Form submitted successfully, thank you.

Error submitting form, please try again.

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.

Double Trouble (a teaser)

pareas01pareas02

Nathanie & Christopher’s Engagement

This blog has been quiet for a little while, it’s been busy around here, so I haven’t had a chance to sit down and blog. I shot Nathanie and Christopher’s engagement session in the Davis Arboretum, a place that is deeply meaningful to them. Nathanie and Christopher went to school there and the Arboretum still remains a place where they run, bike, and take numerous walks. I can never get enough of Davis!

One of the first things I learn is that Christopher is extremely shy in front of the camera. I really hope that I’m able to bring out his natural charm. I really loved spending time with this couple and looking forward to capturing their wedding day in October!

0102030405060708

Grace & Michael’s Engagement (a teaser)

A great engagement shoot from this past weekend. I can’t wait to show you more!

014024

Emily, Katie, and Family

Emily is my son’s classmate. After almost a year of walking each other half way home from school the moms and the kids have really started to get to know each other. It was wonderful to be invited into a family picnic to get to know them as a family. Emily’s younger sister Katie will be in my daughter’s kindergarten class a few years from now. We certainly will have a nice long friendship with this family!

I love that Emily is soft in yellow and her sister Katie is in the dance outfit that she had just recently performed in.

013023032042052072062082

Nathanie & Christopher’s Engagement (a teaser)

More to come…stay tuned!

012022

Sweet Baby Paige Turns 6 Months

I received a call from my childhood friend Natasha whom I haven’t seen in years. She wanted to photograph her sweet baby girl  as she turns 6 months. This was such a joy because it was the first time I’ve ever met her husband Archie and stepped foot in their beautiful home. It is a wonderful feeling to see a friend find happiness, and spending a couple of hours with them I saw the makings of their happy home. Archie is such a wonderful and gentle father, Natasha is still glowing with pride as motherhood seems to fit her like a glove, and baby Paige is possibly one of sweetest babies I have ever photographed. Congratulations guys, I hope these photos did your family justice!

041021071061051011031091

Celebrate Love, Celebrate Life

When I first got a call from Virginia, the first thing she told me is that she is a proud great-grandmother. And she wanted to celebrate her 65th wedding anniversary by photographing the 4 generations in her family. That is incredible, I have never met anyone who have celebrated a 65 anniversary! She is so lovely and what an honor to work with each and everyone in this family.

Virginia’s husband just had knee surgery right before our shoot and was not very mobile. But it was very touching to see how everyone came together to help him out. If I survive to my 65th anniversary, I would like the picture of my life to look like theirs. Happy Anniversary!

01

0203040506070809