With a background in glamour and beauty, where I had worked for the modeling industry for two years photographing test models, I began to break away from that end of the spectrum. It was in my later collegiate years that I began to explore issues and ideas that soon became my present-day style.

My current body of work Shades Of Beauty is my first photographic series that’s dedicated to the celebration of diversity, a photographic book featuring men and women from diverse backgrounds, (African American, Asian American, and Latino American). They are photographed in a larger-than-life format where there is an emphasis on light and fluid movement. There are some images that defy the law of gravity, with motions ranging from the static to movements frozen in time.

The underlying duotone color, along with the warm, wrap-around lighting replicates that of late afternoon sun. The series was shot through a twelve-month period with over seventeen individuals involved.
As part of an underrepresented group, (people of color in society), I feel very strongly about emphasizing positive images of diversity in today’s ever-changing global climate. I think it’s important to promote understanding through the exchange of art and culture as our society is evolving both technologically and culturally.

©Calvin Leong-Wong
For more information click on: http://www.portfolios.com/calvinleongwongphoto

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© Melt Magazine 2001