What Made You Want to Go Into Photography?

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Kaia Calhoun

Yesterday one of my blog friends asked me this question and with my Wednesday Words post coming up the next day I new I had my topic.

What made you want to go into photography?

The short answer is that when I was in high school my mom called out my passion for it and told me I had an eye for it. But the long answer is way better…

When I was a Freshman in High School my family took a trip out west. They picked me up from summer youth camp in Laramie, WY and we trekked further west in our gargantuan RV. We called him Moby, like Moby Dick the great white whale.

We took two main stops: Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton Mountains. What I remember from that trip I mostly remember through the pictures I took with my little Canon point and shoot and journaling. I don’t remember specifics other than that it was a little silver camera. But that little camera and I captured a lot of beauty on that trip. After I got pictures printed I remember my mom looking at them and telling me I had an eye for photography and that she saw I really enjoyed it. Leave it to Mom to point out that I carried that camera everywhere and, unlike most kids, was more interested in photographing life from weird angles with intentional framing than photographing with my friends.

A couple of years later I took the best class I have ever taken, Yearbook, with Mr. McCallum. McCallum, I hope you are reading this because any time I talk about why I do what I do I always say something about how your class was the most influential class I have ever taken. It ignited a passion in me and taught me all of the most important tools and tips I use in my writing today. In this class I mostly learned about how to write a good journalistic story. He taught us all about “Be verbs” and storytelling. That year I won a state yearbook award for a piece I did about a local haunted house. That simple award pushed me to the realization that maybe writing wasn’t just something I loved doing but something I could be good at. I also shot the pictures for that story so when the end of the year rolled in McCallum asked me to be a part of the editing staff as either a section editor or a photo editor. I had a choice. At that point I knew I loved designing layouts, writing, and copy editing as a “job” but I didn’t know if I would like photography as a “job.” So, for adventure’s sake, I chose the position of photography editor.

The next year, my senior year, I hit the school scene with my camera always at my side. I attended events of all kinds and relished photographing every event I was assigned to. I specifically remember feeling so honored being on the sidelines at the football games, bantering with the guys and with my fellow ninja photographer, Eli. Only a few months into taking photography assignments I knew I was home. So I dumped out my pile of college information and selected only the schools with at least two or three photography classes. My mom and I took an extended weekend in the fall of 2006 and toured my midwest choices. Judson University was the last school of that tour and not only was I completely underwhelmed by the other schools, but Judson captivated me. I remember specifically loving the quaint campus, the prospect of being close to Chicago, the Ugandan study abroad option, our tour guide Jaimee Bartha, and something far less material. This school wasn’t my ultimate ideal, I did really want a rigorous photography program and Judson could only give me two photography classes, but I felt the Holy Spirit asking me to trust in Him and commit to this school. By October of 2006 only a few short weeks after my tour, I was fully enrolled for a double major in Visual Communications with an emphasis in photography and Media Studies with an emphasis in writing.

I continued through my senior year at Buffalo High School soaking up every minute behind my camera and was so engaged in my college credit courses. But the capstone of my whole year came at the end of the basketball season when our guys not only made it to state for the first time in 80 some years but they won it. Each of their games Eli and I sported special press passes like all the big shots with their expensive cameras and official jobs. We sat with them on the sidelines of the Metrodome courts like equals.

In the spring of 2007 I hit the books, or, rather, my sketchbook, hard. For the first time in my life I gave up sports for school as I quickly discovered the art program would demand all of my energy. And, just like in high school, I quickly became known as the girl with the camera.

At the end of my four years I graduated with a major in General Art and a minor in Writing. My senior show was a photographic examination of water (CLICK HERE to see that project). My plans of graduating with a photography major fell away when I fell in love with Joshua. I even visited other schools intending on transferring but when he asked me to stay I simply couldn’t deny him. But I’m glad I did, because I finished at Judson I also fell in love with engaging with photography as art. I learned I love marrying my passion for biology and art together in fine art photography.

My photography business wove itself neatly, but discreetly into my life. I started booking random sessions with families and seniors the summer after my freshman year of college as a way to make a few extra bucks. Again, this idea came from my mom. The last semester of my senior year at Judson I quit my part-time job at Starbucks and launched “a Sunshine Moment” full time. I shot my first wedding a few months later at Hotel Baker. And then the dreaminess of the job died. That wedding met me head on with every technical difficulty and misstep. And the rest of the summer on the job gave no respite. Building a business identity and client base is hard and I dreaded every wedding and session until I arrived on location; however, when I arrived at each shoot I bloomed with excitement and creativity.

I approached the next wedding season, last year, full of apprehension. I was nervous I would dread every shoot again, especially since I was booked for around 25 weddings and ongoing portrait sessions. There was no turning back at this point. But, lo and behold, I hit the photo scene full stride and brimming with confidence.

