Behind the Lens: Photographing Jose Castillo for His Paris 2024 Olympics Announcement as Host of Team USA House
When it comes to photography, some assignments are more than just a job—they're personal. This one was exactly that.
In July of 2024, I had the honor of photographing Jose Castillo, an incredible emcee, speaker, and longtime friend, for one of the biggest announcements of his career: he was officially been named the Host and Emcee for Team USA House during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
For the first time ever, Team USA House opened to fans during the Summer Games, and Jose would be front and center, connecting Olympic athletes, celebrities, and supporters from all over the world. When he called and asked me to create the photos for his Olympics announcement and press release, I was beyond excited—not just because of what the moment meant professionally, but because I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jose personally for nearly a decade.
A Friendship Built at the Track
Jose and I first crossed paths back in 2015 at Bristol Motor Speedway, when I began photographing for the track. He was already a magnetic presence—engaging crowds with energy and authenticity—and over the years, we saw each other at races across the country. Whether it was Dover, Charlotte, Atlanta, or anywhere in between, I always looked forward to running into him for a quick catch-up and a laugh. We’ve been great friends ever since.
One memory that’s stuck with me happened a few years ago at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Jose had just wrapped up hosting a trackside event when a little girl came up and asked him to sign... her baby doll. He looked at her parents with a surprised grin and asked, “Are you sure you want me to sign her doll?” The parents lit up and said, “Yes!”—so Jose got down on one knee, sharpie in hand, and autographed that doll like it was a racing legend’s helmet. That moment was classic Jose: genuine, joyful, and always ready to make someone’s day.
A Career Milestone Worth Capturing
Over the years, Jose has trusted me to update his professional headshots multiple times. We’ve always had fun during those sessions, and he gives me the creative freedom to make images that feel like him. But this shoot—this one had extra weight.
Being asked to create the visuals for his official Olympics announcement was more than just an assignment. It was a moment of pride. As his friend, I know how much this opportunity means to him—how much heart and hustle he’s poured into his career to get to this level. Hosting Team USA House at the Paris 2024 Olympics is no small feat. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and I felt honored that he trusted me to help tell that story through photography.
When we met up for the shoot, we leaned into a bold, confident vibe. I may have made him look more like an Olympic athlete himself than an emcee—but honestly, that added to the energy of the photos. He looked every bit the part of someone who belongs on the Olympic stage, even if it’s behind the mic instead of on the medal stand.
Local Roots, Global Moments
One of the things that makes this story even more special is how it connects back to our roots. Jose lives in Johnson City, Tennessee, and I’m based just up the road in Damascus, Virginia, in the beautiful mountains of Southwest Virginia. We’re both proud to call this corner of the world home, and being able to collaborate on something as globally significant as the Paris 2024 Olympics while representing Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia adds another layer of meaning to it all.
Capturing a Voice of Team USA
Jose announced the news on Instagram with the caption:
"Going to Paris! 🇺🇸 Honored to be a Host & Emcee for Team USA House & to connect our athletes & fans at the Paris 2024 Olympics!! @teamusa #ParisOlympics For the first time ever, Team USA House will be open to the fans with a who’s who lineup of Olympic medalists, celebrities & guests. Check out the link in my bio for the details! — But I am most excited about the individual stories of each competitor. There are so many who have worked so hard to achieve their dreams, and I believe it gives us all hope that we can do the same."
That’s exactly who Jose is. He’s passionate about people, stories, and the spirit of possibility. And as someone who’s been lucky enough to witness his journey firsthand, I couldn’t have been prouder to see him step into the Olympic spotlight.
Final Thoughts
For me, this wasn’t just about creating personal branding images or photographing a public figure for a major event. It was about friendship, storytelling, and celebrating a well-earned achievement.
Congratulations, Jose. Paris 2024 was lucky to have you—Team USA was lucky to have you—and I’m lucky to call you a friend.
If you would like to find out more about Jose or book him to be the host of your event, check out his website Think Jose.
- Ben Earp
