Joe Castello, owner of Joe Castello Photography, brings a unique blend of simplicity, passion, and professionalism to his craft. Known for his straightforward, no-nonsense approach, Joe offers a range of photography services, including weddings, events, family and professional portraits, and real estate listings. In fact, you’ve probably seen many of his photos in this magazine as he is one of our preferred photographers. 

 

"I love meeting so many great people through Real Producers and capturing who they are, both personally and professionally, in their environment—whether it’s at their home, business, or a location that means something to them," Joe shares.

 

Joe’s journey as a photographer has been anything but conventional. His interest in photography began at a young age, and he was influenced by artistic, street, and photojournalism styles. As with everything that has ever captured Joe’s curiosity over the years—like sailing or working on cars and watches—he dove straight into it and began teaching himself the craft. 

 

“I love finding out how things work and experimenting with new ideas, and that [trait] has definitely driven my photography,” notes Joe. 

 

While Joe enjoyed doing photography growing up, he really wanted to become a paramedic. With a deep focus and drive to achieve his goals, Joe enrolled in night school for basic EMT training when he was seventeen years old, and that choice led to another: “I decided to just simply get my GED and focus on my future,” Joe states matter-of-factly. 

 

Entering paramedic school before his class even graduated, Joe obtained his license by age nineteen, and he has been working as a paramedic for the past twenty-two years—nineteen of which have been with the Chicago Fire Department. Ever true to his focus and drive, Joe pursued a career in photography at the same time. At twenty, he started working professionally with a studio, focusing on weddings and portraits. This early experience laid a strong foundation for a photography career that has spanned over twenty years now. 

 

Balancing his career as a full-time paramedic with the Chicago Fire Department, Joe's twenty-four-hour shift schedule allows him the flexibility to pursue his passion for photography. Such balancing and care requires efficiency and reliability, something he brings to his business. In fact, his work with the fire department, where he continuously encounters life's fragility, deepens his appreciation for capturing life’s fleeting moments as a photographer.

 

“Memories can fade over time, but photographs can bring us back to those moments with a vividness and clarity we might not be able to achieve on our own,” says Joe.

 

Joe’s straightforward approach to life informs both his photography and his business model, which emphasizes simplicity and transparency. This minimalist approach frees him to be more creative and “in the moment,” ensuring that every shot captures the true essence of his subjects. 

 

"I've been doing this a long time, and I like to keep things simple,” Joe explains. “That’s why I charge flat rates with no hidden fees. All costs are upfront, so clients know exactly what to expect." 

 

For top-producing REALTORS®, Joe emphasizes his versatility and commitment to providing top-notch service. His ability to adapt to different client needs and capture the perfect shot makes him a valuable partner in real estate marketing.

 

Outside of photography, Joe is a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Nicole, have been together for eighteen years, married for thirteen, and have three daughters: Giada (9), Juliette (6), and Gemma (2). Their family also includes a lively, twelve-year-old vizsla named Oscar. The family enjoys traveling, bike rides, record store trips, and adventures in their 1971 Volkswagen camper bus. "I'm a girl dad of three, and it's been an absolute blast so far," Joe shares.

 

When he's not behind the camera, Joe enjoys mountain biking, sailing, and live music. These hobbies provide a balance to his professional life and fuel his creativity. He believes success is about finding happiness in what you do and maintaining a positive work-life balance. "If you can support yourself doing something you enjoy, that's all that matters," he says.

 

In a world where moments pass by quickly, Joe’s ability to capture and preserve them is a true gift. His dedication to his craft and his clients ensures that each photograph is more than just an image—it’s a memory, a story, a piece of life frozen in time.