Unfailing Kindness Means Giving is Awesome
Posted on November 26, 2009 by Parris Whittingham in Projects | No Comments
Five girls who were adopted by a loving foster mother in Philidelphia. Photo: Kristen Kalp
Something has to Give
Kristen Kalp is a self-admitted introvert and a “classic over-achiever”. When presented with the option of speaking with a young child or their parents, she feels more comfortable speaking with the child. In a previous life, she channeled this awareness (and a degree in English) into a career as a teacher. She taught at school for socio-emotionally disturbed children; the dream of the school was to create a safe space where young people would have the ability to succeed academically. The reality of teaching within the inner-city of Philadelphia soon took its toll on her. The neighborhood was riddled with crime and living conditions were such that acts of violence and hostility were commonplace. The almost daily routine of returning home and feeling overwhelmed by unhappiness and sadness became unbearable. She began to find it increasingly difficult to leave “work at work”. Something had to give…
We can Teach You Skills. We Can’t Teach you Passion
While sneaking onto private property to photograph abandoned houses (a hobby she enjoys to this day) a new thought entered Kristen’s mind, maybe (just maybe) she could become a professional photographer. That evening, Kristen began looking for photography jobs on Craigslist. About 3 days later, her efforts materialized and she was hired to work at portrait photography studio. After hearing the level of excitement and joy that Kristen had about this new job opportunity, her soon to be boss promptly exclaimed, “You have passion. We can teach you skills, we can’t teach you passion”. That was almost four years ago. The small studio has since closed its doors to business, however, Kristen has continued to pursue a career in portrait photography. The skills she acquired at her first photography job allowed her and a business partner to open a custom portraiture photography studio two years ago. Despite these exciting changes and professional developments, Kristen realized something was missing.
Find Beauty Where Others Would Not
When asked about her attraction to documenting abandoned homes and her passion for photography Kristen explains, “Everything has a story. There is a need I have to find beauty where others would not…I have have such a great sense of perspective as a photographer. Every day is a good day. I haven’t had any bad days since I started doing photography.” This single observation may be at the core of Kristen’s introverted and over-achieving dynamic. The more difficult a story or subject appears on the surface, the harder she works to draw out and expose its natural beauty. One day, while watching a gentlemen on the morning news discuss the value of giving for the holidays, she had an “aha” moment. Kristen’s idea began with a single question, “how can I help people in my community using what I have?”. She decided that she could photograph people in need without the expectation of monetary payment. Maybe a hug at the end of the portrait session.
Giving is Awesome
In the winter of 2008, during one of the most tense financial climates since The Great Depression, Kristen decided to be different. While many photographers and professionals were considering how to “recession-proof” their business strategies, Kristen made the choice to give back in a big way. The premise was simple, gift one deserving family with extraordinary custom portraits and encourage other photographers to do the same. On Sunday December 7th, she wrote a blog post announcing the news. She then logged into an online photography forum to share her announcement with some friends. “Then it kinda went “crazy” people were talking about the idea.” Kristen explains. People were doing more than just talking, they were taking action. Families were sharing their stories with her and other photographers, who were in turn signing up to join the growing movement which she appropriately named Giving is Awesome.
By December 24th, Over 500 photographers from around the United States had joined Giving is Awesome. Their combined efforts resulted in the giving over $560,000 worth of photographic services for deserving families. Thankfully, Kristen chose to gift more than one family with custom portraiture in 2008. The feedback got her exactly what she wanted. In addition to receiving several “thank you” cards, each family gave Kristen hugs. So what can we learn from this story?
Lessons Learned:
- Giving back to your community through your craft or profession allows more people to experience what you do for a living…and it feels awesome!
- For photographers who want to give back Kristen suggests: “First, see if its being done somewhere else. So that you are not competing with the goodwill of others”.
- Focus on generosity and making friends with other photographers. “Giving is Awesome would not have happened without the support of other photographers.”
- Show gratitude: “Lots of what I do is writing emails and thanking people. They have all been unfailingly kind.”
- Kristen is adamant that giving back should operate from the need to serve and benefit your community NOT your business or “marketing plan”.
Next Steps
In 2009, Giving is Awesome has determined a goal of offering 1 million dollars in photographic services to deserving families across the United States. To learn more about Giving is Awesome and sign up, please visit: givingisawesome.com. You can follow Kristen on Twitter: @essentialimage
