Meet Jessica Castro | Professional Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Castro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, why did you pursue a creative career?
Artist run in my blood. My fathers side of the family has a very successful world renowned glass business, Arribas Brothers. I grew up admiring a box of photos my parents had of their 7 years together in the 80s before having me. It was when I traveled to Colombia with my parents that I decide I would want to purse a degree and career in photography. Throughout college I would pick up work as a contributing photographer for a local magazine, testing models at agencies and small business clients in the fashion industry. Photography is a wonderful way to connect with others. I love the cultural aspect and how unique each person and job can be. Nothings more rewarding than making someone feel special and beautiful. I really haven’t pictured myself doing anything else since junior in high school me put the idea in motion.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My personality is something I’ve learned that shows through my work and makes it accesible. Making my clients comfortable, seen, properly represented means a lot to me. Colorful, modern and authentic is how I would describe my work. Expressiveness and light are things I like to explore. My journey to where I am today had many obstacles but you learn and overcome until the next one. You learn more about yourself what you want , what you client wants , how to provide that, etc. Comparing yourself and despairing won’t help specially when you’re in an industry with so many variables to “success”, define that for yourself, you’ll find yourself in peace and with direction. My success has come from working hard, being a good and reliable business owner, learning from problems or struggles and great emotional support from friends/family/colleagues.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
LA has so many wonderful gems within and surrounding. One of the most magical things to me when I moved to CA from the east coast was the fact that the beach, the mountains and the desert where all within reach. El matador is always a great and impressive beach to take visitors to. Sundays DTLA at The Row has smorgasburg, such a fun way to taste all the great food from LA and support smaller owned businesses. My friend Evanice has her Cuban plant based food truck “Senoreata “there and her papa rellenas take me back to childhood.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s so many wonderful people who have helped my journey along the way. My photography and other industry artist/stylist friends are solid humans we have gone through this journey together anywhere from 5-10 years now. Their talents and time always mean the world to me. Grateful to have friends who have been kind to referral each other and not just compete. My clients are angels and many are recurring monthly, quarterly or yearly. There are publicist I’ve worked with for 8 + years now and the opportunities they have provided me with have definitely been impactful.

Website: www.jessicacastrophotography.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/heyjesshi

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-castro-b50b062b

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/jessicacastrophotography/