A Photographers Confessional & Journey

Most recent photo shoot at Longwood Garden in Kennet Square, PA. 

I challenged myself to shoot with one lens and at one aperture the entire 

day (50mm / f/1.8). It forced me to partner my strengths in composition 

with a weakness in technical skills, specifically focusing, to work together.

I never really intended to become a photographer. Yes, you heard me right. It was always something that was there...a part of my life that came back again and again. I really believe it's a God-thing, a calling, something that He has drawn me back to over and over until I fully embraced it. I have always gravitated towards art and graphic design because it was something I was good at. Photography in my mind was a tool in that process, that if needed I could produce it. But there is something about this medium that is compelling. Perhaps it's the story-telling aspect or the moments of reality frozen for all time or the ability to capture beauty and make it art. But what really excites me is the combination of all of the above simultaneously. I have often said that I have a photo-graphic memory...if I took a picture of it, then I remember it. But what is more revealing is the truth of the moment and searching for these slices of time that reveal something about ourselves and who God says that we are. 

I was ten when I began to make my own photos. My siblings,

our pets and landscapes became my first subjects.

My journey into photography began with a 110 film camera when I was ten years old. My first photos were of a trip to DC and Colonial Williamsburg. Of course the off-center view-finder meant that all my photos were not exactly compositional masterpieces. Around that same time I began to draw. I am not sure that I knew being a photographer was a possible career choice yet but being an artist was since my great uncle worked as a commercial artist (as it was called in those days). Also during that time my grandmother had a series of optical illusion photos that I became fascinated with, which led to experiments with my siblings around the yard.

I went to a vocational high school. In those days I really didn't have any ambitions of going to college. To be honest I did not know if I was even smart enough, I really had no sense of self except that I knew I could draw. I naturally gravitated towards the Commercial Art program. I did well. In fact when I made the National Honor Society I was shocked. I suddenly realized I might have what it takes. I also found that I could also write when I was one of three chosen to write for a local newspaper. But what really got me going was one of the Commercial Art teachers who simply said, "Why don't you do something?" You see I was the kid who quietly sat on the sidelines, always watching but never participating. These simple words where the motivation I needed and so the remaining two school years I was involved in everything--sports, committees, and yearbook. Photography was a part of the Commercial Art curriculum so I learned to shoot and develop film, but it was light painting and using long exposures at night that hooked me. When I graduated I used all my gift money to buy a 35mm SLR Minolta camera, which I used quite regularly when I could afford film and developing.

The remaining evidence of a Senior Show. It was 

the  mid '80s as you tell by the hair and clothing.

The pieces included design, photography, 

drawing, watercolor and mixed media.

College: I was given the following choice regarding college, go to an A/G school or stay home and commute. While some of the top art schools were within commuting distance of the small New England town I called home I also had a bold adventurous streak despite my quiet demeanor. I am definitely a wanderer, prone to travel thanks in part to my grandparents who took my siblings and I often on their travels throughout the US. The only A/G school at the time that had an art program was located in the mid-west and I wanted to stretch my wings so off to Missouri I went. I majored in Art, specifically Graphic Design. These were still pre-Macintosh computer days although the computer lab did have one of the first models in the corner, but no one knew what to do with it at the time. I actually owned a typewriter and all my designs were hand-drawn or painted. I spent hours mixing colors, making samples, waxing type to boards, using a lot of art supplies in the process. It was a time of definite growth, being on my own, learning who I was and what I wanted to do with my life. I had two photography classes in the process and often shot for the school yearbook since I was a part of the design staff. It was there that I learned to incorporate elements of design into my photo compositions, but also where I was first exposed to photojournalism.

After graduating I spread my wings to Brussels, Belgium. It was there that I started to heed of the call that photography may have on my life. I worked in the art department of missions organization. Thanks in part to a very innovative department head they invested in the new technolgies of desktop publishing where I quickly learned the basics. Living in Europe meant we spent our free-time traveling throughout the countries by train or car. My camera was my constant companion on these trips. Many times I was called upon to shoot images for the job as well. It was one day in the video studio struggling with the lights trying to take some product shots when I realized I may need further training in this medium. During the course of these two years God began to quietly speak to me. 

