A Photographer’s Eye

Through the lens of his/her camera, a talented photographer can capture and enhance the true beauty of what lay in the frame. Beautiful sunsets, enchanting wildlife and magnificent landscapes can be shared with many through this wonderful art form. Some of the most amazing photography is produced when people are the subjects in front of the camera. In a skilled photographer’s hands the personality and true beauty, both internal and external, are captured and put into print.

All of this begins in the eye and heart of a photographer. Whether it be a wedding, graduation or just an afternoon in the sun, the goal of the photography session is to bring out the uniqueness and the best of the subjects being filmed. He/she imagines, poses and captures the subjects in ways that the individuals may never have imagined themselves. The work of a true photographer is amazing to observe.

Hearing the heart of a friend of mine who is a gifted photographer gives an interesting way of looking at the world. Through his lens he sees continual potential and opportunity for something new. He then uses the perfect lighting, settings and poses to capture what he has seen in his mind’s eye. His continual aim is to capture the true essence and bring out the very best of whomever or whatever he is photographing.

Our Heavenly Father looks at His children, whom He has created, with loving eyes that always see the best in them. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” (Jeremiah 31:3 AMP) God sees our potential when we can only see limitations to our own abilities. “For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” (Ephesians 2:10 AMP) As His unique creation we are precious to Him.  It is His desire to see us walking in every good thing He has for us and He places us in situations where we can display His glory.

Do we look at those around us with a photographer’s eye? As our Heavenly Father looks at us with love so we look upon those around us with love. We are given practical steps on how to do this. “Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].” (1 Corinthians 13:7 AMP) This is accomplished by choosing to always want the best for others even over our own desires. Harmony with others must be our motivation. We can achieve this by always considering the best. “…whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].” (Philippians 4:8 AMP) And we always speak well of others. “Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.” (Colossians 4:6 The Message)

A photographer continually grows in his/her ability to see and capture the best photos. We are also growing in this ability as we grow more and more like Jesus Christ. “And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP) Paul was confident that the good in us through Jesus Christ would continue to grow. “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMP)

Know that God sees the very best in you. Spend today looking for the best in others and sharing it with those around.