Hello, my name is Pablo D Castillo Jr. Born and raised in the Bronx, I'm a hustler at heart and entrepreneur at mind. A self-taught photographer and videographer, I travel throughout the boroughs of New York capturing cityscapes during golden hour and long exposures at night. In February 2020, I founded @InTheBronx , which is dedicated to showcasing my hometown.
What is your favorite photo you've taken and why?
My favorite photo taken was one of the greatest sunsets I ever witnessed. After a busy day at work, I saw the sky was being engulfed by an ocean of drama and colors. I ran home as fast as I could and went to my rooftop in order to capture the glory of what was unfolding. The clouds formed waves of bright oranges and purple over the streets of Grand Concourse, in the Bronx. This image is not only the greatest sunset I captured but also the first time one of my images was used as a cover for a book. I was fortunate enough to have my image used for The Bronx Council On The Arts newest Anthology “Bronx Memoir Project Vol.5”.
What made you want to become a photographer?
I used to live a negative lifestyle and needed a positive outlet in order to stay creative. I was involved with graffiti as a teen and started to realize the risk I was taking wasn't ideal for my future. 2016 was the year I invested in purchasing a camera in order to express my creative thoughts while still being able to adventure the streets of my city. It's the greatest decision I’ve ever made.
Why do you enjoy using Lume Cube? Do you have a favorite piece of gear?
Lume Cube lets me bring my creative thoughts to life! Using my imagination I like to create hearts, halos, orbs, and even graffiti light paintings at various locations throughout the city. My favorite gear to use is the Lume Cube 2.0 Pro Lighting Kit . It offers some really cool attachments and interchangeable color gels to express my mood.
Who are you inspired by?
First, I'm self-inspired, I believe in myself first and my ability to achieve anything I apply my mind to. Self-love and self-motivation are the keys to success. Second, I'm inspired by my family, my family is the core of my support and my why. And last but not least is my community of content creators and entrepreneurs pursuing to live out their dreams.
If you weren’t a photographer? What would you be instead?
If I didn't make the decision to invest in a camera, I probably would have further honed my skills in graffiti and art.
What is your go-to camera?
Sony A7RIV
Any advice for new photographers?
Have fun! Be patient and remember why you started. Photography can open new doors of opportunities for your future if you stay dedicated.
What is your preferred editing software?
Adobe Photoshop / Lightroom & Premiere Pro.
Has there ever been a time when a shot did not turn out as expected?
Not always, but it definitely happens often. That's a given when pursuing photography. It doesn't matter how much you prepare for a shot, circumstances will always change and you have to be ready for it. Dedication and persistence are key to getting through these failures. I could plan a specific shot for months and when the day comes, conditions can change. It’s all a part of the game.
Where is the next place that you want to shoot with Lume Cubes at and how would you use the lights?
It isn't a specific place but more of a concept I think about. I would love to photograph some light paintings underwater. How? I'm thinking of a clear pool with a model in a beautiful dress floating submerged underwater using a Lume Cube 2.0 to draw out some shapes or words. My imagination is pretty wild lol.
Describe your photography style in 5 words.
Thought-provoking, Limitless, Memorable, Nostalgic, and Artistic.
If you could photograph anything or anywhere in the world, what or where would it be?
I'd love to photograph the Northern Lights from any of the Northern regions: Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, or Finland.
