Associate Spotlight: Emma McLaughlin

At CASTO, we’re proud to spotlight the associates whose talents and dedication help bring our culture and communities to life. This month’s Associate Spotlight features Emma McLaughlin, whose background in photography, visual storytelling, and hospitality has made her a dynamic addition to Team CASTO.

Since joining CASTO, Emma has embraced every opportunity to learn, collaborate, and create, combining her artistic background with a strong eye for storytelling and design. From capturing meaningful moments behind the lens to crafting engaging social content that reflects our communities, Emma brings creativity and intention to everything she does.

Driven by a passion for visual storytelling and collaboration, Emma embodies CASTO’s culture of innovation, collaboration, and community. Read on to learn more about Emma’s journey, her creative approach, and how she’s helping shape the future of CASTO’s brand.

Tell us about your background with CASTO:

I joined CASTO in June of 2024 after working as a Hospitality Coordinator at Columbus State Community College in the Culinary and Hospitality Department, where I was part of the working staff in the student-run restaurant, Degrees. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Columbus College of Art & Design in May of 2022 and had been actively pursuing an opportunity within my field. I was incredibly excited when CASTO took a chance on me, and I’ve been grateful to be here ever since. In a short time, I’ve learned so much and gained invaluable experience, and I’m excited to continue growing with the team.

What do you like best about CASTO? What makes CASTO different:

What I like most about CASTO is the sense of community. Everyone truly treats one another like family, and from day one I’ve felt welcomed and valued. I’ve never encountered anyone who made me feel like I didn’t belong here. CASTO also stands out because of its genuine commitment to giving back — I’ve had the opportunity to participate in several meaningful volunteer experiences through the company. Above all, CASTO cares deeply about its people and their wellbeing, and it consistently shows through the way the company supports and takes care of its team.

What service or project have you liked working on the most while at CASTO:

One of the projects I’ve most enjoyed working on was Don Casto’s birthday book. It was one of the first large, collaborative projects I was involved in, and it was both surreal and incredibly heartwarming to watch it come to life. I loved having the opportunity to connect with team members across different departments while arranging and photographing each group for their page in the book. Being part of a project that was so meaningful behind the scenes — and then getting to present it to Don — made it especially memorable and fun to work on.

Share a little bit about your expertise in the industry:

My expertise in photography and social media has been shaped by years of hands-on experience and a genuine passion for visual storytelling. I picked up my first camera at 15 and photographed anything and everything I could — from architecture and nature to journalism, concerts, sporting events, and styled portrait sessions where I sourced and directed my own models. I completed a year at Baldwin Wallace University as a film studies major before jumping to Columbus College of Art & Design in 2019 as a full-time photography student. That’s where my photographic career truly thrived, and I began taking my freelance work seriously. I was able to take courses ranging from studio lighting to dark room practices where I would develop my own film and work on printing on untraditional surfaces including wood, brick, and more. I continue to photograph weddings, portraits, and other projects today, which has strengthened my ability to capture meaningful moments and tell compelling stories through images. Social media has always been a strong interest of mine, and my time at CASTO has allowed me to dive headfirst into creating engaging content — especially reels — across our social platforms. Blending photography with social strategy has been exciting, and I love finding creative ways to bring our communities to life online. Fun fact: I also run my own food-focused social account where I share the amazing vegan eats I discover around Columbus!

What changes or trends do you see happening in your area of expertise:

The biggest trend I’m seeing is a move toward authenticity and creativity over perfection. Social media — and photography along with it — is becoming more about storytelling than just visuals. Short-form video, behind-the-scenes moments, and community-focused content are driving engagement, and it’s fun to play with new ways to showcase the personality of our properties. I love that my role allows me to experiment with how our communities are presented and to help shape a social presence that feels fresh, relatable, and true to who we are.