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Michelle Castillo

oakland concert photographer

Hi, I’m Michelle!

I kind of fell into photography. It started when I was a marketing rep for my community college documenting student life and sporting activities. When I went to UC Berkeley, I was given the opportunity to photograph one of my favorite bands, Bad Suns, for an on-campus magazine. I’d never photographed a show at that point, I didn’t even know concert photography was a thing. Even though I stopped doing photography all together for two years after, I’m so happy I picked it up again.

Since then, I’ve worked with some incredible organizations including Subaru, Another Planet Entertainment, Oasis SF, UC Theatre, Goldenvoice, Noisepop, DNA Lounge, and many more. I also had the opportunity of photographing the Jungle Giant’s set at Outside Lands 2023.

If I’m not doing photography or getting lost listening to my favorite Spotify playlist, you can find me sitting outside and writing for my music magazine or discovering something new in and around the Bay Area.

I’d love to get to know you! What’s your favorite show (and why is it Avatar: The Last Airbender)? What’s your dream shoot? If you’re not in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’m always down to travel!

Let’s Get To Know Each Other

My Instagram

The photo posted around Berkeley + the photo from The photo posted around Berkeley + the photo from this set I absolutely adore ♥️

I’ll never see @chappellroan in a venue like @theuctheatre ever again, but I’ll always cherish this show 

#chappellroan #concertphoto #sfphotographer #bayareaphotography
Finally got to hear “Bambi” live 😭😭 @th Finally got to hear “Bambi” live 😭😭

@thehalocline for @foxoakland @apeconcerts 

#hippocampus #concertphoto #bayareaphotography #blackphotographer #blackcreators
Brought out my Canon ae1 to @shabangslo this year! Brought out my Canon ae1 to @shabangslo this year! Loved how these shots came out. Highkey back on my film game

Thank you @asm.analog and @paulaner.sunset for developing this on site! What an amazing idea ♥️
 
Shot on Fujifilm Superia 400 iso for @cutitoutmag 

#filmphotography #filmphotos #filmisnotdead
Had such an incredible time at @shabangslo this ye Had such an incredible time at @shabangslo this year! There a few interviews and galleries I’m working on, but here are a couple photos of @gothbabemusic for now ♥️

Shot for @cutitoutmag 

#gothbabe #shabang #concertphotography
From a week ago! @sunday1994forever for @popscenes From a week ago! @sunday1994forever for @popscenesf @rickshawstop 🫶♥️

Concert photography, San Francisco photographer, Sunday (1994)
Follow on Instagram

Three Random Facts About Me

I was a villain in my friend’s short film

You can say I’m a bit of an actor haha. My friend and her brother had created a short horror film for their Halloween party and they asked me to be the main villain! I think the whole thing is still up on YouTube.

I’m a first-gen

Both sides of my family are from Honduras. They immigrated to the states way before I was born. I’m forever grateful for the sacrifices they made to give me an amazing life.

I met the rapper Cupcakke in an elevator

My friend’s leaving me behind was one of the best things they could have done. Catching the elevator after them to get a good spot for Cupcakke’s show on my college’s campus led me to awkwardly meeting her in person.

My Favorite Photos So Far

Available For…

Concert and Festival Photography

Cover Art for Singles and Albums

Behind the Scenes Photography

Press Photography

My number one priority when it comes to photography is to make you look as beautiful as you already are. It’s not just about the pictures, anyone can take them. It’s the ability to be your full self in front of my lens. This is how we will create your perfect photo.

To learn about my rates, booking, and more, email me at hello@michellecastillo.co or click the button below!

Contact Me

Footer

The photo posted around Berkeley + the photo from The photo posted around Berkeley + the photo from this set I absolutely adore ♥️

I’ll never see @chappellroan in a venue like @theuctheatre ever again, but I’ll always cherish this show 

#chappellroan #concertphoto #sfphotographer #bayareaphotography
Finally got to hear “Bambi” live 😭😭 @th Finally got to hear “Bambi” live 😭😭

@thehalocline for @foxoakland @apeconcerts 

#hippocampus #concertphoto #bayareaphotography #blackphotographer #blackcreators
Brought out my Canon ae1 to @shabangslo this year! Brought out my Canon ae1 to @shabangslo this year! Loved how these shots came out. Highkey back on my film game

Thank you @asm.analog and @paulaner.sunset for developing this on site! What an amazing idea ♥️
 
Shot on Fujifilm Superia 400 iso for @cutitoutmag 

#filmphotography #filmphotos #filmisnotdead
Had such an incredible time at @shabangslo this ye Had such an incredible time at @shabangslo this year! There a few interviews and galleries I’m working on, but here are a couple photos of @gothbabemusic for now ♥️

Shot for @cutitoutmag 

#gothbabe #shabang #concertphotography
From a week ago! @sunday1994forever for @popscenes From a week ago! @sunday1994forever for @popscenesf @rickshawstop 🫶♥️

Concert photography, San Francisco photographer, Sunday (1994)
Follow on Instagram

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