Photographer Lili Castillo

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in Mexico City, Mexico? :)

—Me! ;)

—Are you photogenic?

—I don´t think so.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I started in Madrid, when I went to study a master's degree in photography. What I start as a job to pay the bills ended as something that I love to do.

—What are the most important components of a good photo in your opinion?

—Light, composition and moments.

—Do you love traveling?

—Yes, it inspires me a lot. Thats why I love doing multicultural weddings, I love knowing more about other cultures, traditions and religions.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Search for unique moments that do not repeat, and make them look beautiful and powerful, make images that convey emotions.

—What is special in the photography genre you specialise at?

—I think that wedding photography is the combination of many types of photography in a single day portrait, documentary, product, etc.

—How do you handle criticism?

—It is very important to hear constructive criticism to grow as a photographer. It's hard to evolve without humility.

—What should be the criteria for a customer to choose a photographer?

—I would say that each photographer has a look, if you see his portfolio and you feel identified with his or her images I think it is for you. In the end he will be your eyes that day.

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a photographer notice?

—Emotions and moments at their best, these happen in fractions of seconds.

—What influences the value of a photo? What are its elements?

—An image that is beautiful, powerful or tells a story.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Rather than thinking of a person I would think of an animal, the snow leopard. Since I saw the movie "The secret life of Walter Mitty" I was shocked thinking about living an experience like that.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—With Paul Nicklen or with Cristina García Rodero.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—I don't have a muse that inspires me, I think what inspires me are the relationships between people, I like the challenge of being able to capture those relationships in images.

—How do you define success? How do you measure it?

—Success for me is to be the best photographer I know I can be, it is not a challenge against someone else but with myself. I think that as long as you love what you do you can always find a way to be better.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Both, you can seek the balance.

—When you're going to travel, what do you take with you and why?

—My camera obviously, I could not have experiences and not want to keep them.

—Is there anything among your gadgets that you wish you haven't bought? Why?

—Economic lenses, I did it when I was a rookie and I would never do it again.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Practicing, seeking criticism from other people I admire, and putting on personal challenges.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—Although it sounds cheesy: love

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—I love what I do.

—What about life on other planets?

—Maybe.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I spend time with my husband, family and my dogs.

—Do you believe in the traditional roles for men and women?

—Nop

—Is there life after marriage?

—Of course, without a doubt.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Dogs.

—Who or what do you hate?

—Honey! I tried to like it but I can't.

—The best thing in life is:

—The people we love and love us.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—The selflessness for taking care of nature, we are destroying our planet.

—Can you give a few tips for photographers who are just starting out?

—Study, prepare and commit because this job involves a lot of responsibility.

—If aliens come to the Earth and you are the first person they meet, what will you tell them?

—Welcome!