Check Out Jessica Castro’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Castro.

Jessica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Reflecting lately, I realized it all started with one of my childhood treasures, this photo album of all the film photos my dad had taken of their life together in the 80s before they had me in 1990. It’s like an Instagram thread before hipsters and digital media were even a common thing. These photos have stuck with me and have driven me to capture emotional, raw, beautiful moments for other families. I genuinely believe everyone should have access to gorgeous, authentic images of memorable moments in life to live and inspire for a lifetime throughout generations of your family.

In 2012, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Photography from the University of Central Florida with training in both analog film and digital photography. I’ve spent the past 17 years working in major cities like Orlando, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.

Now I’m a wedding, family, and brand lifestyle photographer based in Southern California for 12 years, primarily serving Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, and the Greater Los Angeles area; available for travel worldwide.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been several struggles along my 17-year journey with photography. Most of these issues stem from the business side of photography when you’re learning to run your own business and work as a freelancer. There have been instances earlier in my career of having contracts with employers and not getting paid at all for work that was executed, delivered, and used for their business. This first happened with a magazine I shot an editorial for, which later got exposed for its bad business practices. It then happened with a photographer I had an established relationship with second shooting for her business, who took advantage when she found out I was moving away to the West Coast. I feel like a lot of this happened earlier in my career when I was working for lower rates. Unfortunately, people will take advantage of you at times when you’re starting off if you’re not picking up on it. In recent years, most of my struggles have come from the lingering shift in the wedding industry following the pandemic.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a wedding, family, and lifestyle photographer based in Southern California. My approach is Lifestyle, which is rooted in documentary and candid, but provides guidance when needed. I bring along editorial experience and techniques as well for those looking for a more fashion/polished approach for portraits.

My work is rooted in gratitude. Every client is so special to me. Providing a calm, secure, comfortable experience is of high importance. My inspiration is driven by individuality and nature. Focusing on what makes your story unique, the landscape you choose to be immersed in, and capturing sweet moments with the people you choose to celebrate with.

What’s next?
My plans for the future are to hopefully become a new homeowner and further root my business here in Southern California. I am also exploring and growing my business in new ways over time, and as technology changes. In recent years, I’ve been revisiting offering analog film photography as an add-on with growing demand from clients.

Pricing:

• Portrait Sessions start at $600 hourly
• Elopements start at $1000 hourly
• Wedding packages start at 4 hour coverage for $3500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jessicacastroweddings.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicacastroweddings/