Meet Calvin Leonard

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Calvin Leonard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Calvin , so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.

I never really paid attention to the nay-sayers and haters. A lot of that comes from jealousy and not being able to do what you do. I have had instances where people that I considered friends sneak diss me behind my back. But I realize it was just jealousy and I was doing something that they wasn’t doing. I have always said jealousy was an illness. So it’s easy to just laugh and move forward.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’ve been doing photography for a good eight years now. I have always been into the art of photography. But I never thought in a million years that I would actually pick up a camera and do what I’m doing. Photography was actually therapy to me. I picked it up when I was going through a bout of anxiety. So photography definitely has a special place in my heart because of that. It has got me a long way. I’ve done things that I didn’t think that I would have ever done. Over the last two years I have been in over 12 photo exhibits. I also self-published two photo zines. That’s really something to be proud of. Most people have Publishers to help them with that. But I did it all by myself. Recently I curated my first art show. Then i co-curated one with the good friend of mine. I’m actually looking forward to curating more shows in the near future.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back I think it was more of the will to learn. The drive I had. I had the drive to get better and want to be great at photography. I really think those are the type of qualities you should have. My best advice for others. Is to be patient have drive and do it for the right reasons. A lot of people pick up photography just for the clout. Instead of the art. People want to be popular and want to be known. Those are all the wrong reasons to be a photographer. Like I said it’s all about the drive and the motivation to get better and be great.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yeah I’m always looking for folks to partner up with. I love doing portraits I’m always looking for people to collaborate with on some type of Fine Art photoshoot. The best collaborations I have done so far have been with my girlfriend. And I’m definitely always looking for other creatives to curate shows with. Nothing like working with like-minded individuals. People can connect with me on Instagram or email. My IG is @clphotosla_ and my email is calvincleonard@gmail.com

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Clphotosla_

Image Credits

Image credits by Calvin Leonard