I looked over all of the photos on Sonalii's Instagram and knew that I was going to get great shots out of my session with her.  What I did not know was that this was going to be the best session I've ever had with a photographer.

She is an artist with her camera.  She was honest with me yet made me feel comfortable with myself, which is never easy to do, especially with the admittedly fragile ego of performers.  Reviewing the pictures I had, I can see the fun I had. I can see the life and vitality in my eyes.  That is what Sonalii does.  She goes beyond your typical headshot session to see the true, empowered, sexy inner light of you. Regardless of whether you are in the entertainment business or not, she is the one.  As I see the photographs she took again, I can see that our session was nothing short of artistically transcendental.  I am, and will forever be, thankful.  

With Gratitude and Love, 

​

- Thaddeus Fitzpatrick, Actor/Dancer/Performer

Shooting with Sonalii was an incredible experience!! She came in with very clear ideas of what she felt I needed to better represent me, and some creative ways to push me out of my box and in the direction that I needed to go. Her experience in front of the camera was invaluable, she knew just how to guide me to make me look & feel my best. Many photographers have their set formula that they fit their actors and models into, and many of their photos look the same. She looked at ME, saw who I was and created art. I put myself in her hands, and she delivered beautiful, exciting photos that I am crazy proud of!! Sonalii is a force of nature, her energy & spirit are matched by her immeasurable talent! 

-Lisa Roumain, Actress

I have worked with Sonalii twice now . Although, to call it 'work' does not accurately describe the experience.

Sonalii is a force . She is a fireball, beautifully sensual and free in her approach  to shooting . Her concepts , her visualization and her execution are at the highest level .

Something about being around Sonalii makes you instantly comfortable , and as a result , you get the best images possible . You feel like you are collaborating with someone , so that sense of 'breaking the ice' doesn't exist . She intuitively understands each client's sense of style and taste , and is able to push boundaries creatively while staying within that frame .

The experience of shooting with Sonalii is nothing short of magical. The results speak for themselves . She is different from other photographers in that she is able to help you find the best shot through guidance with poses and facial expressions , and through her thorough understanding of what it takes to make a beautiful image.
Effortlessly , she is able to draw out of you  the most tuned in , present , expanded version of yourself .

From the first consultation to the last edited image , she works with you every step of the way , making sure you are satisfied and completely on the same page  . Because of my work with Sonalii, I have left and taken with me to other shoots a newfound confidence in the ability to create provoking images .

I am fortunate  to have the opportunity to shoot often , and to date , my first shoot with Sonalii is still my favorite . I can't wait to work with her again !!

Jessica Kemejuk, Actress

I'm going to start this with - if you're thinking about doing any type of session with Sonalii - YES!!! From the minute I met her, I instantly felt a sense of calm and ease. She took her time - asked the right questions and made sure our goals were in alignment before just snapping away. Oftentimes I feel rushed and awkward with photographers, but not her. I felt like we were just hanging out and maybe that's why I loved virtually every photo from our session - because that's exactly what we were doing. 

Every time she snaps the camera, there is intention and specificity behind the lens. One of the greatest things she said during our session was, "My job is to make you look good. If you don't like a shot, then I'm not doing my job." 

Her laughter and creativity paired with years of experience and the ability to relate to others is magical. I am so happy with my photos and feel like I can call her up anytime because she's just that type of person. I adore her.

-Catherine Donnelly, Actress

Sonalii is a creative visionary.  Her shoot deliverables are breathtaking and elevated our brand significantly. She went above and beyond, even before the first meeting, to truly "get the brand" in order to have a meaningful discussion about the visual potential and purpose of the shoot. 

Hands down the best shoot I've had the pleasure of doing; fun, well planned and well executed.  Sonalii is a media powerhouse who made my life easy.  Proud to have her on my team!

Danielle W. Carter, ONYX XOXO Designer/CEO

Sonalii is the perfect combination of creative and professional. She arrives super prepared with a plan and focus, but she also has an amazing eye and is always open to collaboration. She creates a fun environment where you feel free to play and take risks. She's always watching to make sure you look your best -those little details that make such a big difference- so you can relax and trust that she's capturing the best you possible. I love working with Sonalli. Can't wait to do it again!

