Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tuesday started quietly. We gathered in the classroom, excited about the day's potential and a little anxious about our instructor's high expectations. Will Thornton kicked off the day on a spiritual note with a reading from Psalm 23 and a personal testimony of God's provision, protection and direction, even in desperate circumstances. It was an encouraging start to a challenging day.
Our instructors are amazing. Not only do they know all the nitty-gritty technical details, but they all have a passion for photography as an art, as a way to communicate details about God's creation in profound ways. They are brilliant, funny, patient, engaging and above all, demanding. They expect us to be giving 110% during photo shoots and are definitely not complacent when critiqueing our work. The end result is that we, the students, are being driven towards photographic excellence.
But IPS is so much more than just gaining technical proficiency. Its about learning to rely on God for inspiration, learning to know God intimately, learning to love God simply and passionately. Mostly, IPS is about learning to live a Christ-exalting, God-centered life. As we pursue God with zeal, our passion and joy will emerge in our photographs. Photography, just like everything else, must be founded on a relationship with the God who supplies everything for us. Our instructors model this simple love for God and the passionate joy that flows from it. They are all great photographers because they are purposefully trying to document God's work and communicate God's truth. It gives us a high standard to live for!
Today was challenging. The photo shoot had an intimidating list of assignments—and this time, we knew that we were going to be harshly critiqued at the end of the day. The classes were full of new ideas, difficult concepts, and abstract technicalities. And yet God provided for our needs. God brought people and light into our photographs. God provided understanding and patience in learning new concepts. God was good to us today.
—Prizewinning Photography Student Sam Kordik