ASH CASTRO : LIVE. LAUGH. LOVE

ICON-O-CHROME OPENSHOOT

2010-07-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

CREDITS

MAKE-UP ARTISTS

Nanan Villalba

Dino Lazaro

Gerry Penaso

HAIR STYLISTS

George Delfin

Mark Baquiran

Mycke Arcano

STYLIST

Mikee Andrei

ASSISTANT TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Evanz Evaristo

Joal Nueve

Johnry Lorenzo

ACCESSORIES

GLAMZ AND GLITZ by Mikee Andrei

Thanks to :

Kenneth Chua

Chynna Ortaleza

Ryza Cenon

Railey Valeroso

Say Alonzo

Nene Tamayo

BLACK 2 BASICS LAST BATCH

2010-04-27T06:08:00.001-07:00

MARCH 7 SHOOT - NOW UPLOADING PHOTOS. PLS WAIT

2010-03-22T06:07:00.000-07:00

BLACK 2 BASICS BATCH 3 ( MARCH 6 SHOOT ) CLICK IMAGE TO GET THE LARGE FILE... UPLOADING MORE PHOTOS.. PLS WAIT

2010-03-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

BLACK 2 BASICS BATCH 1 ( FEB 27 SHOOT ) CLICK IMAGE TO GET THE LARGE FILE

2010-03-14T06:02:00.000-07:00

BLACK 2 BASICS BATCH 2 ( FEB 28 SHOOT ) CLICK IMAGE TO GET THE LARGE FILE

2010-03-14T00:46:00.000-08:00

SHOOTING SOME GMA ARTISTS ( STARSTRUCK BATCH 1)

2009-10-30T04:44:00.001-07:00

CHARICE PEMPENGCO NEW LOOK

2009-10-30T04:00:00.001-07:00

Make-up by Jake Galvez

Hair by Buern Rodriguez

Photography by Ash Castro

REPRESENT MANILA BATCH 2 : . PLS CLICK ON THE IMAGE SO AS TO GET THE LARGE FILE

2009-10-29T22:34:00.001-07:00

REPRESENT MANILA BATCH 1

2009-10-02T03:16:00.000-07:00

FACE2FACE : BEAUTY AND STYLE EXHIBIT

2009-09-29T10:58:00.001-07:00

Last September 25 was the grand launched of Face2Face Beauty and Style Exhibit mall tour at SM City San Fernando, Pampanga. Thanks to SM Pampanga for accommodating us and for the very warmed welcome.

Rcxy, Me, Darryl, Jake, Xtina, Jujiin, Lotho Lotho

Media Interview

Jake, Xtina, Matt, Jujiin

Jake Galvez

My work :)

Chatting with Aldrin Pacheco of SM Pampanga

Lotho Lotho looked like a kid here ;)

With my babygirl Celine :)

Me, Xtina, and Matt

VISIT MY NEW ONLINE PORTFOLIO

2009-09-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

kindly visit http://ashcastro.tk

2009-09-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

Maybe a happy ending doesn't include someone.. maybe its you, on your own, picking up the pieces and starting over, freeing yourself up for something better in the future.. Maybe the happy ending is just moving on..

or maybe the happy ending is this : Knowing after all the unreturned calls, broken hearts, through the blunders and misread signals, through all the pain and embarrassment, YOU NEVER GAVE UP HOPE.

4 YEARS AND COUNTING..

2009-08-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy these past few days thus wasn't able to update my blog site. God is amazing that I was able to survive my 4 years of stay in Manila. I thought living alone would be very crucial especially that my family isn't with me. But I found home with friends who never fail to support me on my endeavors. Their love for me is overhelming..
Have rubbed elbows with people I never expect to meet.. Blessings and favor are overflowing.. I am excited on what's next is in store for me.

PAST FORWARD

2009-06-13T01:13:00.000-07:00

I AM LETTING GO OF THE 7 REASONS TO HOLD ON. THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL MOMENTS WE'VE SHARED. I WILL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL FOR THE LOVE AND CARE YOU'VE SHOWN ME. IT WAS AMAZING, YOU WERE SO BRAVE.

