11:11 PM
JWritesiT - j.writesit@yahoo.com
Cali | York has found her passion. Her "Aha Moment" has propelled her to pursue her love of photography full time. She is a woman who understands completely what she must do. When experiencing her photographs one cannot help but feel the grit, passion and emotion of her subjects. She manipulates light and angles almost as if she herself is somewhere part of the landscape. Watching and capturing part of a scene the trained eye cannot see - its depth - its magic; its her talent and gift.
I had the pleasure of speaking with the artist that is Cali | York......
JWritesiT: Thank you for talking with me today!
Cali | York: No problem, this is exciting!
JWritesiT: Lets start with the name: Cali | York, who is she?
Cali | York: California is where I was born, New York is where I was raised. I've been trying to find a Cali | York feel for many years. I am a Gemini which is the symbol of duality and the twins. I have two sides: the "Cali" side - bright sunny; "York": Gritty, tough and hardworking. People really seem to like the name and are really receptive to it. It's who I am.
JWritesiT: You've recently made the transition from a corporate career to photography full-time. I commend you for this - congratulations! How does it feel?
Cali | York: It's Lovely! I feel empowered, I can say yes to a project, I can say no. I am completely responsible for the decisions I make and don't have to wait for "approvals" before doing anything.
JWritesiT: Do you have a timeline? If your business does not reach the level you hope it to - will you re-enter corporate america?
Cali | York: No timelines. I learned that about myself. I'm a better person not limiting my development. I haven't found something to believe in more than myself....to say I can devote all my time to this. I have an insane goal that I keep saying to myself is going to happen. I'm NOT going to stop. I have started a lot of things that I haven't finished in the past. But not anymore. At the end of the day there are people who want to see you succeed, so you have to win and let the haters fall on their face. I'm not going back [to corporate america] I will make this work.
JWritesiT: How has Cali | York photography evolved? What do you look for in a client?
Cali | York: I began my affair with photography admiring my father. He would always have his camera and come home to develop the prints. Seeing those images inspired me to want to create photographs. After getting to the advanced enthusiasts stage I began by doing individual retail photography. I really want to move away from that now. I'm looking for clients who have some creative insight, and work on grander projects for example; I'd love to photograph more editorial pieces like a journalistic fashion story or revisit fables with the cast of new movies . I love to work with people. It helps that whomever I work with understand that I respect my business, and respects my craft. The client would have too as well.
Cali | York is the right choice for businesses small and large, large activities, churches, family portraits, creative people who need photographers. I've worked very hard learning everything I can about what it means to be a photographer. Working with me is always about you (the client) and never about anything else.

JWritesiT: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Cali | York: Well if the world is still around in 5 years I see myself "established". What I mean by that is highly sought after, with a quickly recognizable signature style. Brick and mortar studio's on both coasts, regular national and international travel for shoots and education (both to learn and teach). My husband a partner in my business, my kids enjoying the fruits of our labor; attending flexible study programs in various places here and abroad and traveling with me. Damn that sounds fantastic, (chuckling).
JWritesiT: What would be your ideal shoot? Where would it be?
Cali | York: My ideal shoot is only one where I have pre conceptualized my idea and had it be successfully executed. That can be anywhere in the world I imagine.
JWritesiT: Have you had any interesting feedback?
Cali | York: I have fans in India - they are the most expressive. They give me a different perspective of myself. Its truly humbling. No ever tells me to change anything about my work. No constructive or destructive criticism. The most memorable feedback on my work came from Frantz Fils (not from india); he narrated damn near a movie from one image. Took up 3 Facebook comment boxes but it was incredible!
JWritesiT: What keeps you grounded?
Cali | York: Grounded? Am I grounded? I'm not even sure. I live with a sense of entitlement and feel that I deserve the best and what I have is the best. Sure it might not be YOUR best, or THEIR best, but its my best. I live with a sense of celebrity too. Like, "I'm already famous, its not my fault you don't know who I am", (laughing). If you mean what keeps me focused on humility and being a person of integrity?; I'd have to say my past. I've seen a lot and experienced a lot and learned that you create your own life. Just knowing that I have the power to create a life that's fulfilled by the purpose of creating a life I FEEL is fulfilling is a power like no other (laughing) amazing!! Having that power is what reminds me I have a responsibility to myself not to abuse it. Mistreating people, feelings, transactions etc in the long run hurts only you..
JWritesiT: What is your mantra? What defines you?
Cali | York: Life is what you make it so make it good. Being "free-spirited" (chuckling)
JWritesiT: This has been an enlightening and inspirational interview which will surely light a spark. Go forth and arrive!
