Michelle-Castillo

capturing authentic memories to last forever

Hi, I'm Michelle!

I’ve loved photography for as long as I could remember.

My professional journey 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 Bad Suns for an on-campus magazine. I didn’t know concert photography was a thing at the time. 

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

If I’m not photographing your favorite artist, 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!

Capturing Memories is my Greatest Joy

Proudly Capturing Concerts, Drag Performances, and Authentic Connections

I love finding unique angles and perspectives during shoots. If I can make a creative edit out of a seemingly throwaway shot, I’ll do it. Fun poses, vibrant colors, and sparkles are my thing! I hope they’re yours as well. 

Keshi by Michelle Castillo-17
Bad Suns by Michelle Castillo-11
Untitled design
Starcrawler by neonicreative

The Philosophy

Capturing Candid, Natural Moments

I want to capture you in your element. Doing what you love is the greatest joy in life. Being able to showcase that to the world is what I’m here for.

Genuine Connections with Clients

Getting to know you before our shoot is the first step. I always make time to schedule a meeting either in person, via video chat, or over the phone to understand each other’s goals. 

Careful And Detailed Editing

I’ll meticulously go through each photo to color correct, remove blemishes and things out of the ordinary, and make sure everything look perfect. 

capturing authenticity in the wild

Night of the Living Drag Michelle Castillo
Crowd by neonicreative
Toni Breidinger by Michelle Castillo
by Michelle Castillo

Heartfelt

Authentic

Take the Quiz

Guilty Pleasure

Fizzy Pomegranate

Favorite Mocktail

Shirley Temple with Tonic Water

Secret Talent

Singing “Somebody to Love” in its original key

Can’t Live Without

My mp3 player

Fave Travel Experience

My weekend in Puerto Rico

Favorite Reading Genre

Realistic Fiction

Usually Craving

Chili Cheese Fritos

Back-up Career

Fiction Writer

Hazel by Michelle Castillo

"She captures the scene beautifully, gets people in a great pose, a candid moment and the overall atmosphere - I look back at these albums all the time."

Liz Cahill, Decentered Arts