Tami Carey, Actress

Sonalii is incredibly personable, encouraging, funny and professional. Her positive flare and love for what she does is not only a credit to her as a person, but it also creates a fantastic environment to relax in. Her shooting style is dynamic and she has a strong eye for detail. Sonalii is very clear in communicating what she wants from her subjects and her infectious, ambitious nature will lead to continued growth of her already stunning work.

-Geordie Robinson, Actor

With experience on both sides of the camera, Sonalii has a great eye for angles and knows how to bring out your best features while still getting a shot that is authentically you. She's incredibly talented and always fun to shoot with. I've shot both headshot and lifestyle photos with Sonalii and can't say enough about her work ethic and attention to detail. If you want someone who'll take the time to capture photos that are beautiful and actually represent you, shoot with Sonalii!

-Emily Somers, Actress

Wow, what can I say about Sonalii that could convey the absolute admiration that I have for her.  She provided a space full of laughter and easiness that allowed me to relax and come out of my shell.  She gave me exactly what I wanted in my photos and she showed me a side of myself that I hadn't discovered yet.  Her photos have definitely given me an added confidence.  She is not only a brilliant photographer but Sonalii is also an amazing human being.  I will definitely shoot with her again.   She's my personal Annie Leibovitz :)

-Cain Vincent, Actor

Sonalii is one of the most fantastic photographers I have worked with in Los Angeles in the past 5 years.  I have used her for headshots, lifestyle photos for my website and my engagement photos with my husband.  What I love most is that she comes to the shoot with a vision board of what she thinks would be great shots for you.  She basis everything off of your personality and takes the time beforehand to get to know you so you can have a successful shoot.  I would recommend her to anyone and I will continue to use Sonalii in the future because her pictures are amazing!  She is a joy and a light to be around and all of these things make for beautiful pictures.  

-Ashley Sutton, Actress

"  After seeing my daughter's amazing headshots by Sonalii, I kept being drawn to her photography and I finally decided to get some shots from her.   I consider Sonalii Castillo to be one of the greatest "finds"... after shooting with her, I got a great agent and an audition within a week.  Sonalii captures the spirit of the person and the backgrounds are carefully picked to give the picture depth without being distracting.  I absolutely LOVE MY HEADSHOTS!  I feel like I finally hit the home run I've been waiting for.. pictures  that look my age, my essence and like me. Finally! I've never had so many compliments on headshots from people. Thank you, thank you! I am just thrilled and can't thank Sonalii enough. "

-Michele Roumain, Actress, Writer

I always know I'm in good hands when I shoot with Sonalii. She is very detail-oriented, professional, and passionate about what she does. Thanks to her shots I found amazing representation, and am auditioning more than ever! She knows how to capture a person's true essence, and makes the whole session a breeeeeeze. I recommend her to anybody I can. 

-Emmanuelle Roumain, Actress

We have had the opportunity to work with Sonalii on a few projects. Let me just say what an amazingly talented photographer she is. Sonalii had came up with a beautiful and creative concept for a photo shoot for my daughter and her friend. The pictures came out amazing and her concept of a photography story came to live.  The connection she had with the girls was really wonderful. She had a way with the them that brought out the best in both girls. 

Sonalii has one of the most creative eye for photography I know. She is so passionate that it shows on her work. We have done a few photo shoot and let me just say that this shoot was one of my daughters favorite shoots. She loves Sonalii and is always in awe when she gets to work with her. 

-Fatima Lopez

I have always wanted professional pictures of my daughter.  A friend recommended Sonalii, and I am so thankful she did!  Sonalii took pictures of my daughter and her best friend together, and some of the girls individually.  Sonalii is an incredible talent!  She has vision and passion, and puts so much into what she does. The results of the photos she took are so amazing.  The pictures tell a story, as well as great style to her photography!  I highly recommend Sonalii!  What a talent! 

-Susan Hammond

Sonalii made my photo shoot fun! She has great, contagious energy, which helped me to relax during the shoot. She has such a beautiful, artistic eye and is really there to support you and find what will make you look the absolute best! Overall, a very enjoyable experience that I would absolutely do again in the future! 

-Kaeli Carr, Actress

Sonalii is a dream to work with. She always has fresh and interesting ideas that make all of her photos unique. I love working with her because she always makes me feel comfortable and I trust we’ll get great shots!

-Cyrina Fiallo, Actress