Like any other day, I was scrolling through my emails until one in particular stopped me in my tracks. Aha! I thought. My film photos have arrived!
For those unfamiliar with film photography, it’s a process full of anticipation. You drop off your film at a camera store to be developed, and once it’s ready, the store can email you the digital scans or provide physical prints for pick-up. From the first click of the shutter to the magic of seeing your developed film, months can pass. And unlike digital photography, you can’t preview the images as you take them. So, by the time that long-awaited email arrives, you’ve likely forgotten what you even captured.
And so, like a starry-eyed explorer opening a treasure chest, I clicked through them. One photo in particular struck a chord. It was a photo of my mother and grandmother, grinning to the brink of laughter. Something about it made me pause. I found myself wondering, why do I like this one so much? What do I think makes a good photo?
Now, let me clarify: I’m not a photography expert. It’s just a hobby I enjoy in my free time, as I take delight in capturing special moments to look back on. While I’m not a professional, I’ve learned a few things along the way about what makes a good photo.
So, what do I think makes a good photo? Google will tell you it’s all about the composition, light exposure, timing, color, rule of thirds, and other technical details. And yes, those are all important. But for me, what makes a photo truly special is its intentionality and authenticity—the emotions it evokes. Anyone can take a picture, but creating a photo that conveys emotions—love, sorrow, pain, or joy—requires intention.
Photography, in many ways, is a great analogy for our relationship with Christ. Sometimes we might go to church or pray simply because we feel it’s what Christians are “supposed” to do, not because we genuinely want to. It’s easy to fall into the habit of just checking off the boxes.
But what makes our relationship with Christ meaningful? It’s the same with photography: it’s about intentionality and authenticity. It’s about spending real, honest time with the Lord—not out of obligation, but because we truly desire to grow closer to him. It’s attending church not to fulfill a duty but to deepen relationships—with God and with others.
Just like capturing authentic moments through a lens takes intention, building an authentic relationship with Christ requires genuine effort. We can do this by repenting, giving thanks, and trusting in him. He deeply desires an authentic relationship with us, so let’s meet him there. “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
When I look back at that photo of my mom and grandmother, I’m reminded of the joy and love that made it so special. Similarly, when I reflect on my walk with Christ, the moments that stand out are the ones where I was most authentic and intentional—when I trusted in the Lord fully.
So, let’s pursue authenticity and intentionality in our photos, in our relationships, and most importantly, in our faith. Because it’s in those genuine moments that we find beauty, meaning, and a deeper connection with the one who created it all.
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8).
By Olivia Hogsett, Communications Associate, February 2025
