Patricia Martinez is a San Diego-based photographer and the founder of Canela Photography, which she established in 2005. With a lifelong passion for the visual arts, Patricia's love of photography began early — she would spend hours studying old photographs, developing a deep appreciation for the power of preserving memories across generations.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Visual Arts (Media) from the University of California, San Diego in 2004, where she studied with world-renowned artists across a range of art mediums. Among her favorite areas of study was painting — she was one of a select few students recommended for advanced painting courses with notable artists Ruben Ortiz-Torres, Kim MacConnel, and Barbara Kruger, and studied enough to minor in both Painting and Photography.

Since founding Canela Photography, Patricia has specialized in portraiture both on location and in studio. In 2015, she expanded her work to include a specialized focus on dance photography. Ballet photography in particular has become a lifelong artistic pursuit — she has enjoyed collaborating with dancers and is honored to serve as the resident photographer for San Diego Ballet's.

Patricia brings a fine arts sensibility to her photography, blending her background in painting, drawing, and mixed media with a photographer's eye for light, emotion, and storytelling. Her work reflects a deep commitment to honoring her subjects and capturing moments that endure.