Check Out Tania Calderón’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tania Calderón.

Hi Tania, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Becoming an artist has always been part of my path, even before I had language for it. I grew up in Queens, New York in a Nuyorican household with a single mother, surrounded by the rhythm and culture of the city. From a young age I was drawn to expression through movement, and dance became my first language. It was the first place I learned that emotion could live in the body before it ever became words.

Later in life I lived abroad teaching English as a second language. During that time I became fascinated with how people express themselves and how meaning exists between words, especially when language barriers are present. I spent a lot of time helping people translate feelings into language, and without realizing it at the time I was learning something that would later shape my work as a photographer.

When I returned to the United States I studied photography in college and began focusing on portraiture and the human form. Photography became another form of translation for me, a way to turn presence, emotion, and identity into image.

After moving to Columbus, I had the opportunity to teach photography through the Continuing Education program at the Rankin Arts Center at Columbus State University. There I developed and taught photography courses. The historic Rankin building houses both the university’s photography programs and the dance studios, so in many ways it brought two important parts of my life, photography and dance, back into the same space.

Today I’m the creative photographer behind Calderón Foto. I’m based in Columbus, Georgia and work with clients in both Columbus and Atlanta. My work centers on creating portrait experiences where people can show up as they are, or as they wish to be seen, without pressure to perform.

At its core, my work is about presence. I create photographs that allow people to see themselves with honesty, care, and a little more clarity.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building a career in photography hasn’t followed a straight line. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to trust my voice and allow myself to be visible in my work. For a long time I worked quietly, developing my skills and experience while also navigating the practical realities of sustaining a creative business.

There are seasons where the work moves slowly and where I have to stay deeply committed to the craft even when the path forward isn’t always clear. Being based in Columbus while also working with clients in Atlanta requires persistence and flexibility. Creating something meaningful here asks for patience and perspective.

Over time I’ve realized that the work is not just about photography. It’s about creating a space where people feel safe enough to be seen honestly. Learning to hold that space for others has required me to learn how to show up more fully in my own work as well. The path continues to evolve, but each step has been part of learning how to trust the work and keep moving forward.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is centered in portrait photography. I photograph individuals, creatives, and professionals in both studio and natural light, creating images that feel thoughtful, honest, and grounded.

Through Calderón Foto I offer a range of portrait experiences, from simple studio sessions to more in-depth commissioned work. No matter the format, I guide people through the process with care so the experience feels calm, natural, and supportive.

I’m most interested in making portraits that feel present rather than overly performed. At the heart of it, my work is about helping people be seen with clarity and intention.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I’m drawn to places where I can slow down and pay attention to what’s around me. In Columbus I spend a lot of time walking along the RiverWalk. It’s one of those spaces where the pace softens a little and I can clear my head. When I’m in Atlanta, Piedmont Park gives me a similar feeling of being able to step outside the rush of the city for a moment.

I’m also naturally pulled toward spaces where art and expression are happening. I enjoy spending time at places like the Columbus Museum and the High Museum in Atlanta, and the RiverCenter here in Columbus. Music and movement have always been part of my life, so I’m often drawn to environments where that energy is present, whether it’s a dance studio, a performance, or even music spilling out onto Broadway while walking through downtown.
I also appreciate simple spaces with good light where I can sit with a coffee for a while and think. Those quiet moments often turn into ideas for new portraits or creative projects.

At the same time, I tend to move away from environments that feel rushed or overly performative. My work is rooted in presence and paying attention, so spaces that feel loud, chaotic, or built entirely around trends don’t resonate with me very much. And if we’re being honest, Atlanta traffic can test anyone’s patience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.calderonfoto.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/calderonfoto/
• LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/taniacalderonfoto/

Image Credits
Tania Calderón