Candy Padilla has lived in Turlock since she was a baby, and over the years has established a family and two successful businesses. She does family and event photography through Candy Padilla Photography, and operates a photo booth business, The Photo Lounge. The mother of four is also a staff photographer for the Journal. She believes the fact that she is an only child has helped contribute to her creative side.

Q: How did you first become interested in photography?

A: My interest for photography started in high school.  I had one of the best photography teachers, Bob Dennison.  After I graduated I worked full time in a one hour portrait studio in the Modesto Mall for several years.  It wasn't until I became a stay-at-home mom that I picked up working on my photography skills again.  I've been doing it ever since.  I think I love the idea of capturing important moments in life and being able to tell a story with the photos I take. 

Q: When you're not taking pictures for the Turlock Journal, where do you practice your craft?

A: I own my own photography business and cover various areas, but my main passion is sports photography.  I have been covering the Oakland Raiders since the early 2000s.  I started from my seat in the stands to being credentialed to cover training camp and finally earning my spot on the field during home games.  I cover for Silver n' Black Illustrated.  Interesting tidbit, the writer/sports editor I cover for used to work at the Turlock Journal also.

Q: What is your favorite part about hosting photo booths for the community?

A: I added the photo booth business to my photography around 2010, but didn't really start getting busy until 2011.  I think the joy of running a photo booth is that it allows people to be free in their photos because nothing is posed or staged.  I enjoy the fun and joy people feel when their memories are captured in my booths.  It's almost too fun to be a job!

Q: What is your favorite photo you've taken to date?

A: Man, that is a hard one to answer covering so many different areas. I guess the main ones that stand out in my mind were taken at the game I covered after the passing of Al Davis.  The Raiders had brought dozens of Raider legends into Oakland to do a special half time in honor of Mr. Davis.  Being up close and photographing them not only was an honor, but something I cannot describe with a few words. 

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Turlock for fun?

A: I enjoy going to the movies and occasionally going to the Udder Place for karaoke.

Q: What is the last book or TV show that captivated you?

A: The TV series “This is Us” really captivated me this past season. I'm a sucker for love stories.

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

A: I'm not sure this will be a total surprise for those who know me, but I LOVE hip hop.  I was a rapper in high school and after.  I wrote practically every day of my high school years.  After high school, I performed at various shows and even did a studio recording for a freestyle artist.  I also did a show with N2Deep and E40.  I no longer perform, but my love of hip hop and lyrics will never die.

Editor’s note: To watch Candy lay down a few verses, check out this video of a Modesto Centre Plaza performance circa 1992: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVBAKdcu0ls