I have been working on my photography for a few years now and I so thoroughly enjoy working the camera, creating beautiful representations of God’s creation, and making people happy through portraiture and wedding photography. My camera also allows me to stay sane in the ministry - a way that I can “rest” from the daily stress of being a pastor (not that it is that hard being the pastor of Peace Lutheran Church!) I do make a bit of money (between $2000 and $3000 a year) which I give to The Lutheran Academy. This all helps ease my conscience about how much time I spend at it, and helps me see my work as “part of my life and ministry” to my Lord.

However, sometimes I feel that I want to do more to use my camera and vision to glorify God. I have had a lot of ideas floating around in my head about how I might do that, but the last couple days I have been shown how I might be able to realize a way forward. I have been watching bits and pieces of a live online class of photographer and artist Brooke Shaden. She lives down near Lancaster, PA and over the last few years has done some pretty impressive work that is similar to what a couple Facebook friends of mine also do. These individuals (and many others) use heaping amounts of imagination plus photography and Photoshop skills to make amazing images.

So my main line of thinking and prayer is that I want to employ their techniques of taking an idea, imagining how that might be illustrated, and then executing it through the camera and the computer - but the difference will be that I will be illustrating the conflicts and truths of scripture and Christian discipleship.

Look at these two pictures (below) of Brooke Sheldon, for instance… They illustrate various aspects of the human condition - but they have no reference to Biblical truth - nor do they point to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Now… the truth is that I am not sure that I have all the skills necessary for work of this caliber. But I am even less convinced I have the imagination necessary to make this happen. The skills part I can work on, but imagination and the “eye” is something which is more “inborn” in a person. I know I have “something” of an “eye”, but I am not sure it is enough of what is needed. Perhaps it can be nurtured to a certain extent.

Anyway… I have lots of ideas… But it is a matter of turning those ideas into workable plans and a final product that helps us see ourselves through the lens of Scripture - and is a conduit for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. According to Brooke - “anyone can do it!” haha! The Bible doesn’t exactly promise that… but I am looking forward to how the Lord will help me grow in Grace as I endeavor (probably pretty slowly!) toward this vision of making a beautiful difference for Christ through my camera!

Thank you for all your prayers for me (and my poor wife!!) as I move forward in this aspect of my life.

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Every couple years we have a Spring Pastoral Conference at an Orthodox retreat center about 50 miles South East of Pittsburgh. It is a VERY beautiful place and I can usually get in a couple walks in during the 24 hours that we are there. This past week was no exception!
Here are a few examples of my photographic “take away.” I hope you enjoy!

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