To contact and follow Cali | York please reference the following links and dates:
6.18.11- Cali York Launch Party 5:00pm-9:00pm Brooklyn, NY
I'm on:www.caliyork.com
Facebook - Cali York and Cali York Photography
Twitter - TheRealCaliYork
Linkedin - Cali York Photography
Tumblr - Caliyorkshuttabugg.tumblr.com
Flickr - Cali York Photography
Youtube - TheRealCaliYork
If you have any other questions please contact me @ j.writesit@yahoo.com
Thanks for stopping by! Peace!
JWritesiT: You've recently made the transition from a corporate career to photography full-time. I commend you for this - congratulations! How does it feel?
Cali | York: It's Lovely! I feel empowered, I can say yes to a project, I can say no. I am completely responsible for the decisions I make and don't have to wait for "approvals" before doing anything.
JWritesiT: Do you have a timeline? If your business does not reach the level you hope it to - will you re-enter corporate america?
Cali | York: No timelines. I learned that about myself. I'm a better person not limiting my development. I haven't found something to believe in more than myself....to say I can devote all my time to this. I have an insane goal that I keep saying to myself is going to happen. I'm NOT going to stop. I have started a lot of things that I haven't finished in the past. But not anymore. At the end of the day there are people who want to see you succeed, so you have to win and let the haters fall on their face. I'm not going back [to corporate america] I will make this work.
JWritesiT: How has Cali | York photography evolved? What do you look for in a client?
Cali | York: I began my affair with photography admiring my father. He would always have his camera and come home to develop the prints. Seeing those images inspired me to want to create photographs. After getting to the advanced enthusiasts stage I began by doing individual retail photography. I really want to move away from that now. I'm looking for clients who have some creative insight, and work on grander projects for example; I'd love to photograph more editorial pieces like a journalistic fashion story or revisit fables with the cast of new movies . I love to work with people. It helps that whomever I work with understand that I respect my business, and respects my craft. The client would have too as well.
Cali | York is the right choice for businesses small and large, large activities, churches, family portraits, creative people who need photographers. I've worked very hard learning everything I can about what it means to be a photographer. Working with me is always about you (the client) and never about anything else.

JWritesiT: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Cali | York: Well if the world is still around in 5 years I see myself "established". What I mean by that is highly sought after, with a quickly recognizable signature style. Brick and mortar studio's on both coasts, regular national and international travel for shoots and education (both to learn and teach). My husband a partner in my business, my kids enjoying the fruits of our labor; attending flexible study programs in various places here and abroad and traveling with me. Damn that sounds fantastic, (chuckling).
JWritesiT: What would be your ideal shoot? Where would it be?
Cali | York: My ideal shoot is only one where I have pre conceptualized my idea and had it be successfully executed. That can be anywhere in the world I imagine.
JWritesiT: Have you had any interesting feedback?
Cali | York: I have fans in India - they are the most expressive. They give me a different perspective of myself. Its truly humbling. No ever tells me to change anything about my work. No constructive or destructive criticism. The most memorable feedback on my work came from Frantz Fils (not from india); he narrated damn near a movie from one image. Took up 3 Facebook comment boxes but it was incredible!
JWritesiT: What keeps you grounded?
Cali | York: Grounded? Am I grounded? I'm not even sure. I live with a sense of entitlement and feel that I deserve the best and what I have is the best. Sure it might not be YOUR best, or THEIR best, but its my best. I live with a sense of celebrity too. Like, "I'm already famous, its not my fault you don't know who I am", (laughing). If you mean what keeps me focused on humility and being a person of integrity?; I'd have to say my past. I've seen a lot and experienced a lot and learned that you create your own life. Just knowing that I have the power to create a life that's fulfilled by the purpose of creating a life I FEEL is fulfilling is a power like no other (laughing) amazing!! Having that power is what reminds me I have a responsibility to myself not to abuse it. Mistreating people, feelings, transactions etc in the long run hurts only you..
JWritesiT: What is your mantra? What defines you?
Cali | York: Life is what you make it so make it good. Being "free-spirited" (chuckling)
JWritesiT: This has been an enlightening and inspirational interview which will surely light a spark. Go forth and arrive!
To contact and follow Cali | York please reference the following links and dates:
6.18.11- Cali York Launch Party 5:00pm-9:00pm Brooklyn, NY
I'm on:www.caliyork.com
Facebook - Cali York and Cali York Photography
Twitter - TheRealCaliYork
Linkedin - Cali York Photography
Tumblr - Caliyorkshuttabugg.tumblr.com
Flickr - Cali York Photography
Youtube - TheRealCaliYork
If you have any other questions please contact me @ j.writesit@yahoo.com
Thanks for stopping by! Peace!
