We were lucky to catch up with Andrea Castañon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Following my passion for photography has not only helped me discover and respect myself more, but it’s also connected me with a community that is full of love and support. Being a full-time, self-employed creative comes with its challenges — it demands immense determination, constant problem-solving, and the reality that your work is always on your mind. But even with the challenges, I can’t imagine going back to a 9-to-5. Leaving a high-paying job in NYC was one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made, especially with the loss of income and the wave of self-doubt that came with it. Yet, looking back, I know it was the right choice for my well-being and my peace of mind.

Andrea, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I specialize in dog and family portraiture, with a focus on creating fun, unique images that capture the special bond between pets and their parents. I hold a BA in Photography and have spent the past 14 years refining my skills, particularly in retouching. My experience spans working on set, in studio, with fast-paced companies, and editing covers for top fashion magazines in NYC. Throughout my career, my love for animals has remained a constant, and it was my own dog, Bowie, who inspired the direction of my work.

Bowie’s adoption in 2016 marked the beginning of my journey into dog photography. I started by taking portraits of him and adding playful, yearbook-style backdrops in Photoshop. What started as a fun weekend project soon turned into something more meaningful: I set out to create a dog yearbook, and donating the proceeds from my sessions to Social Tees Animal Rescue, the non-profit where I adopted Bowie. From there, my work expanded to pop up events in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., where I partnered with dog-friendly venues and continued to grow my business.

Over time, I also began offering family portrait sessions, using Photoshop to create silly, slightly unlikely poses with their dogs. My approach is designed to make everyone feel at ease: each person and pet is photographed separately, allowing for more time and less stress, before I combine the images into one cohesive shot during post-production.

What I’m most proud of, however, is my commitment to giving back. To date, I’ve donated over $16,500 to animal rescues across the U.S. from the proceeds of my sessions. Supporting these organizations is something I’m incredibly passionate about, and it’s an honor to be able to give back to a cause that means so much to me.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I recently had to unlearn the habit of putting work ahead of my own health. I’ve always been the type of person who says yes to almost all opportunities, even if it meant sacrificing basic needs like eating or sleeping. I knew it wasn’t sustainable, but I kept pushing myself into a cycle of burnout.

Lately, I’ve realized that there’s always time to prioritize yourself. When you’re authentic and open with your community and client base, they can be incredibly understanding and supportive. A strong work ethic is important, but no project is worth sacrificing your mental health or physical well-being. Your health should always come first.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When the pandemic hit, I had to quickly pivot. With all my travel and in-person events canceled, I knew I needed to find a new way to connect with clients. I started an online service where families could photograph their pets at home, e-email the images to me and using my Photoshop skills, I would then transform those photos into professional-looking portraits by adding custom backdrops, giving them the feel of a studio shoot.

As time went on, I expanded the options, creating seasonal and themed backdrops for the holidays. This shift not only helped me stay afloat during a tough time, but it also gave me a creative outlet and allowed me to continue delivering meaningful portraits to families who needed them most.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bowieshoots.com
• Instagram: @bowieshoots
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bowieshoots
• Other: TikTok: @bowieshoots

Image Credits

Copyright Andrea Castañon dba BowieShoots