IT WASN'T EASY FOR ME. WE WE'RE BOTH HURTING.

... AS WE MOVE ON, MAY WE WILL LEARN MORE LESSONS THAT WILL MAKE US MORE MATURE AND STRONGER. MAY WE FIND CONTENTMENT AND HAPPINESS THAT WE'RE BOTH LONGING FOR. I LOVE YOU. I FORGIVE YOU.

- ASH CASTRO

SOME GOOD THINGS NEVER LAST

2009-05-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

SOME GOOD THINGS NEVER LAST. SO LEARN HOW TO VALUE THOSE PEOPLE WHO CARE AND APPRECIATE YOUR WORTH. TREASURE EACH MOMENT TOGETHER AS IF THERE IS NO TOMORROW. LOVE THEM UNCONDITIONALLY SO THAT YOU WON'T END UP WITH "WHAT IF", AND "IF ONLY".

BATHROOM CONFESSIONS

2009-02-26T21:11:00.001-08:00

Model : Dianne Reyes
Make-up by Jeff Robles
Photography & Art Direction by Ash Castro
Louboutin Shoes & Accessories by Alta Redor

2009-02-20T23:55:00.000-08:00

SHOOTING JED MADELA

2009-02-15T17:08:00.000-08:00

Model : Jed Madela
Styling, Photography & Art Direction by Ash Castro
Make-up by Dino Lazaro
Hair by Icko Enriquez

BEHIND THE SCENES

LOVE IS....

2009-02-14T16:43:00.001-08:00

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,
it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

credits : my vector above made by Rori

FASHION HERO RISING

2009-02-14T15:10:00.000-08:00

PUBLISHED IN BUSINESS MIRROR LIFE/STYLE SECTION FEB 08 ISSUE
Fashion Writer I C. MENDEZ LEGASPI
Designer I DAX BAYANI
Photography and Art Direction I ASH CASTRO
Makeup I NANAN VILLALBA
Hair I GEORGE DELFIN
Models I ERIC ELEAZAR & ALLEN LITONJUA

ARTICLE ON THEIR ONLINE LINK

BEHIND THE SCENES :

ON SHOOTING KIDS

2009-02-14T14:58:00.001-08:00

I think Kids are the coolest and challenging models to shoot.. Malikot sa set.. at pag sinabing ayaw na..ayaw na.. lol.. I did a shoot with Sophia for her upcoming 4th birthday. This little girl is so cute :)

BEHIND THE SCENES

BTS EYE CANDY SHOOT

2009-02-10T17:54:00.001-08:00

PEOPLE BEHIND EYE CANDY PROJECT

2009-02-10T17:46:00.001-08:00

AMINA ABAYA CATALOGUE

2009-01-15T10:25:00.000-08:00

AND SO AFTER FEW NIGHTS OF POST PROCESSING THE PHOTOS FROM OUR SHOOT, FINALLY THE AMINA ABAYA COLLECTION CATALOGUE IS FINISHED. SO COOL :)

MODEL : DIANNE REYES
MAKE-UP : JEFF ROBLES
PHOTOGRAPHY : ASH CASTRO

CATALOGUE PHOTOS ARE ON THIS VIDEO :

MY NEW MULTIPLY LAYOUT

2009-01-15T10:11:00.000-08:00

New layout courtesy of Icon Online Magazine. Thanks and kudos to Sir Jendy Asuncion.

Kabalen Ash Castro : Self-Taught Professional Fashion Photographer I CENTRAL LUZON DAILY NEWSPAPER

2009-01-12T22:53:00.001-08:00

I got featured in Central Luzon Daily Newspaper last Dec 02, issue. Too bad, I forgot to buy a copy.. Anyway they say they will send me one.. Thanks to Jason Paul Laxamana. Long live Kapampangan artists!

to view the complete interview, you may visit their online site.. click HERE

ASH CASTRO PLAYING WITH COLORS

2009-01-12T22:43:00.000-08:00

IT WAS MY FIRST TIME TO HAVE A 3-PAGE FEATURE ON A NATIONAL SPREAD. THANK YOU TO MANILA BULLETIN FOR APPRECIATING MY HUMBLE WORKS AND FOR THE GOOD FRIENDS WHO HAVE BEEN SO SUPPORTIVE TO ME EVEN WHEN I WAS JUST STARTING ON MY CRAFT..I AM SHARING THIS FEATURE TO ALL OF YOU GUYS..

