Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudio Castanhola.
Hi Claudio, we’re thrilled to have a chance to hear your story today. Before we get into specifics, could you briefly describe how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Brazilian photographer who has always been passionate about photography since I was a child. At a young age, I opened a fine art and medium and large format digital printing company in Brazil that led me to a search for perfection in all stages, from the moment of clicking to the final file for printing. I have won international awards in the USA, England, and Brazil as a photographer. I lived in Portugal for 3 years and photographed more than 200 restaurants. Despite working in the fashion, lifestyle, and portrait segments, food photography became a passion. Currently living in Clermont, a region close to Orlando in Florida, I dedicate 100% of my life to being a photographer and teaching courses, lectures, and mentoring.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Working in a specific area, we often need to see opportunities. When I moved to Portugal, my purpose would be to work in the wedding line for couples who came from other countries to get married in the castles and beauty of Portugal. However, as soon as I arrived, two things happened: first, I suffered a motorcycle accident and broke my hand, and I had to spend 6 months without being able to take photos doing physiotherapy. Soon after, the COVID pandemic began, and all ceremonies and places for events were closed, prohibiting any gathering. It was then that, realizing the difficulty of restaurants having to work behind closed doors and only with delivery services, I decided to offer my food photography service so that these restaurants would have a difference in taking good photos for their customers, leading to the desire to consume a good product inside your home. I worked inside restaurants behind closed doors, producing photos to be shared on social media, websites, and food delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Doordash.
Thanks. What else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have always been very educated about what I like to do. I want to understand and not simply repeat what others say. So, I test everything I study; I develop different ideas. So, I specialized in studio flashes and love combining natural, ambient, and flashlight. In my conception of photography with flashes, I understand that the flash allows me to photograph at any time of the day and in any weather situation; I can simulate a sun or a night, eliminate external lights, etc. The most important thing is to see the finished photo; one often needs to realize that flashes were used.
Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Do you have any advice?
I always seek ideas and develop photography through renowned photographers from various countries. This is important for understanding trends and creating new ideas. A good channel for this is searching for videos on YouTube and Instagram and participating in conferences at specialized fairs of photographic associations such as PPA and WPPI.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.claudiocastanhola.com.br
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiocastanholaphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claudiocastanholaphoto/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiocastanhola/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/castanholafoodphotographer/
