Meet Heather Castro | Photographer

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

Hi Heather, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The start of my business was truly such an organic and slow growing machine. I grew up being in love with all kinds of art and found so much joy in being creative. It wasn’t until college that I got a camera and started learning. My husband played college baseball at a small university that didn’t have someone on staff to take photos during games. I was simply trying to fill a need and never thought it would connect art and income for me. From there it evolved as our lives evolved. We had our first baby and I started taking photos of her and that turned into taking photos of friends babies and it just grew from there. Truly just followed each season of our lives but never went all in with it until Covid hit and I lost my work from home job the day I returned from maternity leave after our second baby was born. I was at a crossroads of going back to work and putting my children in daycare or staying home with them full time. I decided that it was time to take that risk and go all in. Betting on yourself is so scary, but I haven’t looked back since then and couldn’t be more proud of what I’ve grown. It has allowed me so much priceless time getting to watch my babies grow, while also getting to let out my creative brain and grow something that has allowed me to help support my family.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think that my approach to photography sessions is what sets me apart. I have a deep appreciation for the sentimental things in life. I want every session to bring deep feelings with it. From your newborn baby girl wrapped in your veil that you wore when you married her dad, to grandmas ring on your wedding day, to chubby toddler fingers holding mama’s hand, and all of the little things that make life so special. Things that can’t be planned for or posed. For families, I always try to do minimal “sit and smile” posing and more organic time with your littles. It’s so hard to get the sweet photos that make you feel all the things if you are trying the whole time to get them to sit still and smile. Instead, we play and hug and have fun together!

The journey to get to this point has been long and full of hard work and sacrifices. I am fully self taught so always being willing to learn and get better and better with every session has been crucial to growth. Photography education can be tricky, because style and editing is so unique to each person. Trying to grow while also keeping true to your personal brand and style is a fine line. Comparing yourself to other photographers is the biggest challenge to overcome in this business. Having cheerleaders in my corner to keep me on the right track has been the biggest blessing.

I have struggled with the idea of finding a “niche” in photography. People try and push you to pick one thing and stick to that. For me, I love so many parts of photography I don’t know how I could ever pick just one! If someone finds a photographer they love for engagement and wedding, they don’t always want to go find someone new for the rest of life’s exciting events. I love so much being a part of my clients stories as long as they will let me. I would love to be their lifelong photographer and see their families grow and evolve.

I have gained some of the most special relationships through this job and I wouldn’t change a single part of the journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am from Alabama and unfortunately haven’t been able to explore Dallas as much as i’d like to.

Eat: Babes Chicken Dinner House, Terry Blacks bbq, Cafe Brazil, Pluckers
Hang out: Bishop Arts, Deep Ellum

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband has supported me and pushed me to follow all my dreams from day one. He has put so much time, money, and love behind this business and it would not be here without him. No one has ever believed in my abilities as much as he has. My cheerleader every step of the way. He works so hard for us and is truly our hero.

Website: https://heathercastrophotography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathercastrophotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076220324717

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heathercastrophotography?_t=ZT-8toE6whR0P8&_r=1

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me (Heather Castro Photography)