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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.

Viva Las Vegas!!!

I’m frantically wrapping up the last of my commitments here as I head out to Ls Vegas tomorrow for a few days of WPPI, the biggest photography convention/reunion for wedding and portrait photographers. I’m soooo excited about the learning, fun, and meet ups that awaits me. I hope to clear out everything in my head right now so I can have room to load up when I’m there.

There are friends whom I have not seen in a long time coming rom all parts of the country, including the 4 girls I will be rooming with. I’m so thankful for their friendship, insight, and companionship as we travel this journey together.

My blog might be quiet for the next few days, but I’ll keep you all posted as I’m there…follow me on Twitter and Facebook to hear all about it! See you when I get back!

No, I won't be staying in Paris...but this is one of my favorite images from Las Vegas.

Project: My Beloved 365 (Day 48)

Carlos and Jackie’s Wedding (Sacramento, CA)

Carlos found Jackie all the way from California to Florida. I love their love story because it proves that nothing is impossible. They first met online. But it didn’t take long for Carlos to find himself all the way in Florida to meet her. When they did, he completely swept her off her feet by giving her all the love that she deserves. He knew that she had spent most of her life giving herself completely to her children and she finally deserves someone to take care of her.

I’ve really enjoyed getting to know this lovely couple. They are wonderful, fun, and kind. I was very touched that as I left their reception, they both came to see my assistant and I off with 2 pieces of wedding cake. What big hearts!  But what shocked me most (and I’m sure you as well) is that they both have children in their 20’s. When my children are in their 20’s…I want to look like THEM!!!!!

Naren & Malvika’s Engagement (a teaser)

Project: My Beloved (Day 47)

I think this truly really isn’t a 365 project anymore now that I’ve taken such a long break. But I WILL still make it to 365 images…even if it take me 10 years! (hopefully it won’t take me 10 years.)

Ping and Sheree are Expecting! (a teaser)

I love this image because I snapped it right after I told them "it's a wrap." So this moment was so real. One of my faves!

Jacqui’s Family is Expecting! (Sacramento, CA)

Meet my friends Jacqui and Hwok-Aun visiting cloudy and rainy California from sunny and freezing Boston. I’m not sure which is worse this time of the year. During their short stay here I’m grateful to have spent a nice relaxing morning with them. It was my first time meeting their son. With another baby on the way, it was nice to capture some moments of this family as they are now.

Janey & Tony’s Engagement (Davis, CA)

Shooting in the winter is always a gamble. You never know when that perfect day selected for a shoot will be rained on. I was extremely nervous about this one especially since Tony is flying in all the way from the East Coast. So I called Janey earlier in the week to possibly reschedule since this shoot was about to take place in the middle of one of the biggest rain storms of the season.

With much determination from Janey we proceeded with our fingers crossed. As I drove into Davis I saw the dense fog that softened and layered the beautiful Davis landscape.  I was sooo excited because the fog stayed with us for our entire shoot. We tromped through damp paths and visited the farmer’s market (one of Janey and Tony’s favorite places). It was a wonderful January morning in California!

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)

beloved044

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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