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Meet Calvin Leonard of Leonard Photos in Santa Monica

Today we’d like to introduce you to Calvin Leonard.

Calvin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started photography about two years ago. Around that time, I lost my Pops to cancer. And developed really bad anxiety. It got really bad to the point where I couldn’t leave the house. So I purchased a camera to get me out of the house. At that point in time, that was the only thing that would get me out of the house when nothing else could. I already had a background in graphic design.

So editing pictures would be easy. So I pretty much worked on my craft. And begin to get great feedback from my friends and other photographers. They said I had a great eye for a guy who hasn’t been doing photography that long. Two years later I have two pictures published and my work being sold at a high-end furniture store in Santa Monica named Marco Polo Imports.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I felt it was a pretty smooth Road. Just the process of learning and getting better was fun. But there were times I didn’t know if I was good enough. But I took the constructive criticism. And just worked on my craft and kept pushing on.

Please tell us about Leonard Photos.
My business is called Leonard photos. I do mostly headshots and photo shoots. But I specialize in nature, landscaping, Outdoors and street photography. But I do it all. I’m most proud of being able to sell my work in stores. Me selling my work at Marco Polo Imports was really big. What sets me apart from others is my composition and the coloring in my pictures. The colors are not too Vivid and not too dull. And that’s what I like about my work.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory would be when I was between the ages of 8 and 12 when I used to skateboard. That was a great time in my life.

Contact Info:

  • Address: This is the address for Marco Polo Imports where my work is being sold. 1302 Santa Monica blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
  • Phone: (310) 913-0021
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Instagram: leonardphotosla

 
Image Credit:
Calvin Leonard

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

1 Comment

  1. Willis James

    June 4, 2019 at 18:07

    I really love these pieces during #pridemonth where you focus the stories on gay artists and business owners. They are an inspiration to us all! #loveislove. Thank you for living your truth, Mr. Leonard!

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