Meet Oscar Castro. A Mexico based wedding photographer. Not a big talker, but when he does, his words reveal deep thoughts- thoughts that are evident also in his photography work. His shots reveal a cinematic eye, and a drive to document, an ambition to leave behind a legacy to inspire, and a passion to preserve life’s precious moments no matter how small they may be. So despite a busy schedule and planning for his overseas trips, Oscar found time (I don’t know how) to make this post happen. A lot effort has gone into currating and putting this post, and I hope you’re inspired by Oscar’s work as I have been having the privilege interviewing him (plus, he has a lightsaber, gah!).
By the way, if you happen to be in Sydney Australia, NYC or Barcelona in 2016, hit Oscar up for a meet & greet.
1. What is life to you? What it should be?
Life for me is about the small moments, for example when you get home and hug your wife and child, see your child smile, enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, travel. Most importantly, life is about following and living your dreams with a passion.
2. There are a lot of professions out there - why be a photographer?
Why not be a photographer? For me it is one of the most amazing professions that exists, thanks to photography I’ve traveled many places and met many people. As a photographer, I’m vested with the power to capture stories and moments - and preserve them forever.
3. How much is your family an influence on the way you view life, see things?
My family means everything to me. They inspire me to pursue my photography career, and I make my career decisions based on them. I hope one day, because of what I do as a photographer, my son can tell his grandchildren stories I captured and how I live my passion. And I hope this will be an inspiration to my children and my grandchildren to find their passion in life.
4. What is your favourite non-photography pastime?
I watch a lot of movies. I watch Netflix a lot - it’s a great hangout pastime I can spend together with my wife and son. When I’m not photographing and watching movies, I travel, listen to music and play PS4 (see, I teach Fifa, just kidding!)
5. What movie did you love recently?
6. Is/Are there any project(s) you wish you could do - or might do?
I’d love to teach at photography workshops internationally - perhaps somewhere in NYC and Madrid. I’d like to produce a photo series from all my travels.
7. Do you shoot with your left or right eye?
Right.
8. Are there any unseen experimental images in your attic you’d like to show us now?
I’m working on a "Dark Film" edition of brides portraits. You can take a sneak here.
9. If you were to start all over again, is there anything you would do differently? Why?
Start making photos 5 years ago, why? It would be five years later today :D
10. Where do you see yourself in 10 year’s time?
Travelling a lot more and working on my personal work, ie making photographs from my travels. I plan to develop an online print shop of my personal work. I think I probably will retire from photographing Weddings by then and build on from my travel work.
Bonus Q: Do you think the gear you use affects the way you photograph? Why?
The gear is important. However, the most 2 important aspects in photography are: “passion” and “learn to see”.
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