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Calvina Photography bio picture

I'm a storyteller.

I believe that there’s a story behind every face.

My father played a big role in my curiosity of stories during my
childhood. He is a painter and always taught me to watch for the
smaller details in life. To fill my time, everyday during the summer he
would assign me a portrait assignment. He would take out one of his
numerous books on paintings and have me duplicate a portrait. He told
me to notice the expressions and the small nuances of the face.

My favorites were the paintings of Norman Rockwell. I loved that
each painting was a slice of life, unposed and candid containing so
much life. Through time I realized that drawing a portrait is not just
putting a pair of eyes, nose and mouth on paper, but capturing the life
and story behind it.

That’s how I’ve been molded as a photographer. My goal is not to
capture smiling faces and figures, binding them within the edges of an
8x10. My objective is seeing the life behind every pair of eyes, and
capturing that in every photo. Life is unscripted and so is my
photography. I hope to truly capture the beauty in each spontaneous
moment and tell a story.

Photography was my first love and I knew it from the moment I picked
up my first 35mm film camera in high school. I went on to study fine
arts and design in college and spent years in the design industry. All
these years have made me a better artist and designer. So when I found
my way back to photography, I realized that I’ve become a different
sort of a photographer entirely. I see light, colors, and composition
with a much more trained set of eyes.

Today I’m a mother and a photographer seeking to capture my family's
moments and the moments that are dear to my clients. One day it is a
dream of mine to broaden my horizons and capture images and stories
around the world. Telling stories that scream to be told.

I'm a member of Professional Photographers of America.

Little Baby Matthew and His Family (Elk Grove, CA)

Little Baby Matthew was born in the wintery days of December. Right around that time I captured some beautiful moments of his adorable cousins, you might remember them HERE. Matthew is precious and little making all the gurgling sounds of an infant. Big sister is just starting to realize that this baby is here to stay and that willingly or not she will have to transition from the baby to big sister. This is no small feat for a 18 month old.

There is something about the warmth and calmness of a brand new baby that brings out the best in his family. And that feeling I still remember so intimately about my kids who are babies no more. I always walk out of these sessions wrapped up in the softness of newborn skin and the creaminess of their scent. My husband better keep my far away from these sessions before I want to have another baby of our own!

Project: My Beloved 365 (Day 46)

Janey & Tony’s Engagement (a teaser)

Project: My Beloved 365 (Day 45)

beloved045The 365 journey started here

Jacqui’s Family (a teaser)

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My Beloved 365 (Day 44)

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The 365 journey started here

The Tan Family (Elk Grove, CA)

Meet the Tan family. I was charmed by these two little girls who greeted me with smiles and hugs. They wanted to show me their rooms, introduce me to their dolls and stuffed animals, and read me their favorite books. They make me so envious of their special sisterhood. I’ve always wished I had someone to share clothes, thoughts, and space with. I hope these little girls grow up to appreciate what they have in each other. May these pictures help to remind them always of the love that exists in this family.

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Brand Spanking New Baby Matthew and His Family (a teaser)

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Project: My Beloved 365 (Day 43)

beloved043The 365 journey started here

Project: My Beloved 365 (Day 42)

beloved042The 365 journey started here

Myra and Ander’s Wedding (a teaser)

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Jocelyn & Stephen’s Engagement – Part I (South Lake Tahoe)

This is my dear friend Jocelyn. She’s one my favorite people in the whole wide world. We roomed together all through college and we used to catch up on our day while brushing our teeth, cook together, and comfort each other through the drama of college romance.

She is like a sister to me and I have always wanted the best for her. Through our years together we’ve seen each other through so much. So when I first heard about Stephen I just knew that he was the one for her. My dear friend here is not one to gush, but she gushes about her love (Joce, please don’t kill me for saying this…lol!). I sure hope I was able to capture how happy she is with him.

Joce, I love you and am so thrilled about all the excitement in your life! Stephen, congrats my friend and welcome to the family! So sorry I made you guys wait to see these pictures…there are more…so stay tuned!

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Project: My Beloved 365 (Day 41)

beloved041The 365 journey started here

Project: My Beloved 365 (Day 40)

beloved040The 365 journey started here

Project: My Beloved 365 (Day 39)

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The 365 journey started here