In his early teens, Israel Valencia and his family moved to Napa, CA from Guadalajara, Mexico. Lucky to find several encouraging and creative teachers, he soon discovered photography and from then on spent all his spare time in his school’s photo lab.

As he honed his skills in the darkroom and found inspiration in the techniques of masters like Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson, Israel got his first paid gig when his photo teacher hired him as his assistant. As digital technology overtook film, Israel was able to transition seamlessly by relying on the traditional methods he had studied.

Israel’s career took a curve when he was diagnosed with Leukemia at age 20. His subsequent years of treatment and recovery made a lasting impact on his life and work. Invigorated by his second chance at life, he became increasingly drawn to the beauty and power of the natural world. As he continued to develop his personal photography work, he also began photographing the people in his life. He discovered an ability to put people at ease when photographing them, a skill he would rely on increasingly in his later work.

With his health fully restored, he founded his photography company, Infinity Visuals, in 2003. Since then, he has built a strong Napa Valley client base focusing on event, portrait and other commercial photography projects. He specializes in candid portraiture and also working closely with small businesses to deliver effective, custom imagery they can utilize in their marketing plans. Israel also specializes in working with artists and creatives on photographing art to utilize for promotions and marketing.

Today, propelled by Napa’s growth and changes, he continues to balance his love of both personal and commercial photography projects with his desire to make a positive contribution to his local creative community.