Meet Callie Laquidara | Maternity & Family Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Callie Laquidara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Callie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Take the risk and never look back. I think the idea of a risk is your heart calling out to you and telling you to do something and your brain wanting you to weigh your options, keep you safe. Trust your heart. I’ve listened to my head my entire life. I’ve made good choices, responsible choices. I graduated from high school, then college, then worked 9-5 for someone else for almost 15 years. The saying “I’d rather work 80 hours a week for myself than 40 for someone else” resonates with me. I took a risk and started my own business at the beginning of Covid and I have never looked back. We have been taught to think we need to be at certain milestones at certain ages throughout our life. Your heart reminds you that isn’t true. We are all on our own paths, our own timelines. So take the risk and trust your heart.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets me apart from others is my art to make people laugh. I’m still honing in on my skills as a photographer. I am learning every day about light, editing, styling, prompting, and the business side of things. But something that comes the most naturally to me is making someone laugh. This creates a client experience that may be hard for other, more experienced, photographers to create. My sessions are fun! There’s laughing, playing, exploring, and just being free. I just happen to be there taking photos of it all. You can learn all you want about photography and editing but creating a genuine experience at your session with laughter, love, and just being you is not something you can learn. You got it or you don’t and that’s what sets me apart, at this moment, from others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in the South Bay and absolutely love it. The beach cities have so much to offer and are a hidden gem! First, coffee. Two Guns on Highland in Manhattan Beach is my favorite coffee shop. You can grab your drink and walk right down to the beach. Hiking in Rancho Palos Verdes is a definite. I love the Abalone Cove Trail or the Portuguese Bend Reserve. A bike ride down The Strand is a must when people come and visit. My favorite beach cruise is from the Manhattan Beach Pier to Redondo. Then stop by the rooftop at Hennessey’s in Hersoma Beach to grab lunch with a view. Culture Brewing Co (Manhattan Beach) nailed the outdoor patio scene and is a great place to check out. Barsha Wine (Manhattan Beach) is the perfect stop for a wine flight and small bites. Lucifers pizza is the best pizza in town. Grab a large pizza TOGO and head down to the beach to watch the sunset! My favorite dinner spots are Rice (Manhattan Beach) and Pura Vita (Redondo Beach) Walking around downtown Manhattan Beach, Riviera Village in Redondo, or the Hermosa Beach Pier are all fun places to check out. I always try to catch the sunset when my friends and family come to visit, hoping to slowly convince them all to move here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout is dedicated to my mom. Always. I would not be where I am or the person I am today if it weren’t for Roberta! Thank you for the loving, creative, and well-fed life you have made for me. You were cool before it was cool. I hope to be the woman and mom you are one day. I love you.

Website: www.callielovephotography.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/callielovephotography/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/callielovephotography

Image Credits
Callie Love Photography