roger allen Loc: another planet

Did you ever consider the role God plays in the art of photography? After all photography wasnt invented it was discovered just as electricty and music. I have had several moments where I actually felt and saw the result of God's hand in the creation of the photograph I was about to snap.
I am curious if i am alone in this spiritual intervention or if others have had the same experience.
roger -

RockinRobinG Loc: The Middle of Nowhere, Nebraska

A HUGE "AMEN" to that Roger. I think that's why I get so frustrated when people want to know all the settings etc from my photographs. DOES IT REALLY MATTER? Just look at the photo, critique it on it's own merit, and let it be...after all, you're not going to be using those same settings in the same situation that God provided for ME . Yes, Roger, it's God's hand guiding us on His earth...I let him lead me and guide me...and I follow as best I can as His faithful servant. Thank you, Roger, for your bold statement. 'Nuff said.

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

Much as I try to be in tune with my spiritual side, you've only got 1 out of 3 right there, my friend. Photography and music were INVENTED, according to the accepted definition of invention, whereas electricity, since it had always 'been there' (in the form of lightning and and, to be sure, as one of the four elemental forces of the universe) was DISCOVERED.

beacher Loc: Butler, PA

No one who's photographed a sunrise, sunset, a mountain glen, a child discovering its 1st butterfly has been untouched; they have all had a spiritual moment, it goes with the territory.
As for your camera settings: why, it allows others an insite to your methods, a way of seeing how you captured a photo so pleasing. They ARE enjoying the moment...

T-Ray Loc: Tennessee

Roger, God's wonderful creation is my motivation for picking up a camera. You've reminded me of a verse from the book of Romans that states, "for even the natural man is without excuse for all of creation echos the presence of His glory". I see that presence every day. I truly love the essence and the remembrance you've captured of Christ in the first picture . It was the first thing to enter my mind. Thank you. You provided me with what I call a "God Sighting". Love your pictures - keep posting them please!

bobmielke Loc: Portland, OR

When I moved to Oregon 5 years ago I drove a rental truck with all my worldly possessions in the back. I drove here 3000 from South Carolina. Crossing this great country it became obvious how truly blessed we are to live in such a beautiful world. It was also obvious the mankind only lives on a very small percentage of the land in the United States. I glory with every landscape, every portrait I take.

Michelle

You have probably seen the photograph of the 6 U.S. Marines pushing a pole to stand it straight up with our American flag waving at the top on the island of Iwo Jima in WWll. 6 men means 12 hands on the pole......but there were 13 hands on it. It is believed that the 13th was the hand of God..... I believe it.

kgschoening

Thanks so much, Roger, for addressing this subject! I believe we've "inherited" our sense of the aesthetic from God. And our desire to "create" an image that pleases us and others also comes from Him.

roger allen Loc: another planet

well God bless you all for that response- i was a little afaid to introduce any mention of spiritual matters into the conversation, but it is truly how I feel and what I have experienced - I am not speaking of camera settings, I am speaking of the entire moment from when the eye sees the photograph and forward. there are times you just know you were suppose to be there at that time- I read where Ansel Adams felt the same way - it was on a spiritual plane.
thanks guys - roger

roger allen Loc: another planet

cool can i use that term " A God Sighting" I just love that concept -
roger -

krahn2011 Loc: wisconsin

AMEN...photography has been such a spiritual adventure for me. I feel EVERY single photograph from my soul.

flyingcrown1 Loc: Moravian Falls

Long story short Roger...I was part of the Hippie culture when in high school and had extremely adverse effects from continual LSD use. I was suicidal and deeply depressed for DECADES after going through 2 terms in different mental hospitals (included electro-shock therapy both terms). I would curse the songs of a Mockingbird outside my bedroom window in the mornings for being so joyful when I was in such despair. Had a personal encounter with the Lord. He led me to use photography to "focus" on His beautiful creation as a "therapy". Never would have believed I could EVER be happy again. He really CAN do miracles. I AM one! Oh...I love photography too ;-)

Michael Roberts

Good topic Roger. My belief is that there is nothing that is not God. Photography really affirms this. I shoot some pretty nice photographs and that is my creative effort--a gift from God. I can capture a minute in time--but I can't create the sunset. I am the created, as is the sunset. As such I am God's hands and eyes on this rock. Photography for me is really just visual meditation, and it sure can get me in tune with the Creator. I use a camera as a tool to look for God's hand, and to share that vision. Sometimes I picture a photograph before it physically appears. Some call that previsualization.I think of it as prayer--answered prayer. I always find that amazing but NEVER unbelievable. Seek and you will find. I think this an understanding all experienced photographers share, at some level. We are seekers and lovers of balance and beauty.

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

flying crown Praise the LOrd for your wonderfull testimony. I suffer from severe chronic depression and very low self esteem except when it comes to my photography and my sense of humor. One of the reasons im sucha smart alec on this website. I only feel normal when im cracking a joke or got my camera in my hand. God ha sblessed me with the talent and the eye and Ii in turn have dedicated my Photography toHim and his glory. All it takes to see God's handiwork is to look at the beauty that surronds us, or the love that pets and horses have for us. I was apointed my church's official photographer and hope someday to combine photography with ministering the word. Oh and to the origional poster (sorry forgot your screen name) there are several christians who are members of this site, including a pastors wife, several preachers kids, a retired episcipol priest, not to mention this former sinner and atheist who God prevented from suicide on several occasions. If anyone is offended by my post TOUGH NOOGIES! don't read it. Take it up with God himself. It is time Christians stand up for the LOrd and be proud of who we are! :thumbup:

kgschoening

Again, I really appreciate this discussion. I am a pastor---with a passion for God, and for photography. A challenge I'm dealing with is to keep those passions in the right priority! A constant prayer of mine is to use photography and my passion for it for God's purpose. Any thoughts on this would be most appreciated!