FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE WEEK
ASH CASTRO : PLAYING WITH COLORS
By Yugel Losorata
MANILA BULLETIN
Lifesytle/Picture Perfect Section
December 09, 2008
Photography has provided much color to the life of Ashley Castro, a rising fashion expert whose artistry is shown through the images of models posing in front of him. Still in his first year as professional photographer, he has swiftly gained a good number of clients – continuously growing through referrals and who have seen his work online or somewhere else.
Ashley’s work is characterized by good color combination that makes his subjects more moving and alive even in stills. “I love to play with colors. For me it adds life to the subject.”
The fashion-sensitive artist obviously deals with models and fashion designers, ensuring the atmosphere of good taste in clothes and chic posing during shoots. As the one who captures the images, he determines the best angles in freezing models and everything beautiful created by the good mix of colorful outfits, pretty make-ups, and stylish posing.
“When you are into fashion photography you are being updated by the latest trend since you’ll be working with people in the same industry,” notes Ashley who lives in Manila and is a member of a big family of nine.
His interest in photography began when he was in college as he became volunteer clicker who made use of point-and-shoot camera or camphone. Friends who also play with cameras were able to lure him to formally make a career out of taking photographs.
Ashley did not study photography in a formal sense but more of self-discovering the possibilities of a camera in proper use. The way he thinks and his ways are now reflected with his choice of specialization, allowing him access to the world of people he never expected of rubbing elbows with. “I have also experienced a lot of humiliation and criticism on my work before when I was just starting in photography. For me, mediocrity could be overcome through learning on each shoot,” he humbly recalls.
Working in a call center for three years, Ashley decided that going full-time in photography was the way to go. He now has an online portfolio bearing his contact and enabling him to communicate with inquiring people. What’s amazing is the fact that lots of people are spreading the good news that he is good, allowing him to expand his network seemingly without sweat.
“In the context of fashion photography, an effective photograph for me is something that people appreciate not just because of the model but also the important others that complement well such as the make-up, the clothes, the styling, and even the art direction. I could say that I am an effective fashion photographer when I have given justice to any of these,” he observes.
Ashley now contributes to magazines and newspapers. Recently he did a shoot for an ad campaign for United Nation which is a project of Youth Exchange in cooperation with the United States Agency for International Development (on sustainable energy development project). An exhibit this January will show some of his stuff.
While considered very friendly and approachable, Ashley opted not to join in any photo organization, and in effect doesn’t participate in photo contests. The only time he did submit an entry was in a Rayban Rockstar competition that attracted thousands of hopefuls. Luckily, or since he is talented than most of the other contestants, his entry was chosen as one of the five grand winners.
Although fashion photography is enough for him as bread and butter, Ashley points out, “For me anything is pretty much interesting to shoot. Although I am specializing in fashion photography, as a photographer I find beauty to any other subject. I have done other shoots as well not just fashion.”
He adds, “Aside from earning a money, the best thing about being a photographer is meeting new friends and artistic people sharing the same passion. As a photographer, you get to express ideas and thoughts through photographs and I think that’s the best consolation for the hard work.”
Considering himself still new to the trade, Ashley admits there’s so much to learn still. However, he has already carved in almost no time the kind of work that suits him well. He is one who goes for ‘simplicity done clean.’ “I make sure that even the model’s pose is simple yet it speaks towards the audience.”
“I guess in the next few years I will still be doing photoshoot,” estimates the colorful Korean-looking but-proud Pinoy digital photography artist who has everything to last in the field longer than he himself expects.
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