Photographer – Ivan Castelan

Hotel – Dreams Puerto Adventuras Mexico

Where are you from?

I'm from Mexico, born and raised in a little town called Orizaba.

How did you get started as a photographer?

My grandfather gave me a camera as a Christmas gift when I was eleven years old and I remember I immediately signed into a photography class in middle school and I started to do some photo sessions for close friends and local artists.

How long have you been a photographer for?

I've been a professional photographer for 8 years now.

What is the most rewarding part of being a photographer?

For me it is the reactions, whenever a couple comes to our photo gallery to look at their engagement pictures or their wedding pictures and you can see the burst of feelings in their faces, that is the moment when you truly understand how important those moments are and how honored you should be for being part of it.

What does photography mean to you?

It is an opportunity make some else happy every single time they look at their pictures.

What is your favorite style of photography?

I must say Wedding Photography, it has the perfect balance between lifestyle and documentary which I really enjoy

Where is your favorite location to photograph?

I may not have a favorite location yet, but I really enjoy being outdoors, so as long as the location has nice lighting, I would enjoy it for sure.

What is your preferred piece of equipment?

The lenses, because of the number of options you can choose and the different results they can offer.

What is your favorite part about working with Adventure Photos?

My favorite part of working with Adventure Photos is that it gives me the opportunity to meet incredible people from all around the world and be part of their stories as their photographer.

What was the most memorable photo session or wedding you have captured?

There is this sunrise photo session I did for a couple back in 2018, it was amazing, we were at the beach and they wore beautiful traditional Moroccan Djellabas, we were having a blast when out of nowhere he proposed to her and of course she said “Yes!”, it was incredible, since then, they have returned every year and I've photographed them every time and grew a friendship with them.

What is your favorite photograph and why?

That is really difficult to answer, I like a lot of photographs and I believe every day I have a new favorite one but if I have to choose, I would say that one because is truly intimate and you can feel the love and passion of the couple, extra points for being a black & white photo of course.

How did you begin working with Adventure Photos? What hotel are you currently working at?

I was at Playa del Carmen enjoying my Christmas holidays a few years ago and I was staying in a hotel and there was an Adventure Photos Gallery and I was curious about it so I spoke with one of the on-site photographers and I decided to apply a few days later, one of my best decisions ever and currently I’m at the amazing Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya.

If you could give advice to clients prior to their photo session, what would it be?

Don't overthink it, you are in a gorgeous location spending some time with the ones you love, just make sure to bring your smile and I will take care of the rest.

How do you make clients less nervous during a shoot?

I really love to get to know them so I just talk with them, by knowing some details about them I can make them feel comfortable and kind of make them forget I'm there and let them enjoy the moment.