About Anthony Calleja

About Anthony Calleja

See: About - Sitemap - My Ancestors - My Art - My Faith - My Favorite Films - My Garden - My Kitchen - My Travels - Popular Domain Names Sale - Photography Gear & Equipment Sale - Plant and Cutting Sale

I hope this message finds you well and that you are having a blessed day!

My name is Anthony Calleja. I am a Christian, a husband, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and an American patriot. I live on the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii, where I enjoy the island lifestyle. I am also a retired photographer. I take great pride in my Maltese heritage, which has deep roots in the historical islands of Malta and Gozo. For over 50 years, I have passionately explored my Ancestry, tracing my lineage to 582 A.D. and maintaining a strong connection to my roots.

Though born in San Francisco, I was raised in the small independent country of Malta, an island in the Mediterranean Sea—the birthplace of my parents and the resting place of my ancestors. Growing up in Malta allowed me to deeply appreciate my rich heritage and develop a profound understanding of culture. It is here that I became interested in my Ancestry.

As a youngster immersed in the Maltese way of life, I studied Art. My cousin and mentor, Victor B. Caruana, was my teacher at Birkirkara Boys School. He was also a photographer whom I looked up to. The island's history influenced me, as did the vibrant nature of the Maltese people and the unique experience of being the youngest among 24 siblings. Every encounter became an exciting visual experience, shaping the direction of my life's journey and influencing my approach to photography today.

During my formative years, I returned to the United States with my family and attended Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco. I participated in JROTC and was part of the Drill Team, Drum corps, and Staff, eventually becoming a Battalion Executive Officer. After graduating, I joined the Air Force and served honorably as a firefighter.

After leaving the military, I returned to San Francisco and enrolled at San Francisco City College, pursuing my passion for photography while studying fire science. During this time, I worked various jobs: a pot washer at St. Luke's Hospital, a car salesman at Serramonte Ford, and a San Francisco Hilton Hotel security officer. I also began to delve into the works of renowned photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, dissecting and studying his masterpieces. Bresson's ability to capture the extraordinary within the ordinary inspired me to seek a different perspective and shed light on the overlooked aspects of life.

In the early eighties, armed with my newfound knowledge, I took to the streets of San Francisco. Immersed in the raw essence of everyday life, I relished the opportunity to document its hardships and glories. To support my artistic pursuits, I ventured into available-light black-and-white portrait photography. However, I soon realized that capturing portraits alone did not fulfill me, and I knew I needed to change my path.

I set aside my camera for a time, as photography had always been my passion, but I had yet to find a way to make a living. In search of a deeper purpose, I decided to emulate my father, Pacifico Calleja—a hardworking man who dedicated his life to providing for his family. He selflessly put his loved ones before himself, a deeply admired trait. Years later, I found love in the form of my beautiful Genoveva, and we embarked on the journey of marriage. This newfound commitment further ignited my desire to be a provider, following in my father's footsteps. Although I enjoyed editorial and portrait photography, I believed my work would go unappreciated, potentially fading into obscurity.

Consequently, Genny and I moved to Federal Way, Washington, and I pursued other employment opportunities. I worked for a parking garage, then a construction company, and a small commuter airline. Eventually, I joined United Airlines, bringing us back to San Francisco and Honolulu. I tried to get my photography business going again, but it was difficult as an outsider to get a break.

I started a new business helping people buy cars, but the state shut me down, claiming I was operating as a broker—which I was not, as I never held title to any vehicle. I went to the media and began sharing stories and tips on negotiating in the Business section of the Newspaper. As public interest grew, I took my case to the state legislature, knocking on every door. I eventually gained support and helped pass a bill into law, correcting the misinterpretation that had shut me down.

The profound loss of my father and, two years later, the sudden passing of my 47-year-old brother plunged me into a deep depression. With no children to carry on the family name, I felt like I was nearing the end of my journey. Then, my beloved wife, Genoveva, encouraged me to pick up my camera again. Upon doing so, I experienced a transformative shift, finding solace and strength to confront life's difficulties and frustrations.

Then, I received a call from the state Motor Vehicle License Board asking if I wanted to reopen my business helping people buy cars; my photography business had begun to take off, so I declined.

I began to have showings of my artwork at different cafés and restaurants. At one of my exhibitions in 1999, I met a 13-year-old named Philip Brazini, who was attending the University of Hawaii. He was persistent, often asking, "Have you ever thought of having a website?" I was a film photographer with no computer and no knowledge of Windows. Eventually, I caved in and bought a top-of-the-line Dell desktop. Philip gave me software and taught me how to build a website. I purchased my domain name, anthonycalleja.com. My website and photography began to gain notice and eventually ranked worldwide. I started receiving commissions and was flown to the outer islands and mainland for assignments.

My passion lies in capturing and preserving the essence of people. Through photography, I strive to tell stories, raise awareness, and evoke powerful emotions. Each moment I freeze in time exudes feeling and carries a story—sometimes candid, sometimes posed, each imbued with realism or tinged with fantasy, depending on my mood or the subject's circumstances. My images have become my children, a testament to my father—the patriarch, provider, and hard worker—who taught me the value of embracing life's richness.

After 9/11, my life direction changed again. Although I worked for United Airlines, I was also pursuing my photography career. I took the commercial route and focused on family photography, weddings, CD covers, magazines, corporate work, and events.

In 2021, after 33 years of service, I retired from United Airlines, and in 2024, I retired from my commercial photography business.

Looking ahead, I'm excited for what's to come. My plans for the future include traveling more and continuing to incorporate photography into those adventures. I'll also be focusing on two of my other great passions—my garden and my kitchen—where I'll be growing, cooking, and sharing new experiences. I look forward to creating and posting videos on YouTube to stay connected and hopefully inspire others along the way. I wish you all love, happiness, and many more beautiful memories ahead.

With gratitude and warmest wishes,
Anthony Calleja