Meet René Calvillo

Today we’d like to introduce you to René Calvillo.

René, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started photographing when I was in high school and was in love with it ever since. Since then its been a constant pursuit of finding a style and finding what I love to photograph. I ended up falling in love with medium format photography as well as the art of portrait photography. My work ranges from editorial to portrait photography in which with every photograph I try to encompass the feeling of the moment.

I also hope to capture the persona of each individual through portrait photographs, making sure that every photograph fits my style while still capturing that individual’s rawest self. Currently, I’ve been working on continuing to photograph the world around me in its rawest form (it’s a bit on pause due to COVID-19) and eventually want to make my way into magazine publications.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a rocky road for me, as I believe it has been for many artists. Artists’ worst enemy can be themselves in which they will question themselves in asking their art is worth it, if their art is even good, and if they’ll even make their long-term goals with the craft. I have been my biggest enemy but at the same time, my biggest support system. When passion is included in your craft it is your duty, as an artist, to make sure you keep pushing despite the self-doubt you may have. In this past year, I’ve upgraded my craft significantly by believing in myself, actually accepting bookings, and constantly shooting.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I specialize in portrait and editorial photography. In these two mediums, I hope to invite the viewer into the world of the image and let them become synchronized with the space of that image. That is one thing I’ve tried to keep constant through every single thing I capture and it is a value that my photography is tightly attached to.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve had several people in my path who have constantly pushed me to be better and have helped me craft become what it is today.

Model Symone Farrar (IG: @s.slimm) has been there with me from the start and as two creatives, we have brainstormed concepts that have come to life beautifully. It looks like she can bend the space around her and make it pose for her instead of the other way around.

Make-Up Artist Sharon Ramirez (IG: @viledrip) has always been my go-to makeup artist. As we are the same sign (both Capricorns) our energies are instantly aligned. Whenever I need a makeup artist to make my crazy editorial concept come to life, she can paint the face beautifully like anyone I’ve seen do before.

Lastly, my mother has been an amazing mentor in my life. Her story is a story of struggle and perseverance and I’ve watched and observed this throughout my lifetime. The push she has to always keep going forward is something I’ve adopted into my everyday mantras. It is very easy for parents to downplay a person’s artistic craft and consider it a hobby and nothing more, however, my mother has never done that & I am grateful for that every single day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.renecalvillo.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/renecalvill

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