And now, here I am, working from home and supporting my family with my photography. I thank God so often for providing me with the means to do the work I am so passionate about, especially right out of school. a Sunshine Moment certainly was a leap of faith; self-employment and owning a business is not for the faint of faith. Yet I cherish every moment of it because it is so much easier to see God’s provision and faithfulness without the guarantee of a steady paycheck. I am also so thankful for His gift of some key people. If it weren’t for my mom calling out a gift in me and encouraging me to run with it, McCallum giving me a chance to grow and test my passion, and Josh’s continued support and encouragement there is no way I would be here. Parents and teachers play such a vital role; by encouraging your kids and students into their gifts and passions you grant them the greatest treasure, work they love!

a Photo a Day | March 11 – 17

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Kaia Calhoun

First off, I have to admit I only busted my camera out one day this week. I haven’t missed a day since I started my “a Photo a Day” commitment back in December but all of a sudden I was struck by grief for my grandma and simply didn’t care to do anything unless it absolutely needed to be done. I didn’t even take pictures at my Studio Grand Opening Party! Silly me.

One night, however, there was a beautiful sunset, inspiring enough to force me to pull over and record it on camera so today I share with you the sunset from March 12, 2013. What a beauty.

Miss Independent is Back

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Kaia Calhoun

I have seen Josh for about five whole days in the last month and a half or so. For this Redeemed Tour Citizen Way started up in our neck of the woods then headed down south, all the way west, up to Washington and over to Montana and then, finally, one month later I picked him up at a McDonald’s off the freeway in MN. He had gone a total of around 8094 miles and 128 hours of driving for 19 shows at 19 different venues in 12 different states in 31 days and only slept 2 – 5 hours per night. Josh and Ben Blascoe split all those miles and all those hours in the driver’s seat of their 15 passenger van.

This map shows the first 31 days of the tour, February 1 – March 4.

Needless to say, after all those miles with high energy and sold out shows in so many cities and states Josh was in need of some serious sleep. Instead, he meets me in Minnesota to sing for my Grandma’s memorial service. For him this meant sacrificing his big need for rest and pouring any remaining energy into loving on me, working on memorial service details, and entertaining my extended family. And he did it all with such grace and love. He is incredible.

If you haven’t guessed, marriage for us is different.

Because of all our time apart and weeks spent fending for myself I have found that I have reconnected with the little Miss Independent from my teenage years. While Josh is gone I adopt a different lifestyle; I work all morning, around 1 or 2 I take a break or a nap, I get back to work, and come evening I read a book until I’m sleepy. I mix it up with the occasional hang with a friend, a walk with the dogs, a home project, or some knitting. It’s seems to be a very healthy pattern. Instead of powering through 8 – 10 hours of work every day I put in 4 or 5, take a break so I can power back up and get excited and inspired, then I work the remaining 4 to 5 hours.

I also have a whole manner of affairs to tend to on my own. Because of these little items I have to work on I have been finding that at the end of every day I feel very accomplished. By sweeping, doing the dishes, buying groceries, juicing, getting the oil changed, shoveling the driveway, clipping the dog’s nails, or paying bills I can feel like I’ve been productive even if I’ve only been working on editing the same wedding for three days straight.

Then Josh comes home and we try to squeeze in as much togetherness as my work load can afford. It’s a confusing back and forth because on one had I’m left to fend for myself and on the other hand I suddenly have someone around 24/7. Talk about some whiplash. We’re still navigating how to go between these two extremes in the ways that are easiest and most beneficial for both of us. For the rest of this Redeemed Tour the art of this back-and-forth will be put to the test. According to the schedule Josh is gone 4 – 5 days at a time then he’s home for 2 – 3. As for today and the rest of this week I am Miss Independent, then come Monday I am a Mrs again for a couple of days 😉

To Grandmother’s House I Went

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Kaia Calhoun

Some of you friends have been very faithful in prayer on behalf of my grandma and I thank you so much for your support in that!

I suddenly had enough of fretting about her situation in my empty house and resolved to set my sails to Minnesota to be sure I got to see her. I decided last Tuesday evening, prepped myself all day Wednesday, and was finally on the road at around 6pm. I should have waited until morning.

Ordinarily I avoid driving in the night at all costs. In this case I was bent on getting there ASAP so I not only drove in the dark but I started my drive in the dark. And then, about halfway through my drive, snow hit. With the pitch black blanket of midnight sky cast by nighttime darkness and thick cloud cover my headlights seemed to barely pierce the endless darkness around me. It was so dark that, for the first time in my life, I was actually grateful for light pollution when I came upon some because I could actually navigate my tires into and safely along the lone pair of treads set before me – there was not a snow plow in sight and the snow was only getting heavier so the freeway was covered with one thick snow blanket. At one point I contemplated just pulling over and sleeping in the car until the snow passed, or until a snow plow came through, or until morning but I’m as much of a stubborn Norwegian as my grandma so I kept at it.

I passed five cars swallowed by ditches, nearly got sideswiped by an over-confident semi truck driver, and added an extra hour or so to my already 7 hour drive but I made it.

The next morning I awoke to coffee time with Mom and then we headed to visit Grandma. I was hopeful in going to see her because only a couple of days before my mom told me how Grandma said something like this, “those who believeth and are baptized will be saved.” Up until this point I thought my grandma was intentionally as far from finding God as possible. I can’t say whether she has asked Jesus to be Lord over her life, though hopefully I will find that out soon, I can say that knowing she quoted scripture gave me hope that if she didn’t already she might be much more up for it than I thought!