Left: Caught in action in London, England during the late
'80s, Center: Bio photo for my editorial column in my graduate 

school magazine in the early '90s. Right: Hard at work doing
layout and design for a piece called Great Questions of Life
just outside Brussels Belgium, 1988.

One time in particular I remember him saying that my camera would open doors that the title missionary could not. It wasn't an audible voice just a still small voice within that I knew was not my own. I did not know what that meant but I knew I better start really learning how to use photography equipment. A brochure began to circulate the department for one such program, ironically this was not the regular type of material that we passed around but it caught my attention. It was for a masters degree in photojournalism at a University back in the US. I had no intention of going back to school but now I was being compelled by this calling that I could not explain. So I applied. I had to see what doors my camera could open.

A collection of images from Grad school. As you can see my

subject matter included more portraits and storytelling images.

Grad school was the toughest thing I have ever done. Not so much the class work but juggling three part-time jobs on top of the full-time class load. My jobs however were all on campus and helped to further my education: photography graduate assistant, Magazine design editor and later editor, as well as graphics freelancer for the marketing department. My classes were small but tough. The photography professor was a former newspaper photojournalist. I was fascinated by her experiences and technical knowledge. I was a sponge and soaked it all in. I shot for every publication on campus and even volunteered as the still photographer for several student films.

Publishing World. 
However, after completing my degree it was the publishing world that drew me in. I worked for a large business magazine publisher both on the marketing and editorial side eventually moving up to art director for a couple of magazines. I also ventured out as a freelancer. Whenever necessary I would pull-out my camera and shoot any image that I could not get via the regular means. One time during a trade-show in Las Vegas the publisher forgot to hire a photographer for the first day of industry seminars. I always traveled with my camera and instantly volunteered. From that point onward I always photographed the first day in addition to my design duties of this yearly event. During this time I also got my first digital camera, a Canon 10D. Digital really revolutionized the way I shot and even thought about photography. Gone were the hours in the darkroom and the cost of film. I was shooting more and learning from my technical mistakes now that I could see what was happening and could properly evaluate the cause.

Some children following the van (Kombie) to the end of the 

street in Limpopo Provence, South Africa. One of thousands 

of stories told on one three week media trip, which always 

included a little ministry, planned and unplanned.

Missions Part 2: I knew that one day I would do another missions assignment. A lot of things led to this new journey however suffice it to say I made a three-year commitment to an International organization that had me traveling all over the world and using my camera the way I should have been all along. It was exciting and tough and eye-opening. I began my commitment leading teams. I always had my camera with me and shot whenever I could but it was not my primary focus at first. Then I had a team in Argentina who challenged me to get back to what I was finding that I really loved. I remember one person on this team who was so passionate about photography. It was an embarrassing moment really that changed everything. She handed her camera to me to get a group photo. She had it set to back-button focus which I admit at the time I knew nothing about. I was embarrassed that I didn't know what she was talking about but was determined to get back into photography and really understand all its nuances especially digital photography. A few months later I updated my camera and the very next day found myself in the communication department due to organizational changes. I admit it was with a little internal kicking and screaming but in hindsight was the best thing that could have happened. I was actively improving my technical abilities, my photographic eye and traveling the world. I feel it was a privilege to document so many stories and be witness to God's work in others lives. It is not something I feel that I was capable of way back but a journey that I was called to and one that has evolved as skills were strengthened, both interpersonal and professional. (NOTE: This blog is filled with some of those stories)

On one trip in particular to Russia. I found that original word come full circle. I found myself teaching a group of Russian youth and young adults photography as well as sharing my testimony. It was a situation where they came to hear me first as a photographer. It was also a situation where I realized that my camera had opened that particular door.

My studio photography class in action working on dance images.

The Classroom. I knew that my next step in life would be back to the classroom. Not as a student but rather a teacher. It was really an unspoken desire that I knew was on the horizon. I got a taste of it prior to missions, teaching study skills at a community college but I always wondered what it would be like to teach something I was really passionate about. That door opened up very quickly and miraculously while visiting my brother on a fundraising trip back home. And I am so grateful that it did. I now teach digital photography to a whole new generation, some who will take this information and immediately make amazing images. And others who like me are on a long journey to discover their true calling. I am also fortunate to still be traveling and capturing amazing stories around the world as well as teaching workshops internationally. (See previous post)

Circle of Life. Preparing to feed the children in a village just outside of Gulu

in Northern Uganda. 

