Through the Lens: Converge On The Road with Erik Kalligraphy
Erik Kalligraphy photographs a scenic lookout in Vantage, Washington.
Taking the long way around isn’t just about the miles. For Converge Media co-founder Erik Kalligraphy, it’s about the narrative found in the margins.
Recently, the Converge Media team hit the pavement for another installment of Converge On The Road, a series dedicated to capturing the pulse of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. This journey took co-founders Erik Kalligraphy and The Big O two and a half hours east of Seattle to Quincy, Washington, to document a local youth group.
But as any follower of Erik’s work knows, the assignment is only half the story.
Photo: Erik Kalligraphy
More Than an Assignment: Photography as a Lifestyle
For Erik, the camera isn't a tool he breaks out for work; it’s a constant companion. Whether he’s on a high-profile shoot in Seattle or a dusty road in Eastern Washington, the lens is how he processes the world.
"I take my camera almost everywhere I go.It brings me peace. It also helps me remember where I've been,” he said.
This philosophy turns every pit stop into a gallery. On route to Quincy, Erik found art in the everyday:
The Ellensburg Rodeo Sign: Capturing the perfect light on this iconic landmark.
Cultural Artifacts: A "Watch For Rattlesnakes" sign covered in stickers—a visual record of the travelers who came before.
Finding the "Movie Scene": Even a parking lot puddle in George, Washington, became a study in reflection during the final twenty minutes of a golden sunset.
Preserving the Northwest Legacy
A major highlight of the trip was passing through the home turf of Jessa Thomas, Washington State's first Black Rodeo Queen. Jessa was the focus of Converge Media’s documentary “Facing the Reign.” Seeing the landscape that shaped her, like Thorp and Ellensburg, added another layer of depth to the team’s appreciation of her story.
Erik believes this kind of documentation is vital because the world is moving fast.
"The city's changing. The world's changing," he said. "We don't want to forget the Seattle that we once knew... the Northwest we once knew."
The Evolution of the Eye
Beyond preserving culture, Erik uses his photography to track his own personal growth. By comparing shots from eight years ago to today, he can see his evolution in composition, color, and what he deems beautiful.
By documenting those who are often overlooked, Erik ensures that the legends of our community leave a permanent footprint.
Converge On The Road continues to bridge the gap between Seattle and the rest of the world, one shutter click at a time.
