I came to the Prizewinning Photography course expecting to learn the technical ìknow-howî of taking better pictures. Unexpectedly, not only did I accomplish what I originally intended on acquiring some of the vast knowledge of operating cameras with more ease and taking more control of my images, I also gained some very important wisdom that I did not expect to be included in a normal photography course. I started applying some of that wisdom in my daily life already, and began to see that if I continued to apply it, I would see wonderful results affecting the rest of my life and the life of others around me.
The very first lecture we had was on ìLeadershipî. Although at first it seemed that this subject is not related to this course, but after a couple of sessions on the topic, the message made me realize that in fact, we all had already been involved in some form of leadership or modeling no matter what our current occupation is and what kind of work or study we do. We are constantly being watched or evaluated or copied by others. So, every word, action, and attitude of ours tells other something about us. I learned that if I value the ìDomino effectî of every little word, action, and attitude of mine on future generations, I would have to be very careful of what I do all the time. Therefore, to be a good photographer, I need to present every image with a purpose in mind, because it represents my message which can make a strong impact on humanity. We are leaders because we model; and if we model with integrity and sensitivity to Holy Spiritís promptings, then we will be dynamic leaders that can make influences down to the fourth generation (II Tim 2:2).
In order to achieve the goal of be a good communicator between my images and my audience, I needed to be able to see things and relate to people in my photos in a way that is meaningful and purposeful. Throughout the course, I watched Instructor Rowan exhibiting a high sense of professionalism that sets the direction for assisting instructors Luke and Jeanette. Just by watching the way they conduct the photo evaluation sessions, I learned that relationship with people is far more important than just knowing the technique of photography. And the only way we could relate better to others is to first to be able to relate to God. It is only by having a personal relationship with God that we can reflect more of His glory and image, thereby connecting to others in a meaningful way. We need to use the camera as a way to reach people and build relationships. The person being photographed would respond better if he senses the photographer has a genuine interest in him. And we would be able to reflect Godís creationís image better if we had more of Godís light in us.
The most important thing that I realized is that just as the camera has many capabilities and functions that can enable a photographer to take better images, and that it is up to the photographer to discover and use those capabilities, so is our body or life—an instrument that is full of potential—which can be utilized to fulfill many life purposes; and it is up to us to discover how to use our life to the fullest potential in order to materialize Godís blueprint for each of us. Without going through this course or reading up on the operating manual of the camera, I would not be able to take very good pictures; without consistently reading Bible and building relationship with God, I would not be able to know what I could do with my life. It is up to me to let the light that is in me to reflect accurately to produce an intended godly image; and it is up to me to fulfill the full purpose of Godís calling for my life if I am sensitive to obtain the wisdom and direction from the Almighty.
My only regret through out the week is that I wish I had learned about photography earlier when I had good eye sight (I had it for forty-seven years!). It would be a shame if we only realize much later in life that we did not use what we had to fulfill its intended purpose.
Now I need to ask myself as often as I can remember, ìAm I using these words or actions the way they are designed to be used? Would this action benefit the fourth generation? î —talk about large depth of field or long range photography!
—Prizewinning Photography Student Frieda Yang