While my camera is but a tool it has the power to open many doors in countries and hearts and minds. As long as God continues to guide me I will go boldly into the places he leads for this journey is not over yet....

5 Ways To Use your Camera as an Outreach Tool

MISSIONS PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES~Part 4

These are ideas that has been growing in me for quite some time. Outreach does not need to stop just because you have a camera in your hand.  Maybe you are the team’s official photographer or you might be on assignment for an organization. My supposition here is that this piece of equipment can enhance your outreach abilities. When I say outreach, I am talking about evangelism, pointing someone towards Christ in word and deed and by planting seeds. I can’t say that I have always done all of these, but it is something I have pondered and begun to be more intentional about. While this is a missions series which implies going to the outermost parts, these are things that can be used even in your home country and local communities.

This is Grace. She was so grateful to receive a hot meal and what she called a real coat at a soup and coat giveaway by 422CHURCH.COM in Norristown, PA. Having a camera in my hand has opened many doors to conversations that I would't normally be bold enough to start.

Here are 5 possibilities in no particular order.

1. Give away FREE prints. It is a common courtesy and a great marketing tool in the wedding industry to shoot the floral arrangements and cake, and then to give an image to the florist and caterers. But what about the people that you shoot in poorer nations who almost never own a print of themselves. I know of one photographer who travels with a small portable printer just for such situations. And still others who travel with Polaroid cameras. What do you write on the back? I suggests words of encouragement. What do you say to them? I suggest words of friendship and gratitude. 

     What if you are a missionary living in a new area? This maybe a great way to meet the people around you, to begin a relationship as well as learn their names and stories. It also gives you a visual of the people you are praying over and they remember your kindness.

     Several organizations have sprung up in recent years…Help Portrait is one….photographers around the world volunteer for one day to take formal portraits of those that are least likely to ever have had one taken and give them a print that day without charge. These photographers do this yearly as a way to give back and not promote themselves. Consider setting up a photo booth at your next community outreach, printing and giving the photos away. You would be surprised at the reaction especially those that need a lift in spirit.

2. Sponsor a photo contest or show and then follow-up with outreach opportunities. I was privileged to be a part of something like this in Russia where I was able to teach a photo class as followup to a photo contest that was promoted locally through Russian social media. The young people that came were unchurched and were not at this event to hear a missionary speak but rather the words of a photojournalist (who happen to be Christian). Three-quarters of the way through the session, I gave my testimony as it relates to my photography. It was non-threatening and pointed the students towards the sponsoring church. When I left, this same church was brainstorming for ways to keep this group of young people engaged through photography-related events. I know for a fact this church continues to use photography as an outreach tool. This past Christmas I had the privilege of contributing to a photo show for its local community outreach called Christmas Around the World.

The photography group in action, learning, doing and at the show.

3. Teach a photo workshop to children and have them tell their stories. While working in Argentina, my team from CBU was able to invite kids to come to a week-long workshop for the arts. We taught painting, drawing, photography, drama and writing. At this workshop, we were more free to be open with the Word, so each night we had a theme and someone to give a personal testimony that related to the theme. At the end of the week, the kids had a public showing of their work in the community and parents were invited. The best report was a mother who could not believe the positive changes she had seen in her son in just one week. His art had grown but so had his outlook in life. 

     There are several organizations that put cameras in kids hands.  They teach them about basic photographic techniques and release them to tell their story. Many times, these are kids who have been traumatized and cannot verbally express what they feel but putting a camera in their hands allows them to visually express their world and tell their own story in ways that we might not be able to. It is a also a great way to mentor them, build relationships and find more effective ways to speak into their lives.

