Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Castaneda.
Hi Michael, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey as a photographer began on my move from Florida to California. I was never a nature person, yet on that trip I saw parts of this planet that simply amazed me. I only had a cell phone at the time but I knew I wanted to capture what I was witnessing for all others to see. I bought my first camera not much longer after that and the rest has been a never ending road trip that is constantly evolving.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Struggles always come with great change. I sold everything I owned when I moved west and had to start completely over again. I never saw photography as my passion so to say I was behind the game is quite the understatement. There are a lot of very talented individuals in this field with absolutely amazing work. The good part is it’s an amazing group of people that truly love this passion and we all help push each other to extend our own boundaries and constantly grow our abilities.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am primarily a landscape/lifestyle photographer. Though I do portraits at times, usually I stick to a more natural approach to display my work. My work has a glowing and almost dreamy feel to it and that is actually inspired from painters rather than photographers–Albert Bierstadt and Thomas Kinkade. For me, my pride comes in the ability to continually grow and change while still being able to tell stories through my images.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Memories make me happy. In Florida, I was a golf professional and was able to acquire a lot of material items during that time; however, it came at the expense of my time and mental well-being. I worked non stop six days a week for the better part of 8 years straight. Though financially, I was happy, everything else was quite the opposite. I knew something was wrong so I placed my notice and sold or donated away the life I had built there. After seeing the planet in a new way on that long drive over, I knew that I wanted to start investing more into memories and photography just kind of came along with that deal.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: michaelcastaneda.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/_mcastaneda_
- Facebook: facebook.com/mcastanedaphotography
- Twitter: twitter.com/_mcastaneda_
Image Credits
Michael Castaneda (myself)
