By Javacia Harris Bowser, See Jane Write Magazine Founding Editor
Rachel Callahan is a Birmingham blogging star. Her lifestyle blog Grasping for Objectivity has garnered national attention and awards. She’s also the organizer of the networking group Alabama Bloggers. And last month Callahan launched yet another project — Picture Birmingham.
Through Picture Birmingham, Callahan sells prints, canvasses and note cards of sunset and skyline photos that she’s been taking in Birmingham over the past several months. One hundred percent of the profits from the sale of these photos goes to support The WellHouse ministries, a local organization that rescues and houses women, children, and men who were victims of sex trafficking. The WellHouse ministries not only our Alabama but the entire nation and has rescued over 100 people between the ages of 13 and 54 since the organization began in 2010.
How did you get inspired to do this project?
The short answer is that God made it clear that He wanted me to do this and gave me the energy to make it happen. I would have never considered selling my photos on my own, but once He planted the idea in my head that I could use this for The WellHouse, I just had to do it.
You wrote on your blog that when you first learned of the horrors of sex trafficking you were overwhelmed. You knew you wanted to help but didn’t know how. How did you decide that you would use photography to help make a difference?
I really had no idea what I could do to help, other than help raise awareness. But awareness isn’t enough – there is a need for real, on-the-ground help. I didn’t really have too much to offer in this way: I’m a homeschool mom with two kids, so my availability to serve is pretty limited. But when I realized that I had amassed a huge collection of photos of Birmingham that people seemed to like, it was a perfect fit. It gave me the opportunity to talk about The WellHouse on social media and support them financially. I was so thrilled that God had provided me a way to make a difference.
How did you get into photography?
I’ve always taken photos for my blog and of my kids, but they were never necessarily that great. But last summer, I realized that I did have the ability to take sunset photos – I could actually capture the majesty of the skies sometimes, and it was incredibly therapeutic.
How will you balance this with your blogging?
Oh goodness, I wish I knew. Right now I’m trying to split my time between the two, but it’s definitely difficult. During the site development phase, I cut down my blog posts per week from 4 to 3, so that helped give me time to design the site. But I want to go back up to 4 now, so I need an intern terribly.
How long do you plan to continue this project?
Indefinitely!!
What advice would you give to other people who want to help with some major social issue such as this one but they feel so overwhelmed by the problem?
Pray about it. Consider your resources. Wait until you know what it is you are supposed to do, and when you know what that is, dive in, and don’t let fear get the best of you! Throughout this process I’ve had to remind myself that this project is God’s, not mine, and He will do with it what He wants to do with it. It is not for me to worry over.
The Birmingham Jane is a See Jane Write series of profiles on women in Birmingham who are making a difference in our city. If you know of a woman who is making a difference in Birmingham please send your nominations to javacia@seejanewritebham.com. And don’t be ashamed to nominate yourself!
Kudos to Rachel for making a difference in our community.