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.

STUDIO MAP & SUGGESTED CLOTHES/STYLING ON EYE CANDY SHOOT

2009-01-11T19:06:00.001-08:00

Since the shoot is fast approaching. I'd like to share some photos where you could get an idea on what to wear and what to bring on the studio.

Photos below grabbed from web

STUDIO MAP . click image to view original size

OGIE SINGS WITH THE IDOLS

2009-01-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

Last December I had the chance to meet in person one of the Filipino's pride Ramielle Malubay. A cute Filipina who have shown the whole world pinoy's talent on singing in American Idols. A small but terrible. :)

I was invited to cover their concert in Aliw theater---Ogie Sings with the Idols. The winners of the recently held Pinoy Idols search were also part of the concert. Menaya a fast rising filipino indie band also did some covers on the show. . Thanks to Brian, Glenn and Mark for accompanying me.

backstage with Ramielle

Ramielle on stage

on center, Bryan of Menaya Band

the Pinoy Idols

with Glenn, Brian, and Mark

Ogie Alcasid on stage

Ramielle on Ogie Sings with Idols. Got this from YOUTUBE

Ramielle on American idol

ASH-TIG!

2009-01-08T07:12:00.000-08:00

T-SHIRT DESIGN BY JAY OLEA AND VECTORIZED BY DOMINIQUE PAYTONE.. ASH-TIG derived from the word ASTIG in tagalog, which means a positive impression.

I.e in a sentence :
Astig ng dating mo pare!
Astig naman ng jaket mo, lakas makamayaman :)

I'm loving the design. I Wish this could be materialized and someday I could wear one. :)

Thanks Doms and Jay! :)

EYE CANDY PHOTOSHOOT PARTICIPANTS RELEASE

2009-01-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a long night and I thank Kenn for the help on filtering the applicants for the upcoming Eye Candy photoshoot. I was surprised by the huge number of people who are interested to join. Too bad we cannot accommodate everyone for we only have limited time and staff for this event. Here is the list of participants :

note : this is not updated

1.Aaron Jude Gonzales
2.adrian james loya
3.alvin melgar
4.angela dizon
5.Ardon Alegre
6.bench tinao
7.borj vergara
8.cess grace
9.chad galang
10.Chiro Poblete
11.czar garcia
12.dan santos
13.darwin sacro
14.dexter ian mallari
15.Dhan Alonzo
16.Diane Uy
17.dustin Ibay
18.ennuh tiu
19.fao yarte
20.gerry penaso
21.gwenjacob
22.Herbie Rios
23.ian felix alquiros
24.iya tomada
25.jadel lee
26.jam melchor
27.JC Medes
28.jeb barsana
29.Jennifer S. Daanoy
30.jerrol villadulid
31.Jethro L. Ibarrola
32.ji young bang
33.jm lago
34.john deleon
35.john edward palma
36.Joubert yao
37.Jovy Querubin
38.Justyn Reyes
39.kael manansala
40.Karla Karizsa Lapan
41.keith James M. Macapagal
42.kent vitor
43.kim edison
44.kit salas
45.kit sherwin cruz
46.Kristoff de Villa
47.lanie
48.Laydee Baltazar
49.lem estiva
50.Leonard Co
51.lhenvil john y. paneda
52.neil magu
53.Mai Laborde
54.Marcuz Padolina
55.Marinella Arabejo
56.marjo Guzman
57.Mark Angelo Bolinao
58.Mark Chua
59.mark dust
60.maruko
61.meg lagumen
62.Mel Ase
63.Melvin Aquino Tayao
64.mike francis mendoza
65.mj cachero
66.nadine sta. maria
67.nyl patangan
68.Nick Guila
69.Nico Tulabot
70.nina calso
71.Paolo Jose David
72.Patrick Relatado
73.patrick reyes
74.ralph tong
75.rb mayor
76.rein antonio
77.renan barco
78.shuichi yuki
79.Stephanie Go
80.trish caoili
81.van burgos
82.vic fabe
83.vinci te
84.will laxa
85.joseph medina
86.dominique paytone
87.karen winquel
88.brian phillip galicia
89.dianne reyes
90.sho komori
91.nathaniel dham Naval
92.jake gonzales
93.kevin cristobal
94.kevin mancilla
95.jane montemayor
96.tina
97.mark chua
98.erika chua
99.john benedict yu jeco
100.Vanessa M. Ensendencia
101.Hector Dela Sala
102.Patrick
103.Trisha Foley
104.Romeo Mariano
105.Patrick Pepito
106. Randy Tepace
107 Ace aquino
108 Kristine Nidoy
109 Aldrich Poblete
110 Cheeney Reyes
111 carlouie atienza

