How a faith impacts the work of photographers

Nikon D3, Nikon 24-120mm ƒ/3.5-5.6, ISO 200, ƒ/8, 1/100

My faith has a lot to do with who I am. I am often asked what it means to be a “Christian Photographer?”

There is an assumption that my faith impacts my work in a way that makes me different than those who are not Christian.

I really wish those of the Christian faith that are photographers were in some way able to outshine all others because our faith in God has illuminated us in some special way that our work just stands out from others, but that is not the case.

Martin Luther was one of the most influential priests in the Christian faith. He is one of the main architects of the great reformation. When asked about being a “Christian tradesman,” he responded so well with

“The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.”

The more I think about Martin Luther’s words it has shaped my thinking of what it means to be a “Christian Photographer.”

The Proof is in the Pudding

The biggest thing that faith can do for someone is to give them the compass to use when making decisions. You could still make the right decisions in life without a compass, but it will not be as intentional and consistent as someone who has a compass.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. – Psalms 119:105

I think the advantage of people of faith verses those without a belief in God is our ability to hold a compass [scripture] in our hands and to meet in a house of worship regularly that helps to shape our moral compass in life.

Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, ISO 12800, ƒ/2.8, 1/100

When I see people today taking "selfies" with their friends and sharing them this is how I see people of faith with their God. They are having a relationship with God and often are sharing through their social media their best friend who helps to guide them through this life.

How Studying Scripture Helps

Now one of the best things that scripture does for us is gives us so many examples of characters just like us that also dealt with difficult situations in life. People of faith will not only read these stories but gather in classes and study these stories. They learn to look at a situation and break it down.

Studying scripture is a skill that will help you study your business and learn how to dissect the decisions that you will need to make and also predict outcomes based on moral laws.

“Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.” 

― Augustine of Hippo

“The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.” 

― Confucius

I do know that my faith should not just be evident in my photos, but in all areas of my life. How I treat my fellow man. As a follower of Jesus I seek to emulate his example and learn to serve others.

As a person of faith and a follower of Jesus I believe my purpose is to live a life that God touches people through me. My goal is to get out of the way of God doing that through me.

I believe that faith in God is what helps to shape us into better people. I believe that I would be very self centered if it were not for my faith.