Meet Cristian A. Castillo | Photographer & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cristian A. Castillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cristian A., how do you think about risk?
How I’ve thought about risk is that it has been annoying. It’s annoying because of the stress it has brought into my life. The projects I’ve created or helped create have been risky, and I never know how they’re going to play out. It’s all a game of chance, and it’s frustrating because I care so much about the things I put my all into. I always find myself relieved and feeling more confident after reaching the other side of it. Any risk I’ve taken has ultimately been for the betterment of my life, and especially my career. Even when I feel like I’m playing it safe, I’m still putting myself out there to create what others ask of me. It’s all building blocks, and it’s a risk to my own reputation because I’m a very straightforward person in what I seek. Without risk, I wouldn’t be here, and I certainly wouldn’t be in the same spaces as some of the people I once thought were leagues above me. It’s a beautiful thing because risks are what I define as the next step forward in reaching growth.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe what sets me apart from others is my genuine will to serve—creating for others and helping bring their vision to life. It’s always been the coolest thing to hear, “That’s exactly how I envisioned it” or “That’s how I saw it in my head.” Knowing I did what was right for the idea is one of the greatest pleasures of my life. It’s something many forget, especially when working on commissions or collaborations.

What I’m most proud of is the recognition I’ve received for my work. It still surprises me, and I’m often caught off guard by the reactions I get. It can easily become an ego trip if you’re not careful, but I’m proud of what I’ve been able to create. Even more so, I’m proud of the friendships and connections I’ve made through my work—connections I never expected. It’s been a blessing, and I’m lucky to be proud of what my past self has accomplished.

How I got anywhere was by winging it and learning as I went. I’ve accepted that to become professional, you have to fail—and fail repeatedly. It’s trial and error: messing up, losing something, and letting those experiences lead to growth. Winging it can be lazy, and I can be lazy at times, but I’ve learned that I need to put in more effort than just 50%. It’s not the most efficient way, but it’s what’s pushed me to work harder. I don’t know everything, and that’s okay. We all need people better than us to learn from. It’s all stepping stones in the right direction.

In the end, it’s about getting back up after each failure. Each mistake teaches me something, and those lessons keep pushing me forward. These experiences have shaped my career and helped me grow as a person—more patient, more determined, and more willing to embrace the unknown. Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I may not have had it all figured out, but I’m on the right path—and that’s enough to keep moving toward the next goal.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting my area for a week, I’d definitely start with a breakfast spot called Molly’s and then show them around downtown to hit up local gems in the surrounding area. For outdoor fun, we’d hike Mount Baldy or take a scenic drive to get some killer views. Afterward, I’d grab lunch at Mi Pueblito for authentic tacos and finish the day with dinner at Saddleback Grill in Ontario. We’d also check out Victoria Gardens for some shopping, hit up the Upland Museum to catch a glimpse of the city’s history, and spend an afternoon in Claremont Village for a laid-back vibe. For a day trip, I’d take them to Palm Springs for desert views or to LA for iconic spots like Griffith Park. Afterward, we’d wind down with cocktails at Blake’s or The Speakeasy. And of course, I’d make sure to wrap up the week with some relaxed moments, maybe brunch at The Bake Shop and a wine tasting at San Antonio Winery. There’s just so much to do here—good food, good vibes, and great views, all the things that make Upland and the surrounding area worth exploring!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This is my Oscar speech moment, so I’ll start by giving the first shoutout to my family. My mom, dad, sister, and little brother have helped humble me in so many ways. I’m especially grateful for the financial support that allowed me to pursue my dreams, with my dad even helping me get some of the gear that made it possible for me to fall in love with this profession. My mom has always been there, listening and having my back, even when I didn’t deserve it. She’s an unbiased person, but as the firstborn, she also pushed me to achieve my degree in college, always encouraging me to get good grades. As someone who wasn’t the best student, ending up on the honor roll and with a GPA above 3.5 feels insane, and it’s definitely part of my academic legacy. My brother and sister have been the most humbling people, little bullies at times, but I wouldn’t change anything about my siblings.

I also want to give two more shoutouts. First, my love for movies, something I never knew would become my professional dream. It was a passion that stumbled upon me, but I’ve known since before high school that working in film or television production was the career that was right in front of me. It’s been the biggest life change that I’d never regret. And last but certainly not least, my girlfriend of 9 years, going on 10 years in 2025. She has ultimately been the biggest reason I am where I am today. No matter what happened, she’s always been there for me and has pushed me into a more positive light. She’s given me countless reasons to be optimistic, even when I tend to be negative or self-doubting. She’s been the light of my life, and I don’t say it enough, but thank you to my woman. She is everything—the muse and inspiration that keeps on giving.

Website: https://www.madebycastle.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccastle_/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofocusla

Image Credits
Shot by Cristian A. Castillo