Daily Inspiration: Meet Shanna Castro

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

Hi Shanna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a destination wedding and lifestyle photographer based in Los Angeles. When I think about my journey with photography + the role it played in my life, whether I knew it or not, photography was always something that I was drawn to from an early age. The developed rolls of film in boxes + photo albums stored at my parent’s house serve as a testament to this. I was the one who took full advantage of the “Camera Days” my school had – I remember one year, I took a whole camcorder vs a simple point and shoot. Capturing life as it was, both through video + still images was always something that was a source of joy to me. It reminded me of the life I was living – the people in it + the memories I created with them. Whenever I was feeling overwhelmed or upset about anything, I could easily look back on those moments + immediately feel uplifted.

Growing up in an Asian American household, the idea of choosing a profitable profession to ensure my financial security was highly emphasized. My parents always encouraged me to explore various hobbies + sports for a busy + well-rounded childhood but it was also very clear which specific interests were considered hobbies. Art, while fulfilling, was viewed as a supplementary skill that would enhance my life + provide balance but not particularly one that would provide stability financially. So I went off to college as a biology major ready to contribute to the world! I still had my trusty camera in my purse wherever I went but my focus had shifted a bit.

It’s so cliche to say but it’s funny how one small moment really does change your path in life. In 2007, my best friend got married. Her make-up artist had a DSLR camera to photograph her work + asked if I would take some photos of her “in action” and I had a full on photoshoot with her and the bride! This re-ignited my spark for taking photos + this was the start of it all.

I received my first DSLR in 2010 + believe me when I say it was always in my hand + dove right in! I took photos of everything + anything. I experimented with so many filters/presents/edits (oh man, those early year edits are quite a sight!). But I was a sponge. I watched countless YouTube tutorials, registered for webinar classes, took design/art classes, joined online membership groups + attended conferences. I was so hesitant to put my knowledge to the test but wanted to improve so I started asking friends if I could photograph them just to practice. The following year, I booked my first client for a holiday session + then another. In 2017, I booked my first wedding client + hit the ground running. Since then, my extended ‘ohana has grown exponentially + it’s been such an honor + joy to be part of such memorable days in their lives. I’ve been lucky to have my husband as my business partner + as my second shooter. Every event/shoot is always such a fun time + it’s always a bonus when we get to spend extra time together.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey of entrepreneurship hasn’t been without difficulty or the constant doubt/second-guessing yourself. I have yet to meet another business owner who says it’s a piece of cake + they don’t experience any challenges. I struggle with imposter syndrome, self-doubt and the dreaded comparison game. I still work a full-time job, which I love, so in the beginning of my business, it was difficult to carve out time to connect/meet/collaborate with other vendors. I’m more of an “I’d love to meet up” kind of person vs. texting. With weddings on the weekend + me working during the workweek, it was really hard to connect. I also wrestled with the self-doubt where I questioned what my purpose was + whether I was good enough. I would see others making moves + leveling up + wishing I was brave enough to get out of my own way and do the same. I’d be lying if I said these same thoughts didn’t affect me anymore. Also, no one really tells you how running a business with your husband creates unique challenges that can impact your marriage, haha! We had some interesting growing pains in the early years but it really stretched us + taught us how to communicate effectively + truly be a team!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a destination wedding photographer, I have my passport + luggage always out + ready to go! I’m based in Los Angeles and primarily service the Los Angeles/Orange County area. With familial ties to Hawai’i, I have the privilege to find myself flying back + forth to photograph the most beautiful engagements + weddings on this side of the Pacific.

Hawai’i is notoriously famous for their “Aloha Spirit” + having split half my life between Los Angeles + Hawai’i, it’s ingrained in my own life. I extend + share this with all of my clients. I’ve always embraced the reality that our families extend beyond our front doors + that there is always room for an extra seat at the dinner table. This value of ‘ohana provides an opportunity to welcome strangers like dear friends. This is what I’ve always strived for + am so overwhelmed with gratitude when my clients express their comfort after a session etc. Hearing that their experience was beyond their expectation or that they could really relax + let their true selves shine is something I’ll always wear like a badge of honor.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Covid-19 provided an opportunity to learn how to be intentional with how I utilize my time + prioritize my health (both mental + physical) over everything. I tried to say “Yes” to everything. Pre-Covid, I was always working to show + feel that I was constantly busy because in my mind, the more you were doing, the more successful you were. The pausing of all events had me stop to re-evaluate + ask myself what MY version of success was. Was it to photograph a luxury wedding? Was it to travel the world? To be able to work from home in my pj’s? Spend more time with family? Everyone’s version of success is different + I realized I was trying to measure up to a movie version of success in order to be perceived as a legit + successful wedding photographer but once I let go of that idea, a huge weight fell off my shoulders. I also took a significant break from social media. Social media is such a tricky thing haha – it’s a great source of inspiration but as we’ve also learned, it can promote a false reality + standards. It would break my confidence every now + then if I wasn’t posting enough content or coming up with clever + cute captions. Being active on social media was becoming a dreadful chore + took a toll on my effort to promote my business.

After taking a step back to review the things that weren’t serving me or my career in a positive, healthy way, I revised my workflow, my goals for what I hoped for + started to lay the foundation for the direction I want to drive my business all while being in a healthy mental space. 2020 was a traumatic year for so many reasons but one of the silver linings that I can be thankful for was that it gave way to having truthful conversations that resulted in a lot of growth + clarity for both my business + personal life.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.shannacastrophotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannacphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannacphotography
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shanna-castro-photography-torrance

Image Credits:
Profile Photo: Dale Castro (IG: @daleacastro) All other photos by Shanna Castro Photography