My name is Carlos Valentino and I’m a wedding and portrait photographer. Puerto Rican, born in Brooklyn the day before Valentine’s day, made my name an easy choice. As a teenager, New York City was my playground where I photograph my first nude while attending Fashion Institute of Technology. Looking for a change of scenery, I packed my life into a U-Haul truck and made the trek to Sacramento California; the goal was Hawaii but, I ran out of road. In October 2000, I made Sacramento California my home and I’ve never look back.

I love what’s in Vogue, but nothing is more elegant than a lady in a beautiful gown or of a gentleman in a black suit. The same goes for photography. There is nothing more classic than a beautiful wedding portrait in the medium of a black and white print. My style of photography is simple, traditional portraits with a urban flavor. I’m not a Photo Journalistic Photographer in any sense of the word. A true Photo Journalistic Photographer is more like a fly on the wall; he dares not intrude, dares not to orchestrate a photograph. I in the other hand, will help you stand facing the best light, facing your best side making sure you look….your best. Inside of me lives a passionate, inferno of love and lust, guided by God and balanced by my Wife and my Art and my goal is to capture the traditional family wedding images, and when that is done, to break away with the Bride and Groom and have fun.

When I sent the e-mail out about doing the Studio Spotlight my buddy Carmen Salazar was the first one to take action; that is one of the many reason why I love this lady.  Her bio says:

“I have traveled the world and photographed many great places and I am constantly amazed by the people I meet through photography.  I have the privilege of working with so many wonderful people who give so much of themselves to me and I am a better person for that.  Growing up I always adored the timeless images from my grandparents wedding and have always been in love with the notion of love and it’s eternal nature.  I find weddings to be the culmination of love at it’s best – a most amazing ritual and exchange.  Each one so unique. Each one so intense with emotion. To photograph it is an honor.  In fact, I cry at every wedding I photograph.  Something about the father daughter dance always gets me. Don’t worry though – I’m a discreet sober…you’ll never know.”

• What was your first camera? Honestly…I think it was a 110 Le Clic camera…
• You work with Nikon, Canon or other? Nikon
• Nikon Raw or Jpeg? Both…just depends on the situation
• What is your Photography Style? fashionable – editorial style
• Favorite Photographer? I don’t have a favorite photographer…so sad…but my favorite painters are Mark Rothko and Frida Kahlo
• Favorite Photography Subject? I’m discovering that my favorite subjects are children…little people are fun to be around!
• Where do you draw your inspiration from? music, magazines, my peers
• When did you know that you were going to open a business in photography? I don’t know that I ever made a conscious decision…it was a slow evolution from a hobby to profession
• A word that best describes you? Dedicated
• Home office or studio? Both
• If you were a top shelf bottle what would you be? Midori or Amaretto…something a bit sweet!
• If you were a shoe would you be Flats, Boots, Pumps, Sneakers, Thongs or Loafers? I’m all of those minus the loafers…oh wait…I have black patent loafers…so I guess I’m all of them! I love shoes!
• Lastly, tell me a secret? I eat dessert before dinner any chance I get.