My time with Grandma was lovely and gave me peace. Honestly, my Grandma is a hoot to hang with. We talked a lot about Josh, I think she has a little crush on him ;), and I tried to get her to tell me stories from her childhood.

On the last day I was home I went to visit her by myself. I brought the dogs and Josh’s music so she could meet my furry kiddos and hear some rough cuts of Citizen Way’s new album coming out in the next couple months. She was amused by my pups until Sam tried to snuggle one too many times and drew blood on her fragile skin with his persistently knife-like claws. So I put them away and put the music on. She reclined and listened intently to every tune I played for her. I’m pretty sure she couldn’t have possibly understood the lyrics but I was praying all the while that the words would sink into her heart anyway. After she tired of music we chatted. At one point she dozed off and she was so still that I thought she died right in front of me! But, just before I asked Gene, her 24 hour caregiver, for help, Grandma spoke again behind me. Thank the Lord! I was so freaked!

Before I left I asked if I could pray for Grandma. “Oh yeah!” she said. A much more enthusiastic response than I expected so my heart fluttered even more hopefully for her. After the prayer and a gentle, awkward stooping hug and said goodbye. I said “I love you Grandma” and she said “drive safe” (she doesn’t say “I love you”) and that’s all I know for now.

I have written her a postcard and called her since but I have nothing else major to report. She is gradually but surely declining daily in health as the toxins seep into her blood but she’s a tough old lady and is hanging in there. I’m still so hopeful I will get to see her at least one more time when I go up in about a week for a ski trip with my brother.

Continue praying for her salvation until I find out for sure whether or not she professes Jesus Christ as her savior but please also pray for her pain and that she can keep a sound mind until I know for sure she’s in God’s hands 🙂

The flowers are the Valentines flowers we got her 🙂

A Musician’s Wife’s Reality

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Kaia Calhoun

Wednesday Words

My friend Becky posted this blog yesterday morning and inspired me to share my similar, yet different story.

A traditional marriage has a stay-at-home mom, kids, and a 9 – 5 working husband. In this model the husband works all day to provide for the family while the wife stays at home caring for the kids and then they all get to spend the evening and weekends together.

A couple of years ago, within a month, Josh and I both transitioned into full-time self-employment. A year later Citizen Way, Josh’s band, was signed and I had to wean off of most of my part-time/freelance gigs to put enough time into my business, a Sunshine Moment.

As a result, in my marriage, I am the bread-winner right now, which is a joke because I am an artist, and my husband sometimes spends weeks at a time away from the house. This makes me responsible for taking care of our home, making the money, doing our budget, paying the bills, taking care of the dogs, and taking care of myself. I’ve become all too aware that this wouldn’t be nearly as difficult if I was single and only paying bills for one person while splitting the rent with a roommate or two. Not to mention, I’d have people around.

So, as Josh is gone for days or weeks at a time I work overtime in my little corner to pay our bills. I don’t complain anymore. Yes, this means I used to. I used to take it hard when Josh left for a few days at a time. Now our normal is weeks at a time so I push any inconvenient feelings into a box in the back corner of my brain and lock them back there.

Most people think what we have is ideal. I mean we’re doing what we love and getting paid for it right? Yes we are doing what we love. But, currently, Josh isn’t really getting paid for it and I’m barely getting paid for it. It’s the fact of our life and a risk we have to take in hopes that money will come eventually.

So this is my norm. And after this past week, I would take that every day if I didn’t have to live what I’m living right now…

On Thursday Josh left for 4+ weeks of nonstop touring.

On Friday my mom called to tell me my Grandma decided to stop dialysis (this means she has about 2 weeks to live).

On Sunday that knowledge, despite my best efforts of to contain it, traveled from my head to my heart and spilled over as buckets of messy, snotty tears.

Yesterday I was pushed further. Sam first snatched a chocolate chip cookie right off the table while I was in the bathroom. When I found him all that was left were crumbs and chocolate smears all over my couch. A couple hours later I came home from running a vital errand for the band to find he’d managed to get into the bathroom and distribute the contents of the trash all over the house and snatch the box of donuts off of a different table and polish them off.

Something in me snapped. After almost throwing Sam out of the house to be in time out I melted to a puddle of wailing in the middle of my kitchen floor. I picked myself up only to crumple again onto the more favorable, carpeted floor of the living room. When I finally reached a state of numbness, I let Sam in, and spent the next two hours completely still and silent on my couch. I dozed in-between bouts of just staring at the wall. I have never felt so alone and helpless.

The worst part is I told myself I would be strong because there’s nothing worse than having a needy wife at home making a mess of herself. But it appears I can only manage for so long before succumbing to my black hole of remorse.

My grandma does not know Jesus. So even though she is still alive my fear and grief for her soul is consuming my whole body. I have prayed for her consistently for a year and a half and now and with only two weeks left to reach her I simply feel hopeless.

Perhaps this is me reaching out for help. But all I really want is for my grandma to find Jesus so I ask that you simply pray your hearts out for her because the prayers of one broken-hearted girl is not enough anymore.