As a young man, I returned to the United
States and attended San Francisco City College where I
majored in photography. During this period, I began my
study and dissection of photographic works by notable photographer
Henri Carrier Bresson. Bresson's work inspired me to strive
to isolate what seems common and see it in a different
light. After college, in the early eighties, I hit the
streets of San Francisco. I enjoyed capturing real life
with its everyday hardships and glories. To support my
art, I did available light black and white portraiture
as well as photographed weddings. However, I soon discovered
that being a wedding photographer was not fulfilling and
I felt it necessary to change my direction. I decided to
walk the path of my Father, Pacifico Calleja - a simple
hardworking man, a provider, who had made many sacrifices
in his life for love of family. He never thought of himself,
only those he loved.
A few years later, I fell in love with my
beautiful Genoveva and we married.
More
than ever
before, I felt a need to be that provider, to become more like my
Father. I put my camera down ... photography
was my passion, but at the time I
did not know how to make a living from it. Although I enjoyed
editorial and portrait photography, I felt that I would
die before my work was appreciated. I decided to seek other
employment. I worked long, hard hours, and had many different
types of jobs. The new challenges, responsibilities and
the people I encountered helped me to grow.
After twelve years had passed and much had
changed, I was overcome by the stresses of
everyday life, and the Death of my Father.
Then two years later, the shock of loosing my 47 year-old
brother drove me into a depression.
My wife and I had no children to carry on my family name
and I felt as if I were nearing the end of my journey.
Then my Lovely wife, Genoveva, encouraged me to pick up
my camera once more. When I did, I was transformed, able
to deal with life's difficulties and frustrations.
Now capturing and recording people is my
love. The moments contain feeling and drama; sometimes
candid, sometimes posed, full of realism or fantasy based
on my mood or an individual's situation. Through my photography
I tell stories, create awareness and evoke emotions. My
images are my Children; my work is a tribute to my father-
the patriarch, provider, hard worker - who taught me to
value the richness of life.
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