks Institute of Photography, PF Bentley had a profound impact on me as a photographer. As the instructor of the course “Real World Photojournalism”, his teachings have continued to resonate with me and shape my approach to this day. The valuable lessons I learned from him remain a constant source of guidance and inspiration in my daily work. Additionally, I’m grateful for the influence of Javier Manzano, a good friend I met at Brooks. His exceptional skills and talent propelled him to another level. Their contributions have had a significant impact on my growth as a photographer and continue to drive me to push my creative boundaries.

What are the current challenges that you face as a photographer?
I currently face some challenges, one is finding effective ways to connect my work with potential consumers. I am actively exploring avenues to sell prints and standing out in the online marketplace is a challenge. Additionally, I would like to publish photo books of my work. But, another challenge in pursuing this goal is securing the necessary financial backing for these projects. Finding the right funding opportunities and securing partnerships or sponsorships is an ongoing endeavor. Despite these challenges, I remain determined to overcome them.

What have been some of the highlights and challenges of your career so far?
I have been fortunate to experience several highlights and navigate various challenges. One of the most significant highlights was the inclusion of my “Power of the People” image in the San Diego History Center. I’ve also had the privilege of displaying a few solo photo exhibitions and organizing and curating group exhibitions. Another gratifying aspect has been the opportunity to mentor and guide aspiring photographers. Acting as a mentor to a few students in the past was a rewarding experience, as I had the chance to share my knowledge and help them grow in their own artistic journeys. Overcoming self-doubt, honing my skills and finding new avenues to promote and distribute my work have been ongoing challenges. However, the challenges have served as valuable learning experiences and help push me to evolve and grow as an artist.

If you weren’t a Photographer, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t pursuing photography full-time, I would still be actively involved through my current role at Chrome Digital, a fine art print lab. Working in this capacity allows me to maintain a strong connection with the photo community and stay informed about the latest developments and trends. It gives me a pulse on what’s happening in the industry, and I find great satisfaction in being part of the process that brings photographers’ visions to life through high quality prints. So, in a way, I’m already engaged in my passion for photography, just from a different perspective.

What do you do when you get stuck?
When I find myself in a creative rut, I embrace the process and go with the flow. I give myself permission to take a step back and explore other activities or interests.

What is your best advice for your peers?
One piece of advice I would offer to my peers is to print their work. There’s something truly special about seeing your photographs in physical form, beyond the confines or a phone or computer monitor. Printing allows you to fully appreciate the details, textures and colors (or black and white) of your images in a tangible way. It brings a sense of fulfillment and authenticity to your craft.

What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back 10 years? 20 years?
My advice to myself would be to take chances in my craft and be bold in pursuing clients. It’s important to step outside of my comfort zone and embrace new opportunities that may come my way. Don’t let fear or self-doubt hold me back from reaching out to potential clients or pursuing projects that excite me.

What is a photographer’s role now that technology has made it so much more accessible to the masses?
As technology becomes more accessible to the masses, photographers should stay true to their craft, adapt to new technologies and continue to cultivate their unique artistic style. By sharing knowledge and supporting fellow photographers, we can contribute to the advancement of the field while preserving the artistry and creativity that define us as photographers.

Check out more work from Israel Castillo.