Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat Calaway.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kat. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I got serious about learning how to use my camera during my third (complicated and scary) pregnancy in 2008. The first online class I took taught me how to shoot in manual mode; I wanted to have complete creative control and a thorough understanding of how my gear worked. Over the years as I continued learning, I became obsessed with documenting, not just how my life looked, but how it felt.
However, it wasn’t until after I was diagnosed with lupus in 2015 that my camera transformed into the instrument I now use when I struggle to put into words what I so desperately want others to understand. Whether it’s a routine day of homeschooling my four boys, prioritizing a workout, sharing my favorite hair + skincare, or I’m anxiously climbing a dark valley, I’ve learned I can sing of God’s grace & mercy through the images I create. (And so can you!) That’s how Mom Photo Balm started.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s certainly not been a smooth road. As I alluded to previously, my health caused me to take a sabbatical from my photography work. During that time, I took a two-year hiatus from all social media. I am grateful for this time, as it allowed me to heal and listen. My lupus and fibromyalgia diagnosis provided answers, but wrapping my mind around lifelong treatment took a while. I’m grateful for modern medicine and prayers of loved ones. Making my health a priority – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual – has made me a more compassionate photographer and friend.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mom Photo Balm story. Tell us more about the business.
Today, as a storytelling Motherhood + Brand Photographer, I document the ones and the work women love with heartfelt photos.
While Motherhood Sessions result in a gallery of documentary-inspired black-and-white images that preserve the moments and solidify the memories, Personal Branding Sessions produce a gallery with a good mixture of black-and-white + color pictures to help share the heart behind the work!
I am most proud of my students. I’ve taught photography off and on through the years at our local homeschool co-op for ages 12-18. A few of my former students and I have stayed connected since they graduated; we’ve actually become friends. A couple of them are even photography colleagues now, as they’ve begun their own photography businesses!
I think what sets me apart from other photographers is my poetic black-and-white imagery and my willingness to share everything I know about motherhood, photography, and business. I’m also not afraid to share about my Christian faith, how it influences my work and guides my life.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t necessarily believe in luck… at least I wouldn’t call it that.
I believe, as the Bible says in Ecclesiastes that, “the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”
I understand this to mean God’s sovereign grace determines seasons and successes in life, not luck.
As an entrepreneur, I can’t rely on luck. Rather, I focus on education and preparation for divine appointments. Some may choose to call this luck or serendipity; I simply believe this is hard work meeting opportunity.
When I find myself distracted or frustrated when I fall short of a goal, I glean much wisdom and instruction from the book of Proverbs:
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”
Pricing:
- Motherhood Storytelling Collections begin at $250
- Lifestyle Personal Branding Collections begin at $300
Contact Info:
- Website: www.KatCalaway.com
- Email: kat@momphotobalm.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/momphotobalm
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/momphotobalm
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