We recently connected with Karissa Castillo and have shared our conversation below.

Karissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

My photography business began as a side hustle while I worked full-time at my church, which was my primary source of income. I always dreamed of transitioning to photography full-time, but the timing never felt right. When I would pray about this decision, I always heard a “wait” from the Lord. It was never a “no” but a “wait.” In March 2024, the doors opened for me to take the leap and commit to pursuing my photography business full-time in 2025.

As I approach five years working at my church this upcoming March, 2025 marks the first year I’m fully dedicated to growing my business. In 2024, I focused on booking more sessions, refining my skills, and educating myself on how to run a successful photography business.

I believe that by consistently applying the tools and knowledge I’ve gained, I’m on the right path to building a sustainable and fulfilling career through my creative work. This journey has taught me that even when something seems difficult, if God leads you to it, the best thing that you can do is walk in obedience to Him.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Karissa Castillo, and I am a wedding, couples, and graduate photographer based in Southern California. My love for photography started back in high school when I picked up my first camera as a sophomore, and what started as a hobby quickly became a business. I started out photographing seniors, prom, and homecomings, slowly expanding to families and eventually finding my passion in weddings and couples.

Over the past five years, I’ve really poured my heart into growing this business and discovering my niche. For me, photography is all about creating a calm, fun experience where my couples feel completely at ease. I pay attention to the little things—soft lighting, natural moments, and those in-between glances that make their story unique.

My goal is simple: to capture the joy, intimacy, and love my couples share, in a way that feels natural. My editing is true-to-color which gives a timeless look to the photos I capture. My desire is that the couples I photograph are able to look back at their photos and remember exactly how each moment felt. I’m there to make sure the whole process feels easy and exciting, from our first chat to the final gallery.

At the end of the day, I believe photography is more than just snapping pretty pictures. It’s about telling a story and making sure my couples feel seen, celebrated, and comfortable every step of the way.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

One of the most impactful resources that has shaped my business, especially during the transition to full-time photography, is Nathan Chanski’s Business Blueprint program. This course has been a game-changer for me in so many ways. From the very beginning, it challenged me to unlearn limiting beliefs I didn’t even realize I was holding onto—beliefs about who I am as a creative and photographer, how I run my business, and how I serve my clients.

What I have appreciated most about the program was how it guided me to step into a more confident and strategic version of myself, not just as an artist but as a business owner. It pushed me to view my photography not just as a craft but as a service that holds immense value for others. The shift in mindset has helped me refine my approach, create stronger connections with clients, and feel more grounded in the decisions I make for my business.

This newfound confidence has been one of the most transformative parts of my entrepreneurial journey, and I truly believe the insights I have gained from this program will continue to influence the way I build and scale my business moving forward.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is exactly what the title suggests—the freedom to be creative without limits. Photography allows me to express myself artistically while also telling stories that are deeply personal and meaningful to the people I work with. There’s something so special about being trusted to capture some of the most important moments in someone’s life, knowing that the images I create will be cherished for years to come.

What makes this journey even more fulfilling is when clients trust my vision completely. When someone gives me the space to fully step into my creativity—whether it’s experimenting with light, trying new angles, or guiding them through authentic moments—the results always feel the most genuine. That trust fosters a collaboration that not only leads to beautiful images but also creates an experience that my clients walk away from feeling seen, celebrated, and connected.

Being a creative isn’t just about producing art; it’s about building relationships, preserving memories, and creating something that resonates far beyond the moment it was captured. That’s what makes this work so rewarding, and it’s what keeps me passionate about what I do every single day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.karissaelizabethphotos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karissaephotos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karissatakesphotos/

Image Credits

Karissa Castillo – Karissa Elizabeth Photos