7 Photography Tips That Echo Life’s Wisdom
Capturing God's Artistry in the Mountains of Tellico Plains
Hello, I'm Brandon, and welcome to the first chapter of my journey on Brandon’s Photography Blog. Here, amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Tellico Plains, my camera isn't just a tool; it's a portal to a world where faith, beauty, and the human experience converge.
In October 2021, my life took an unexpected turn with the tragic loss of my wife. Her love and passion for life led me to embrace photography as a way to connect with the world and with God. This blog is a reflection of that journey, a blend of my love for photography and the spiritual insights that come with it.
Photography for me transcends being a profession or hobby. It's a medium that allows me to see the world in a different light, to capture moments that speak volumes. Inspired by the profound works of C.S. Lewis, I aim to uncover the deeper truths hidden in our everyday lives, reflecting the subtle presence of God.
As we embark on this journey together, I want to share with you "7 Photography Tips That Echo Life's Wisdom":
Embrace the Golden Hour: Just like photography, life has its moments of magical light. These moments, fleeting as they may be, remind us to cherish the beauty around us.
Patience is Key: In photography, as in life, patience often leads to the most beautiful outcomes. Waiting for the right moment teaches us the value of timing and perseverance.
Perspective Matters: Changing your viewpoint can alter a photo's story entirely. Life, too, is about perspectives, about finding beauty in the unexpected.
Focus on the Subject: Focusing on what matters most in a photo brings clarity. In life, focusing on our faith, loved ones, and passions brings a similar clarity and purpose.
Embrace Imperfections: Imperfections in a photograph can add character. In life, accepting our imperfections makes our journey more authentic and meaningful.
The Power of Composition: Composition in photography is storytelling. In life, how we compose our days, our relationships, and our beliefs shapes our own story.
Light is Everything: Light is essential in photography; it shapes and defines the subject. In life, light symbolizes hope and guidance, leading us through darkness.
At the Right Time: To truly embrace the golden hour is to embrace more than just the light; it's about embracing the elements in their entirety. On a brisk morning, with temperatures hovering around a biting 20 degrees and winds whisking by at 10 to 15 mph, I found myself in the midst of nature's raw embrace. Standing there, the chill biting at my skin, I realized that to witness the unparalleled beauty of the golden hour often means braving the harshness of the elements. It's in these moments of endurance that the true splendor of the golden hour reveals itself – a majestic display of light and color, worth every shiver and every gust of wind.
2. The Virtue of Patience: Patience truly was the cornerstone of this experience. I've journeyed along the Skyway countless times, each visit revealing its own unique charm. But this particular moment was unlike any other; it was as if the Skyway unveiled a beauty so profound, it felt almost ethereal. The key was patience – waiting, watching, and allowing the right conditions to unfold naturally. It's a testament to the fact that some of the most breathtaking scenes are gifted to us only when we pause, wait, and align with God’s perfect timing.
3. Higher prespective: In photography, as in life, perspective is everything. For this particular shot, the key lay in rising above, quite literally above the clouds. It's a vivid reminder that sometimes, to truly capture the essence of a moment, we need to shift our viewpoint, to see things from a higher, perhaps even a heavenly perspective. I sent my drone soaring into the sky, allowing it to transcend the ordinary and capture a view otherwise unseen. In life, too, we are often called to elevate our perspective, to see our circumstances through a lens of faith and divine guidance. This new vantage point, blessed by God, can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. So I pose the question: What changes can you make to elevate your perspective? How can we allow God to use this new outlook for His glory?
4. Stay focused: Amidst a unique blend of seasons, with snowflakes gently descending during the peak of autumn's vibrant display, I found a compelling lesson in focus. Instead of trying to capture the entire forest, with its myriad of colors now juxtaposed against the winter's first snow, I chose to concentrate on the leaves. Each snow-kissed leaf became a symbol of nature's intricate beauty, standing boldly against the elements. This moment was a powerful reminder that sometimes in life, we need to take a deliberate step forward and concentrate on what truly matters. In the midst of life's broader canvas, focusing on the essential elements – much like the leaves amidst the snow – can offer clarity and a deeper appreciation of the beauty present in our everyday lives.
5. Imperfections are good: This particular shot hails from the early days of my photographic journey. While it encapsulates many elements I'm proud of, it also bears the hallmarks of a novice's touch – slight flaws in capture and composition that reveal its raw, unpolished origin. Yet, this image holds a special place in my heart. It's a testament to growth and learning, a reminder that perfection is not the goal, but rather the pursuit of expression and improvement. Embracing its imperfections is akin to embracing our own in life. Our journey is not defined by flawlessness; rather, it is marked by how we acknowledge and grow from our imperfections. Life, in all its imperfect glory, becomes more authentic and meaningful when we accept ourselves as we are – beautifully imperfect. This shot, with its quirks and unique charm, is a celebration of that very concept.
6. The Art of Composition: At its core, composition in photography is akin to the art of storytelling. Each element, deliberately placed, contributes to the narrative the image conveys. This principle mirrors life itself, where the composition of our days, our relationships, and our beliefs intricately weaves the story of who we are. In this particular photograph, I embraced simplicity in composition, harnessing symmetry and light to unfold the story. It's a visual narrative of the graceful transition of seasons, capturing the poignant moment where the vibrant fall colors begin their subtle fade. The symmetry brings a sense of balance and harmony, while the interplay of light and color tells a tale of time's relentless march and nature's quiet elegance. Just as this image captures a story through its composed simplicity, our lives reflect the stories we choose to create and share through our actions, connections, and values.
7. The Light: Light, in its myriad forms, is the lifeblood of photography. This truth was strikingly evident in a shot I captured atop the Cherohala Skyway. There, the diffused light, gently cascading over the mountain ridges, became a pivotal character in the scene. It endowed the photograph with a mood and clarity that aligned perfectly with the vision I sought to convey. The light transformed the landscape, highlighting contours and textures, and infusing the scene with a palpable sense of atmosphere and emotion.
In a deeper, more profound sense, this principle mirrors a vital truth in our lives. Just as light is indispensable in photography, illuminating subjects and shaping perceptions, so too is the Light in our spiritual journey. The true Light is Jesus. He is the Light that guides, clarifies, and reveals. Without Him, we are akin to a scene shrouded in shadow, lacking depth and clarity. Embracing Jesus, seeking Him with the same earnestness a photographer seeks the perfect light of the sun, transforms our perspective and understanding. He illuminates our path, revealing the beauty and truth of our existence. I encourage you all to embrace Him more often, to seek Him in every aspect of your life, just as a photographer seeks the light to breathe life into their work. It is in His Light that we find our way, our clarity, and our true purpose.
This blog is not just a showcase of images; it's a narrative of resilience, a testament to the beauty of creation, and a hymn of praise to the Creator. Each post will explore these themes, intertwining my photography with my spiritual journey.
In every shot I take, in the play of light and shadow, I see the hand of God, creating, guiding, and speaking through the stillness of nature. It is here, in the heart of Tellico Plains, that I find my sanctuary and my connection to the divine and the eternal dance of light and faith.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, let's explore the stories hidden in every frame, capturing moments that resonate with the beauty and wisdom of life.
