My passion in photography started when I was a kid. I fondly remember my grandfather encouraging me to take photos especially during family occasions and every time we went on trips. He told me that a photograph is the only memento that I can hold on to so as to reminisce the beautiful memories of the past.

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Back in high school and college, my love for photography was put on hold as I discovered music. Because of music, I witnessed the beauty of other cities and countries, an opportunity that I never imagined I would be given. But as I look back, the photographer in me never left. I remember taking dozens of Kodak films in my backpack, making sure that I captured everything – from the interesting places that we visited to the many smiles of old and new friends alike.

It was probably six years ago, while walking around my mom's hometown in Quezon that I realized I really wanted to learn more about photography and just capture life as we live it. I saw a group of kids gleefully playing in the plaza and enjoying the cool November breeze. It gave me joy to see how much fun they were having in their childhood. At the back of my mind I said, "If only I could hold on to the candidness of the moment.” I picked a spot, lifted my camera and hit the shutter. From that day on, I just knew I wanted to take images and do it for a long, long time. And like people always say – the rest is history.

In Chicago, I was fortunate enough to have met the talented Gilbert Reyes, owner of the famous GReyes Photography. It was during one of our telephone conversations that I asked him if he could be my mentor and let me assist in his wedding photo shoots. It was my lucky day, he said ‘yes.’ My days were never the same; fueled by the lessons that just kept pouring in. I was so excited with what I have done and what else I could do. Wedding after wedding, I visibly started to grow as a photographer.

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I am an avid fan of the brilliant works of Henri Cartier-Bresson, Edward Steichen and Vivian Maier. Contemporary photographers Jerry Ghionis and Jeff Ascough are my sources of inspiration. It is my hope to learn and incorporate their techniques as I continue to journey into the world of photography.

You may visit more of my works at -- www.john2castro.wix.com/jcastrophotography