It seems like everyone is a photographer these days. There is no day or event that goes by without me catching a glimpse of a person with a camera bag strapped across the waist, or gripped in hand with a barrage of clicks and flashes.
From the selfie, the portrait, to the candid shot, there are precious moments to behold for years to come.
The First Photographer
When my local Digital Strategy Team hosted our first Indigitous (indigenous digital strategies) event in November, I got the opportunity to see photography through a different lens.
I learnt that "Photography is more than taking pictures; it is about making photographs of something that already exists." The photographer is intentional with his time and device, for he seeks to capture something revelatory about God's creation.
What made this definition even more profound was the idea that "God was the first photographer"and this made sense as I considered that to make photographs I need good lighting. It was also said that "We only know the importance of light because of darkness." This I know oh too well when there is a sudden blackout at school and I am in the process of typing an assignment.
Can a flashlight help me to write my thoughts on paper in the night? How long will the darkness last and are my batteries charged enough for the task ahead? What would be the quality of my writing; looking to the future, how would this lack of light affect my vision?
The Importance of Light
One of the first things God created was light and it was not that He needed light to create the world for He himself is light and there is no darkness in Him.
I believe that it is because of this intrinsic quality of God that mankind was created good. We were created in the image and likeness of the Father to reflect His love and leadership in the earth. Yet, because of sin, that image was marred like a power outage; mankind walked in darkness until the Great Light – Jesus, came into the world (Matthew chapter 4 verse 16).
A Renewed Image
Until Jesus came into my life, the vision I had for myself was limited to what the world offered and my occupation brought momentary satisfaction. Now the Light of Jesus illuminates my concept of life and highlights opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those around me.
Re-created in God's image, I am called to be a light to this dark world. As a photographer my role is to "Let [my] light shine before others, that they may see [my] good deeds and glorify [my] Father in heaven." Matthew chapter 5 verse 16, NIV
The greatest pictures are taken in the light of Christ, would you step into the light?
Janine Williams is a fulltime theology student, passionate about the word of God which is powerful to transform the lives of individuals and nations. She is also a budding digital strategist; this article was adapted from its first publication on Indigitous.org - https://indigitous.org/2016/02/01/photography-different-lens/
Janine William's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/janine-williams.html