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

Hi Gustavo, why did you pursue a creative career?
As a child, my passion for creativity ignited through making videos. Whether I was directing and editing skits with friends and family on my trusty camcorder or crafting stop-motion films using my mom’s old Motorola Razor, I found immense joy in storytelling through visuals. However, as I entered my teenage years, I drifted away from this passion, grappling with the insecurities and uncertainties typical of high school life.

After high school, I took the conventional path and found myself at a community college, hoping to find clarity, but the sense of direction remained elusive. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon the opportunity to work on a feature film that everything clicked into place. Witnessing the entire filmmaking process reignited the dormant spark within me, reminiscent of the creative fervor of my childhood. It was a profound full-circle moment that illuminated my path forward.

From that moment on, pursuing a creative career became my unequivocal calling. The vibrancy of Atlanta’s artistic community, combined with my own artistic vision, drew me into the world of freelance photography and cinematography. Today, I can confidently say that I’ve found my true purpose. There’s a profound fulfillment in capturing moments and weaving narratives through my lens that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere. It’s not just a career choice; it’s a way of life that resonates deeply with who I am.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is an extension of my journey—a fusion of personal experiences, creative vision, and boundless passion. What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and storytelling. Under the banner of ‘Midnight Visuals,’ I delve into the depths of the night, capturing its raw beauty and mysterious allure. In the darkness, I discovered my muse—finding inspiration through the interplay of shadows and contrasts. I would say my work is best characterized by its dark, grungy aesthetic, which delves into the enigmatic beauty concealed within the night’s depths.

What sets ‘Midnight Visuals’ apart is its unique perspective—a marriage of darkness and light, capturing moments that unfold when the world sleeps. I take pride in crafting images that evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue, inviting viewers to explore the hidden depths within each frame. Embracing this darkness has been integral to my journey, allowing me to discover the beauty that lurks within the shadows and to showcase it through my work.

I’m most proud of the connections I’ve forged through my work—the ability to freeze fleeting moments in time and evoke lasting memories for my clients. What excites me the most is the endless potential for innovation and growth in my craft.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been anything but easy. It’s been a journey filled with challenges and obstacles. Yet, each hurdle has been a stepping stone, pushing me to evolve and refine my skills.

I’ve learned that resilience and perseverance are key. Every setback has been an opportunity for growth, teaching me to adapt, learn, and push past limitations. Surrounding myself with a supportive community of fellow creatives, I’ve found strength in collaboration and shared experiences.

‘Midnight Visuals’ is more than just a name—it’s a testament to my dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Through my work, I aim to transport viewers into a world of darkness and light, where every image tells a story and every frame captures the essence of the night. My journey is far from over, but I’m excited to continue exploring the depths of creativity and leaving a lasting impact through ‘Midnight Visuals’.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d definitely take them out to one of the many great food spots in the city and probably work our way to the malls and little five points for some shopping and then at night we could probably catch a local show or sports game then head to a local bar after that!

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 parents for allowing me to express myself as a child and for providing the tools to do so even when resources were scarce, I wouldn’t be who I am today without their patience and support

Website: https://midnightvisuals18.mypixieset.com

Instagram: @midnightvisuals__

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavo-castillo-775582210?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Other: midnightvisuals18@gmail.com

Image Credits
all photos taken by myself

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