We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karissa Castillo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Karissa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My purpose started to unfold back in high school when I first picked up a camera. I began photographing friends for school dances and doing a few family sessions. At first, it was just something fun I enjoyed, but over time, I realized how much I loved documenting milestones and special seasons in people’s lives.
As I kept growing in my faith, I started to see photography as more than just taking pretty pictures—it became a way to serve people and reflect the love of Jesus. Especially with weddings, it’s such an honor to capture moments that are sacred, joyful, and full of meaning. That’s when it clicked that this is what I’m meant to do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a wedding and couples photographer based in Southern California, and I get to document love stories in a way that feels meaningful and true to each couple. I’m all about capturing the in-between moments and all the little things that make your relationship uniquely yours.
What excites me most is that I’m not just taking photos—I’m preserving memories people will look back on for the rest of their lives. That never gets old. It’s such a joy to come alongside couples during such a meaningful season and create a space where they feel comfortable, seen, and celebrated.
At the core of my brand is my faith in Jesus, intentionality, and simplicity. I want my couples to feel at ease, to know they’re in good hands, and to walk away with photos that reflect who they truly are, not just how they looked, but how it felt. My heart is to serve people well, and to tell stories that last.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities that made the biggest impact in my journey:
1. Patience – Growth takes time, and so does finding your voice and style. I had to learn to be patient with myself in seasons when things felt slow or unclear. Trusting the process—both creatively and in business—has been huge.
2. People skills – Photography is such a relational job. Knowing how to connect with people, make them feel comfortable, and communicate clearly has made all the difference. Great photos come when people feel seen and safe, and that starts with how you show up for them.
3. A willingness to keep learning – From editing to posing to running a business, there’s always something new to learn. Being open to learning, not being afraid to ask questions from others more experienced than I am, and trying new things has been so helpful.
Advice for those early in their journey: Don’t rush it. Focus on building a strong foundation and being okay with starting small. Step out creatively, invest in education when you can, and don’t be afraid to reach out to others in the industry. Continue to practice and hone your craft, and this will impact your business long-term.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always excited to connect with couples who are planning intimate weddings or small gatherings. There’s something really special about slower-paced, intentional days where the focus is fully on the couple and the people closest to them. If that’s your heart too, I’d love to come alongside you and help document your day in a way that feels honest, beautiful, and true to you. If you’re planning a more elaborate, larger wedding, I’d also love to document your special day.
I’m also looking to collaborate with other vendors and venues who share that same passion for meaningful, intentional celebrations. Whether it’s styled shoots, creative projects, or simply building relationships with like-minded people in the wedding space, I’m all for it.
If you’re reading this and want to connect or create something together, I’d love to hear from you! The best way to reach me is through my website or Instagram—I’m always just a message away. My website is karissaelizabethphotos.com and my Instagram is @karissaephotos
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karissaelizabethphotos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karissaephotos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karissatakesphotos
Image Credits
Photos by Karissa Elizabeth Photos | www.karissaelizabethphotos.com
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
