From High School Dreams to Full-Time Photography: Kenna Calhoun's Journey of Faith, Family, and Finding Her Calling

Join host Ashley Ramsey as she sits down with longtime friend Kenna Calhoun, owner-operator of Just Kenna Photography, for an intimate conversation about following your passion despite uncertainty. Kenna shares her remarkable journey from winning photography competitions in high school through 4-H to building a thriving full-time photography business over nine years. In this heartfelt episode, she opens up about the challenges and blessings of moving across multiple states with a newborn, transitioning from in-home newborn sessions to a full-service studio experience, and trusting God’s plan even when it seemed “absolutely insane.” Whether you’re a new mom, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone seeking encouragement to pursue your calling, Kenna’s story of persistence, faith, and authentic relationship-building offers valuable insights into creating a business that truly serves others while staying true to your purpose.

Highlights:

[00:58] Kenna’s Photography Origin Story – From high school 4-H competitions to winning state fair contests, discovering her calling through family support and community programs
[02:23] Breaking Barriers 20 Years Ago – The challenge of pursuing photography as a career when people asked “what are you really gonna do?” in an era before digital photography was mainstream
[04:36] The Heart Behind In-Home Newborn Sessions – Kenna’s original mission to make photography a blessing, not a stress, by bringing services directly to new parents’ homes
[06:29] Divine Studio Transition – How God orchestrated the perfect studio space after five years, transforming her business into a one-stop experience with makeup artists, breakfast, and client closets
[08:58] Moving with a Newborn – Four States by Age One – The reality of supporting each other’s dreams while navigating constant relocation with an infant
[10:45] Two Weeks and a Move – Kenna’s incredible story of moving from Kentucky to Missouri just two weeks after giving birth to her son Brooks
[12:17] Advice for New Moms – Don’t sweat the small details; the most treasured photos capture authentic moments, not perfect poses
[13:51] Real Life vs. Christmas Card Photos – Why candid moments of kids picking their nose matter more than picture-perfect family portraits
[14:55] The Pond Phone Incident – A memorable shoot where a little boy walked into water with dad’s phone, becoming part of the family’s treasured story
[16:20] Serving Central Kentucky and Western Virginia – Kenna’s current service area and contact information for families seeking authentic photography experiences