I’ve just finished my daily devotion/prayer/meditation/Bible study that I have tried to start my day with for the last 2 months. Â I heard a speaker who made a strong case for beginning your day this way..”In all things, put God first, and the rest will come to you.” (Matthew 6:33) Â I must say that this has turned into one of my favorite times of the day, and I start the days with peace more often now that I have added that daily habit. Â I highly recommend it.
I wanted to share my insight that I had this morning, because I am feeling especially thankful for the life God has led me to.
In the Bible, the strongest and most common analogy for Jesus is “the Light.” Â He is a “light unto our paths”, a “light in the darkness”, and “the way, the truth, and the light.”
The more mature you become as a photographer, the more you realize that the key to photography is this: Â you must be perceptive to the light. Â You must understand, study, and “feel” the light. Â Light is the critical element to a great picture. Â I began thinking that this connection to “the light” must be at the core of why so many photographers that I’ve met are deeply spiritual people. Â In fact, prayer is still an integral part of every Professional Photographers of NC meeting, even though it’s not a religiously affiliated group.
I would like to suggest that everyone should develop their photography skills. Â You will learn to see beauty around you that you never noticed before, and the world will become a more amazing place. Â And, if you are like me and so many others, you will start to notice God all around you, and you will become more connected to Him and thankful for all he has created. Â Photographers don’t make beautiful pictures, they just notice them, already created by God. Â Learn to notice the light in all you do, and you will find yourself worshiping God in a very deep and meaningful way.
Do any other photographers, amateur or professional, feel this way as well? Â I’d love to hear your comments.
8 Comments
HI Ellen, I appreciated your post from Monday. My husband and I met you at Imaging when we overheard you telling someone else about Abie Straps and we’re so excited for you… and for us that we’ll be some of the lucky ones to be the first to wear them! I hope it will be soon because my hubby’s getting really irritated with his current straps and is being tempted by another vendor. So… please hurry. For cool ideas on great men’s designs see http://www.robertgraham.us Many men are collecting these shirts. They are exquisite, and bold. Blessings to you.
Wow Ellen! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful thoughts and outlook. I have also learned over the years as my walk with God has grown stronger, that He is everywhere. And yes all beautiful moments captured through my lens, is from Him. It was amazing to learn how important light is to capture a beautiful image. I have you to thank for showing me the first steps in noticing good light. I’m even more amazed at how for every session or wedding, I find myself thanking our Heavenly Father for the LIGHT he has provided. In that very moment of amazing light, I am aware of His presence. Thank you for the inspiration to start my day with Him. It’s something that I really need to make a priority. It’s so easy the get off track with all the daily works and stresses. I’m going to go do my Bible Study right now! Have a beautiful day!
Ellen this is such a beautiful post. Thank you for writing it and allowing others to share in your experience. I think people have always known that photography is more than just the snap of a lens to you and more of an intimate experience. Now we are able to understand the spiritual foundation that resides within you that allows you to create your masterpieces.
Your comments are wonderful and I really appreciate you taking the time to respond.
Well done baby. smooch, tweet, …whatever I do on a blog – DL
Thanks for sharing your faith and encouragement in this way. Without “Light” God’s creation would remain in darkness and no one would be able to enjoy it’s beauty. Add to that the spiritual light of Jesus Christ and now you see deeper into his creation and have the joy of knowing peace that is eternal! God Bless you. your family and your business.
Hey Ellen, These were great thoughts! Thanks for sharing them. I think it is so true that just like photography, when the light is to our backs, it illuminates our path. G.K. Chesterton said, “The light of God is like the sun, No one can stare at it, but by it all things are seen.”
We were blessed to be at EI last week for vacation. Alicia’s brother was married in Nashville and we were able to slip away to our favorite place for a while. It is so great to see your work. You give me inspiration to continue learning how to capture the moment.
Hello! I just came upon your site yesterday and am blown away! I am almost your doppelganger! I have 2 small children, live near the Intracoastal Waterway on Oak Island and have just started a beach portraiture business. This post inspired me to write to you as I feel exactly the same way and I have never heard these ideas verbalized, or even thought anyone else might even share this perspective. I am always “in search of the divine”, and photography has allowed me to experience it more frequently through the beautiful images and memories I capture! Thank you!!
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