The Power of Photography

Cathy Maier Callanan loves telling stories. She says it began while she was sitting on a bus when she was a child, watching people get off, and wondering where they were going and what their stories were.

"Photography," says Cathy, "has allowed me to step into others' lives for a moment." And step into people's lives she has, with her camera and with tremendous impact. While Cathy has made her reputation for her wedding and portrait work in Santa Fe, New Mexico, what sets her apart from so many others is what she refers to as her "non-profit" work for such organizations as Save the Children, The Heart Gallery, New Vistas, and Creativity of Peace. It demonstrates her passion for getting involved in the lives of complete strangers in need, and actually making a difference in the quality of their lives through her photography. We recently had a chance to ask Cathy to tell us a few stories.

What do you think there is about your work and your business that sets you apart from the rest of the pack?

I have a diverse and varied background in photography that I use to create images. I combine photojournalism with fine art, along with my heartfelt connection with the people that I am photographing. My clients seem to love my enthusiasm as I collaborate with them to create images that they love and that I am proud of.

What led you to wedding and portrait work?

I started when I was assisting a professional photographer in Indiana, where I am from. At that time (the 70s) there were very few women photographers, and a group of supportive male photographers who had been in the business for many years took me in. As I reflect back to that time, I see how much support there was among the photographers in one city competing for jobs. I was encouraged as a new photographer and felt so welcomed into the circle.

I was a natural as a wedding photographer. I felt comfortable being on the side of the camera where I could observe and record the intimate and emotional moments of the wedding day. I love telling stories with images and stories of love are some of my favorites.

So few people feel comfortable in front of the camera, and I have found when making portraits that it is natural for me to create a safe space for them. In this space they are able to relax and reveal their inner and outer beauty. What a gift it is to be a photographer and create a photograph that someone treasures.

You really do cover a lot of ground with your work, with everything from weddings, families and graduations to publicity, community service and personal projects. What is your favorite?

Without question, my personal projects are the most satisfying and rewarding images that I make. There is a small village in Mexico where I have been photographing the people for years. I bring prints back to them, which they really seem to treasure. Seeing how proud they are of the photos makes me happy.

Through your non-profit work, you obviously believe that photography can make a difference in the world. How did this all come about?

Photography seems to be the strongest way that I know how to make a difference. A photograph many, many years ago on the cover of The New York Times showing the starvation in Africa moved me to organize a fundraiser that was extremely successful. The money went to Save the Children and made a difference to many people, all from a photograph! Another example of how much difference a photograph can make is The Heart Gallery, which I've been involved with since its inception. Professional photographers make beautiful portraits of foster children, which are exhibited.

Heart Gallery (heartgalleryofamerica.org) has spread across the country (48 states) and thousands of older children are being adopted and finding their forever homes. All from photographs! Photographs remind us of what is going on in the world—things that are not to be ignored. I would say to photographers that they can make a difference by starting out in their own communities with causes that they are concerned about.

You were a co-founder of the Santa Fe Photographic workshops and have been an instructor there ever since. Tell us why you feel it is important to share your knowledge of and passion for photography with others?

I love to share my knowledge because of the passion I have for inspiring my students and seeing their eyes light up when they discover something they hadn't known before. Seeing them improve and open up to their creativity and passion is a great joy. It is important for me to give back, remembering how much has been given to me by so many teachers and mentors.

Where do you see your business and your work going in the future?

I plan to continue my teaching, work on projects including the plight of the homeless, helping children get adopted, the wisdom of our elders, and pursue other non-profit work around the world. My portraiture, weddings, and events business will continue. I can't imagine not being a photographer, and I am sure the road will continue to open up to me as I photograph people and their stories.