Chris Castillo
Huntington Beach,CA
Summary
Versatile creative with expertise in photography and print production, skilled in digital imaging, color management, and high-quality output. Known for blending technical precision with artistic vision to deliver impactful visual content.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Photographer and Photo Editor
Castillophotography
03.2008 - Current
- Served a diverse range of industries, including weddings, corporate events, fashion shoots, family portraits, sporting events and product photography
- Enhanced visual content quality by meticulously editing and retouching images for print and digital publications
- Planned and prepared for on-location and studio shoots
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business
- Managed color correction for print and digital media, preserving artistic intent and integrity of original photographs
- Continuously updated knowledge of industry trends, new technologies, and best practices to maintain competitive edge as a skilled printer professional.
- Collaborated with other photographers and videographers to capture special events.
- Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
- Customized photography strategies based on intended use and client preferences.
- Maintained studio equipment, including cameras, lenses, computers, lighting and backdrops.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Understanding of Generative AI
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
Print Production Specialist
Harbor Distributing (contract)
02.2025 - 10.2025
- Calibrated machines to maintain required productivity levels
- Inspected equipment and systems to identify issues. Then solved said issue
- Set up and operated printing press machines.
- Multi-tasked to keep all assigned projects running effectively and efficiently.
- Employed root cause analysis to troubleshoot equipment and processing issues.
- Examined job orders to determine quantity, stock specifications, colors and special printing instructions.
- Work with Epson sure color T77700. Summa flat bed vinyl cutter. Also Oki pro 9431.
- Using ship station and liftoff software
- Works well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Collaborated with other leaders and executives to direct workflow and support operations.
- Collaborated with internal teams to streamline operations across materials handling, production, and shipping.
- Enhanced processes by pinpointing bottlenecks and working with supervisor to resolve.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Facilitated printing of images for client's portfolio.
Photo Editor/Photographer
Ethika
04.2019 - 09.2024
- Photographed products in studio on form and model. Then color matched in photoshop
- Contributed to brand recognition through consistent application of design guidelines in all edited images
- Used Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom to crop, invert and control light and color properties of photos
- Handled high-pressure deadlines with ease by implementing effective time management strategies and prioritizing tasks accordingly
- Streamlined photo editing workflow, resulting in increased efficiency and faster turnaround times
- Championed the adoption of new software tools and technology, driving innovation and improved efficiency within the team
- Retouched skin blemishes and tattoos and removed unwanted images from objects with Adobe photoshop
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Edited, toned, captioned, and uploaded photographs for publication.
- Selected and set up appropriate props, backdrops, and lighting.
Photo Editor/Film Processor/Manager
Pro Photo Connection
02.2015 - 12.2018
- Achieved excellent customer satisfaction by ensuring timely completion of all film processing tasks.
- Improved color accuracy with meticulous attention to detail during the chemical mixing process.
- Provided expert advice to amateur photographers on best practices for capturing images and selecting appropriate film types.
- Collaborated with team members to develop new strategies for faster turnaround times on large orders.
- Performed regular equipment maintenance checks, preventing potential malfunctions or delays in production timelines.
- Enhanced film processing quality by consistently maintaining and calibrating equipment. Which in turn generated more sales
- Maintained a clean, organized workspace to maximize productivity and minimize errors in film processing.
- Assessed customer needs and examined order contents to identify processing requirements and timelines.
- Utilized Adobe photoshop to perform photo editing, retouching and restoration.
- Ran and managed the photo equipment rental department
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving abilities, quickly identifying and resolving issues that arose during production runs.
- Improved color consistency across print runs by conducting thorough quality control checks.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Counted money in drawers at beginning and end of each shift.
- Utilized POS system to handle customer cash and credit card transactions.
- Used Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom to crop, invert and control light and color properties of photos.
- Printed photo images on canvases, mugs, totes and mouse pads to customize special orders for customers.
Staff Photographer
Robert August Surf Company
03.2008 - 04.2016
- Served a diverse range of industries, including weddings, corporate events, fashion shoots, family portraits and sporting events
- Enhanced visual content quality by meticulously editing and retouching images for print and digital publications
- Planned and prepared for on-location and studio shoots
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business
- Managed color correction for print and digital media, preserving artistic intent and integrity of original photographs
- Continuously updated knowledge of industry trends, new technologies, and best practices to maintain competitive edge as a skilled printer professional.
- Examined job orders to determine quantity, stock specifications, colors and special printing instructions.
- Collaborated with other photographers and videographers to capture special events.
- Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
- Customized photography strategies based on intended use and client preferences.
- Maintained studio equipment, including cameras, lenses, computers, lighting and backdrops.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
Education
Bachelors of Arts - Photography With An Emphasis in Digital Imaging
Brooks Institute of Photography
Santa Barbara, CAHigh School Diploma -
Mater Dei High School
Santa Ana, CASkills
- Excellent workflow management
- Creative direction
- Proactive approach to problem solving
- Studio management
- Color theory
- Project management
- Lighting techniques
- Deadline oriented
- Team leadership
- File organization
- Time management
- Excellent communication
References
References and Salary History upon request
Timeline
Print Production Specialist
Harbor Distributing (contract)
02.2025 - 10.2025
Photo Editor/Photographer
Ethika
04.2019 - 09.2024
Photo Editor/Film Processor/Manager
Pro Photo Connection
02.2015 - 12.2018
Photographer and Photo Editor
Castillophotography
03.2008 - Current
Staff Photographer
Robert August Surf Company
03.2008 - 04.2016
Bachelors of Arts - Photography With An Emphasis in Digital Imaging
Brooks Institute of Photography
High School Diploma -
Mater Dei High School