I had a banner day in the life of any photographer a few days ago – I took delivery of a new (to me) camera to add to the collection. I’m not as much of a gear hound as some photogs I know; but now and then, the desire just hits me. This one was not primarily for the consumption of my clients – it was for me.
I have my “workhorse” camera bodies and lenses that I’ll use every time when I’m working. This one, however, is different – intentionally limited in some ways (rangefinder with a non-interchangeable, single focal length lens); but my hope is that by embracing equipment with fewer choices, I’ll push into the artistic discomfort of trying new things and solving problems that arise in different ways.
But this post isn’t about the equipment. It’s about a moment where something much more profound that I had known dimly came into clearer focus and knitted itself deeply into my heart. The camera was just the doorway of sorts to a revelation I need to be reminded of.
I can play my workhorse equipment like a piano, but this new addition has a learning curve. So I needed to press a few friends into service as photo subjects so I could get a better feel of its capabilities. I was in the lobby of the church I work at and my friend and co-worker Lizbeth walked by, and I put the “ask” out. She’s been a portrait subject of mine in the past and we’ve developed a great trust between us, so she readily accepted.
I wanted to get another couple of people involved, so she grabbed her friends Jake and Luke – two brothers who were working facilities that night. With a full complement of subjects, we went outside and got to work.
I ended up getting a couple dozen solid images; and in the process of getting to know the camera, I got the inkling that I was in for a steep, but fun learning curve.
But as I was running a little processing on the images, this one stood out…
I couldn’t put my finger on why, but this shot of Jake and Luke in a relaxed moment just resonated.
I’m good friends with their dad, Bill; so on a lark, I texted the image to him.
I do this kind of thing all the time for people. Some of my favorite moments as a photographer are when I chat up a stranger, ask to take their picture, put it through a little post-processing right on my phone and just give it to them. It always elicits a smile and thanks, and we walk away… our days a little brighter for the exchange of trust and a well-crafted image.
That said, I never would have expected the response I got from Bill. It was almost immediate.
It seems that my small act deeply resonated with my friend and his wife, Robyn. I didn’t fully understand at first; but when he said it brought him to tears, I realized that this meant much more to them than the simple sharing of my craft with an appreciative friend.
So T his was the revelation I had as I thought about it in my meditation time the following morning:
I’ve been a serious photographer for over fifteen years; and though I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of my craft, I’ve created hundreds of images that I am truly proud of. My work and experience has grown into something that helps provide for my family.
But there is something deeper and more fulfilling happening when there’s not a signed contract with deadlines and deliverables and compensation (though you can still have a ton of fun in those moments). Something of lasting beauty is afoot when I simply give it away for the sheer joy of the craft and love of people.
My intuition and experience, coupled with intentional generosity had, much to my surprise, immeasurably blessed a friend and his family. And in that moment of personal clarity as I meditated, I told my Creator that if something like that can happen – even once in a great while – I’ll spend the rest of my life regularly giving away a slice of this gift I’ve been given.
When I asked Bill if I could share this story, I got a deeper understanding from him why it hit him the way it did:
It’s absolutely amazing. We don’t have a picture of them with that natural smile. You even captured the joy of not only them as brothers but how they are as friends. Every part of that Robyn and I could see in that photo. Thank you again for sharing.
Case. Closed. We all have the power to make the world a more beautiful place with the passions and skills and talents that our loving Creator has given us.
I’m becoming more of an “elder statesman” in the creative circles I run in; and I often get the question:
“How do you get good as a photographer?”
My answer has always been short and simple: “A quarter million clicks, and you’re on you way!” The repetition of Attempt – Evaluate – Adjust – Re-Attempt has always been the process for me.
But after this reminder from God and my community, I’m adding another non-negotiable challenge:
If you’re serious about the craft, never stop giving it away – even when people start paying you. You may never know the depth of impact it could have.
I, personally, will pursue that challenge for the rest of my life.
One Response
Chris, soo cool. I will miss working with Jake at Orion, on the eve of his last night at our campus no less that you get great captures of moments and memories. Yet, I’ve known Luke since middle school from the every so often times he would show up (perhaps forced to by Bill or Robyn) to Kensington Breakaway. I do not ever discount weaving TaNaK into our daily lives and these photos tell a story, to me, of what if Cain did not become like the harum beast of the field, or Jacob did not twice over trick his brother, but only if those brothers had some resounding love for each other. And so, how the younger brother is not ready to leave his first job he has had and gets to see his brother move on. I still get to participate in Luke’s life, even if it is convenience of scheduling and work load, for this duration of the seasons in his life. What a blessing those boys are and to watch with the ups and downs as Lizbeth wears that on her sleeve that these two young men truly have something my oldest brother and I never knew we missed our opportunities at this. Again, Chris, so cool! Thank you for sharing this to all and to the world. Be Well Will H.