When I first started Heartbox Photography almost 9 years ago, I (as many photographers who are just starting out will attest to) began experimenting with the various styles and types of photography I wanted to specialize in. Everything from families to weddings and everything in between helped refine my creative style over the years and clearly showed me that I thoroughly enjoyed portrait photography that specifically highlighted women the most.
Tiffany Castillo is a devoted mother, wife, and works as a loan officer with Green Family Mortgage, a family-owned mortgage broker. During the early stages of my business, I had the privilege of working with Tiffany on a styled photoshoot in the San Jose area, as she so graciously agreed to help me build my portfolio and serve as one of my models.
It has been many years since that photoshoot and I recently had the honor of working with her again, this time to create her business headshots. One of my favorite things about her session is that we not only got to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor light, but also that her images prove you can absolutely have professional headshots that seamlessly integrate a fresh style and sense of fashion as well.
Without further ado, I am proud to share with you all the latest photoshoot featuring this phenomenal woman, Tiffany Castillo.
Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair & makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry
“My passion is giving people knowledge regarding home financing and homeownership. Although I am a “mortgage loan officer,” I like to consider myself an advisor when it comes to home financing. Advising new and current homeowners how they can best utilize their largest asset.
Interestingly enough, it took me awhile to get here – it was not a straight line and I am proud to have arrived at my destination thus far. When thinking about “what I want to be when I grow up,” it was never a mortgage advisor.
While in tech, my manager knew I was not happy and asked where I see myself in 5 years. I was honest and told him that I can see myself in real estate but not as a realtor. He reached out to a family member who is a mortgage broker and asked if she would be willing to speak with me. From there, she took me under her wing and has guided me to where I am today.”
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?
“Being part of this big event in a person or persons life/lives. The elation and excitement they feel, that its doesn’t seem real because it hasn’t all set in yet. The challenges – in general, purchasing a home is a stressful time due to the timeline of the purchase. Getting first time homebuyers to understand that things are moving as they should can be hard as there is a lot at stake for them, and I completely understand. I think it really comes down to trust – building that trust with my client – both a joy and a challenge.”
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?
“Save early and don’t live outside your means even if it looks pretty – whatever it was, it was not worth it knowing what I know about being financially healthy with an asset of a home!”
What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of?
“I appreciate my family - my kids are my pride and joy. They are what push me every day to do what I do. To help those families who are like mine and only want the best for them.”
Who inspires you and why?
“Again, my kids. They really show me how important it is to live in the moment. That not everything is so serious. They inspire me to be a better person every day and I base my decisions on what is best for them, both personally and professionally.”
A fun or surprising fact about yourself?
“I am an adrenaline junkie, love tattoos, roller coasters, anything to get the heart racing – you’ve got one life, do what makes your heart go!”
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
“I would want to see my grandfathers to be honest. They were both very different men and when they passed, for one I was too young, and for the other, I was too naïve. I would want to sit down with them and ask them about their lives – how they came to be who they are. Stories from my family are great but I have my own questions and would love to hear their stories from them.”