Kenn busy listing the applicants

sleepless huh. great job man! ;)

THE AMINA ABAYA COLLECTION

2009-01-06T21:14:00.000-08:00

ITS WAS MY 1ST TIME TO SHOOT CLOTHES LIKE THESE. ALTA REDOR'S COLLECTIONS ARE TRULY FAB. TO VIEW THE COMPLETE SET OF PHOTOS. PLS GO TO http://ashcastro.multiply.com/photos/album/407/THE_AMINA_ABAYA_COLLECTION

behind the scenes

Alta Redor and Jeff Robles at work

me with pretty Dianne ;)

EYE CANDY : THE PROJECT SHOOT

2009-01-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

Model : Kenn Murakammi

Model : Dino Imperial

I STARTED MY NEW YEAR WITH A RELEASE OF A NEW PROJECT ENTITLED "EYE CANDY". THIS PROJECT IS VERY MEANINGFUL TO ME SINCE COLORS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MY SIGNATURE WITH MY WORKS.

IT IS OVERWHELMING THAT A LOT A PEOPLE ARE EXTENDING THEIR SUPPORT INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPHY FRIENDS. THE SHOOT WILL BE HAPPENING ON JANUARY 17, 9AM-6PM AT INDIOS BRAVOS MAKATI.. I AM PRAYING THAT IT'LL BE SUCCESSFUL AND WILL HAVE A SMOOTH SHOOT FLOW. I SWEAR IT ISN'T EASY TO SHOOT MORE THAN A HUNDRED OF FOLKS IN A DAY. ANYHOW THIS WILL SURELY BE FUN AND I AM EXCITED ABOUT IT..

I AM EXTENDING MY GRATITUDE TO KENN MURAKAMMI, DINO LAZARO, DAN CABUGAO, KAIYE ROLDAN, AND ICKO ENRIQUEZ FOR MAKING THIS PROJECT POSSIBLE.

BTS--SHOOTING EYE CANDY

NEW YEAR

2009-01-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

ITS NEW YEAR AND SO I'M BACK TO BLOGGING..ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE I UPDATED THIS ACCOUNT. ITS BEEN EXISTING FOR MORE THAN A YEAR NOW.

I HAVE CELEBRATED MY NEW YEAR ALONE IN MY PAD BECAUSE I HAD TO FINISH SOME IMPORTANT CLIENT STUFFS. ITS WASN'T A REASON THOUGH NOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR THE PAST YEAR. MY 2008 WAS A BLAST. I WAS ABLE TO FINISHED SOME OF MY GOALS WITH THE HELP OF CHRIST.

LORD, I THANK YOU FOR BEING SO WONDERFUL IN MY LIFE. YOUR LOVE, GRACE AND FAVORS ALWAYS AMAZE ME. I AM VERY EXCITED FOR WHAT THE 2009 BRINGS. GOOD HEALTH AND GUIDANCE FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY IS ALL I'M ASKING. THE REST... I KNOW YOU WILL PROVIDE ;)