Close-up of a man with dark hair and facial hair, wearing a light gray button-up shirt, standing in front of a blurred background with green plants and a white wall.

Hey Folks!

My name is Rafael Castelo. I’m a native Portuguese, born in Switzerland in the early nineties. Growing up between two cultures, Switzerland and Portugal, has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. It taught me to see the world from multiple perspectives and nurtured in me a deep appreciation for diversity, nature, and creativity.

A person walking down a wooden staircase at a beach at night, with large rock formations and cliffs, calm sea, and a bright distant city or town light in the background.

What I love most about outdoor and landscape photography is the journey itself—the places it takes me, the moments it lets me witness, and the memories it helps preserve. It’s about more than just images; it’s about stories, emotions, and our connection to nature. That’s what keeps me inspired.

My path into the world of visual media began with my studies in Web & Media Publishing at Webedu.ch Multimedia Academy in Bern. From an early age, I was fascinated by multimedia, and through my education I found a deeper love for photography—especially landscapes—and a growing passion for film and storytelling.

A person hiking on a snowy glacier in a snow-covered mountain valley with large ice formations, under a partly cloudy sky.

After spending 22 years in Switzerland, I moved to the north of Portugal in beginning 2021, where I spent three and a half transformative years reconnecting with my heritage. The experience brought me closer to the rhythm of nature and reminded me of the importance of simplicity, family, and presence. Recently, I returned to Switzerland, carrying with me those insights and a renewed sense of purpose.

Outside of my creative work, I’m also preparing for one of life’s greatest adventures: becoming a father. This new chapter adds even more purpose to what I do and reminds me of the importance of capturing the fleeting beauty of everyday moments.

I consider myself a bit of a world nomad, always seeking new perspectives and embracing the endless inspiration nature offers. Whether hiking in the Alps or exploring the coastlines of Portugal, I’m constantly reminded of the beauty that surrounds us—and how important it is to slow down and truly see it.

Thank you for visiting my website. I hope my work inspires you to connect with nature, embrace the journey, and find beauty in the everyday. If you have any questions, or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you.

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Black and white illustration of a mountainous landscape with towering peaks.