Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sara Castaneda. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
I knew I wanted to travel, so I took steps to find a job that allowed me to work remotely. My camera has always been my companion, so it wasn’t just about seeing new places—it was about going through this journey together and exploring how we could express ourselves to the world. I had already experimented with commercial photography and commissioned work, but this journey was something I had to do for myself.
In early 2020, before the pandemic hit, I had the idea of traveling through Europe to photograph architecture, myself, and anything else that caught my attention. I wanted to be free from the pressures of meeting deadlines or having someone follow up about the photos I took. I’ve never seen photography as just a job, but I don’t consider it a hobby either. To me, a hobby can sometimes feel like an excuse to be passive about your passion, while doing it strictly as a job can strip away its authenticity.
Once I had the idea, the next steps were both simple and challenging: I had to figure out the logistics of remote work, plan my travels, and ensure I had the right gear for my photography. I mapped out potential destinations, researched visa requirements, and budgeted carefully to sustain both my travels and my creative work. I also had to learn how to balance the spontaneity of artistic exploration with the structure needed to keep myself organized on the road.
When COVID hit, it slowed me down, but it didn’t stop me. I returned home, continued practicing my craft, and photographed brands locally while making plans to go back to Europe—where I felt I truly belonged. This time away helped me refine my style and gave me a deeper understanding of what I wanted to capture when I returned.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve been photographing since before Instagram existed. As a kid, I carried a small Casio point-and-shoot camera in my back pocket, capturing candid moments with friends in the neighborhood. That instinct to document the world never left me—I’ve been photographing ever since.
My work isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about seeing the world through a specific lens—my lens. I prefer clients to come to me for my eye and my artistry. I see myself as both the director and the visionary—I have the idea, and I execute it. When clients approach me with rigid expectations, the outcome may not align with what they envisioned. But when they trust my perspective and give me creative freedom, that’s when the magic happens. To bridge the gap, I sometimes create mood boards or spec sheets to help clients visualize the direction, but the core of my work is rooted in my interpretation.
I work exclusively with natural light. There’s something liberating about stepping outside and letting the world itself become part of the composition—whether it’s sunlight casting shadows on a wall or the interplay of architectural lines. Studios feel confining to me, as if they shut the door on the endless possibilities that exist beyond four walls. While studios offer control, I thrive in the unpredictability of natural elements. It’s the chase—the fleeting, untouchable beauty—that makes capturing it so rewarding.
My style leans toward minimalism with a touch of abstract, a pop of color, and a hint of surrealism. I find images overloaded with details overwhelming. Instead, I focus on one striking element that demands attention, creating a sharper, more powerful impact. I want my photos to make people pause—just long enough to wonder: Where was this taken? Is this a painting? Is it photoshopped? Is this real? I aim for clarity with an air of mystery—not a puzzle to be solved, but an image that invites curiosity.
What I’m most proud of is staying true to my vision. I don’t create for algorithms or trends; I create because it’s how I process the world. My work is a reflection of both the seen and the unseen—moments that might otherwise slip by unnoticed. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that when they engage with my work, they’re not just seeing a photo—they’re seeing the world as I see it, framed by intention, curiosity, and emotion.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Let me tell you a secret: none of us know what we’re doing. We might look like we do, but the truth is—we’re all just figuring it out as we go. Being “a creative” isn’t some exclusive title reserved for a chosen few. It’s something we all are. Creativity is a muscle. Some people build it, stretch it, and push its limits, while others leave it dormant. But it’s there, in everyone.
What I think non-creatives struggle to understand is that creativity isn’t about having a perfect plan or a grand vision from day one. It’s about questioning the rules—both the obvious ones and the invisible ones we don’t even realize we’re following. Think about it: you’re supposed to cross the street when the light turns green, right? You’re supposed to use a shopping cart in the grocery store. These are rules we accept without thinking, but who says it has to be that way?
Creativity is about noticing those rules, both literal and figurative, and asking, Why? It’s not just about breaking them for the sake of rebellion—it’s about exposing them. It’s shining a light on the invisible lines society draws and deciding whether you want to step over them, erase them, or draw new ones entirely.
The journey of being a creative is finding the rules you want to challenge—the ones that don’t serve you, the ones that limit expression, the ones that people follow without question. That’s where the treasure is buried: in the discomfort, in the questions, in the digging. And when you find it—when you become aware of how much of life is shaped by rules that can be rewritten—people will notice. Not because you’re trying to lead, but because they’ll feel drawn to the freedom you’ve claimed for yourself. No one wants to be a zombie to rules. Most people just don’t realize they are until they see someone else break free.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Yes, absolutely. I never took any classes or had a teacher for photography—I was completely self-taught, and that was hard. I didn’t have a community where I felt like I belonged without feeling like an outsider. If there’s one thing I’d recommend, it’s finding a mentor early on. It doesn’t have to be formal—it could be a class, a one-on-one session, or even just someone you trust who knows more than you do. I wish I had asked for advice back then, but I was embarrassed. There’s this unspoken pressure in creative spaces where you’re expected to already know everything, and if you don’t, you risk being belittled. People can be condescending over things like having a nicer camera, a bigger following—whatever it is.
I don’t think you should rely solely on classes or teachers. There’s so much growth in exploring on your own. But having someone you can turn to with questions—someone who makes you feel supported, not judged—can be the difference between pushing forward or putting your camera down out of frustration. I’m lucky my love for photography survived those moments, but I know a lot of creative dreams die because people can’t forgive themselves for mistakes. They quit before they give themselves the chance to grow.
I also wish I’d sought out a community earlier—not necessarily one tied directly to my art, but one that supported me in the journey. I had a wonderful teacher in high school who taught journalism and illustration. Years later, I still message him for feedback on my photos—not because he’s some famous photographer or has a huge following, but because I genuinely value his perspective. That’s what matters. Find people whose opinions you trust because of their insight, not their status.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saritaxsmiles.com
- Instagram: @saritaxsmiles
Image Credits
I am the owner and photographer of all of the images