     I was in Uganda last year where our team was visiting a home for displaced children from a conflict area. We were to spend one-on one time with the children. The young lady I was visiting with was very interested in my camera. I almost never let anyone else use my equipment, but something was different this time around. I (reluctantly at first) put the strap around her neck, changed the settings to automatic and gave her basic instructions. We walked around the facility as she gleefully but seriously captured her friends. We would stop every once in a while and talk about the things she was seeing. Her images were stunning. They were a much different perspective than I would have taken...they were hers-- someone who was living that situation not a temporary by-passer like me. I am not sure who spoke more into whose life that day...my words into hers or her images into mine. 

Images shot by 10yr old Scovia, the young girl at Uganda Jesus Village where I spend
an hour or more teaching photography and talking about life. The image on the left is of
one of the house mothers named Susan, when Scovia took this image we stopped and
talked about the look of love that you can see in Susan face and what that means.

4. Develop a self-image talk. Have you ever photographed someone who has very low self-esteem or very down on themselves? What words of encouragement can you give them when you show them the image on the back of your camera? What scriptures come to mind that speak of worth and value? This is where I want to see the person not for what is physically before me but for how Christ sees them and for who they really are in Him. Have a very short pep talk prepared but be ready to take it further if they open the doors for more. Sometimes you may need to give this talk before you make the photo but also be prepared to not take the image. This means respecting their wishes. Always leave them feeling better about themselves and who God made them to be. (1 Samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 29:11, Psalms 139:14, Matthew 6:25-34)

Kim praying with a young girl in South Africa.
(Photo by JP Young)

5. Exercise the spiritual gifts God gave you. If you have the gift of encouragement, take the time to speak with your subjects before or after you shoot them. If you have the gift of prophecy, gifts of knowledge or even healing, use the few minutes you have to speak into people's lives. Show them the images you took on the back of your camera and begin to speak what God gives you. You can simply start by saying, "you know, when I look at this image I see...(at this point you start declaring what God says that they are)". It does not have to be a drawn out sermon but rather a nugget of truth that they can hold onto. This is an exercise in faith that I am working through now. It takes prayer and knowing the voice of God. It means being obedient to speak what He is telling you to speak. It means making sure what you say lines up with scripture and contains words of life. This doesn't need to be spooky but rather a natural yet purposeful progression of allowing God to work through you. 

The camera is only the tool to open the door to another's life. What you do with it depends on you. Do you click the shutter and walk away, or do you allow God to speak through you? The camera should never be something you hide behind. For me, it has given me the freedom to speak with others that I otherwise might never have done so without it in my hand. It has become a tool for starting conversations. By talking to the people and learning their stories, it has opened up so many doors and hopefully it will for you as well if you are purposeful with it.

Children love the camera. They will naturally congregate to the person who pulls one out. I talked with this young man in a village in Northern Uganda several times over the course of two days. I will always ask the kids about their  hopes for the future and what their current challenges are. This almost always leads to encouragement and prayer.

     When I am on location specifically for ministry or personal photography, I am much more about relationship first. Now, as a photojournalist I have been trained to not interject my own story into the mix but to be objective about what I capture. When on assignment, I do my job first. I am still relational but more careful about not giving my subjects too much information about myself. When you do this, they begin to give you what they think you want to hear and it is not completely genuine. When I am finished and I know that I have captured the story and done it justice, then I begin to walk in steps 4 and 5 above. I will encourage the person in whatever way that they need. I will speak into their lives. When appropriate, I will pray with them for their needs and concerns, and if it is applicable, I will tell them how God helped me overcome similar situations. I never force it.  I let my conversations develop naturally out of questions that I ask them and what they themselves reveal about their life. What this means is that I listen and observe a lot. It is also important to be culturally relevent. Do not interject what you think they ought to do based on what you would do in your own culture. I also try to point them towards those that we have partnered with so that they can receive follow-up and more seeds can be planted. But most of all I get out of the way and let God do what he wants to do in that person. Like I said I am still growing in the area. I do not do this every time but the more I yield to Him, the more this form of ministry develops. I am amazed at how God knows exactly what each person needs.

Please leave a comment and tell us what has worked for you...or ideas you may have.

f/1.8 Goodness

              Nothing is more relaxing on a Spring day than a walk with your camera. 

              A lot of times I will try to focus on one thing just to harness and 

              experience everything that the one photo concept has to offer. It maybe a 

              focal distance, or last week it was monochrome but today it was f/1.8.