Founder of Castaneda Pictures, Photographer & Retoucher
My name is Ryan Castaneda and I am a passionate Portrait Photographer. Learning photography was a huge challenge for me. I didn’t go to school to learn my craft and so I found mentors in the industry through social media that had online videos. This was a challenge, to have sleepless nights staying up learning, soaking up as much information as I could. I felt dedicated to learn and it was all worth it. There was a lot of trial and error to learn how to properly use a camera and learning how to retouch photos.
My whole life I only thought about doing things for myself. Photography made me want to give back to others. Taking photos of others and giving to them rather than to myself made me humble. It changed me to my core and I am truly grateful for that. I believe everyone has a story to tell, and each story is powerful and beautiful. That is what is behind each photo, not just the subject, but their story.
CastanedaPictures.com
Stage A, chosen for this shoot, is a modest sized studio, great for a nice and clean high-key look. A long time favorite of our clients, Stage A gets beautiful direct sunlight in the morning through north and east-facing windows, and beautifully soft indirect light as the day goes on. Equipped with all of the same great gear that’s included with all of our studios – strobes, light modifiers, radio trigger, and paper backdrops – it’s a wonderful place to be able to achieve different looks all in the same place. Visit Stage A on our website to learn more.