I squealed, loud enough that Hayden looked up at me almost frightened wondering why mommy was shrieking and literally jumping up and down around the room. Then he just thought it was funny. It was the email that I had so nervously been waiting for. I knew that on Jan 21st, Weddingbells Magazine was going to announce their Top 25 Most Inspiring Wedding Photographers for 2013. I had been so incredibly honoured to be chosen for 2012, and honestly was so shocked to receive it the first time, that I wondered what even sort of remote chance I had for being recognized two years in a row. Well, they chose me !!! And I danced and jumped and laughed and hugged and cried.
I think that many professional photographers are so critical of their work and constantly see only the ‘flaws’ and rarely step back to acknowledge how far we have come and give ourself that little pat on the back. There have been a few defining moments for me in my career so far where validation from such an incredible company has given me that moment to stop and think back to where I began. This was one of those moments.
Receiving my first digital camera when I graduated university as a gift from Darren and my mom. Not long after Darren and I went off for a 3 month adventure to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, where we spent several nights staying up late chatting about my dreams of being a photographer. I didn’t know how it would happen. I just knew it would.
As I practiced and practiced and slowly built a business up bit by bit, I was able to leave my ‘safe’ job with the government to pursue something that made my heart happy.
Weddingbells had these amazing sweet words to say about me and my work …
“Why we love her: There’s an undeniable air of romance in Kim Kalyn’s wedding photography. We adore the way she plays with light to expertly showcase each couple and their venue and her bright personality also makes her a pleasure to work with.”
I am humbled and truly grateful. THANK YOU Weddingbells – I am so incredibly honoured.
