shine forth

Photography.  It's all about light.  Even when broken down into it's simplest definition it is still all about the light.  If you don't know this already, the word 'photography' is Greek.  The definition based on the roots and prefixes actually means, "Drawing with light".  For me, that romantic idea was my spark. It's what started my passion for photography, for light drawing, for light collecting, light capturing, for light holding.  When we take pictures, we think about many things, but mainly the light.  Where is the sun?  Are there harsh shadows?  Is flash necessary?  But one of the things we need to think about is the light that comes from within you, and from within your subject. 

Inside every person is a light.  It may be just a candle, or it may be a huge bonfire.  But it's there.  The secret to creating beautiful portraits is to find that light and let it shine!  Look at your subject, and then see them with different eyes.  See the beauty in them.  And then find a way to manipulate that and capture the light, to store it in your camera.  Make them shine. 

Most of us are very practiced at this.  We understand beauty, aesthetics, and most of all, light.  Without even thinking about it, we are drawn to certain objects or people, enticed by something about it.  We may not even know what makes it so appealing.  Sometimes it may be outer light.  Often it may be inner light.  We are so experienced finding beauty outside of ourselves, that we never get in front of the camera.  It's hard to find your own light if you are always looking for ways to enhance others.  But there's also a light in you.  Your passion, your creativity, your love. Your desire to improve in any aspect of your life.  Your joy in living.  That gives you a beauty that  shines from the inside out.  It is greater and more pure than any makeup, surgery, or any other procedure can do for you.  You are beautiful!  The light within you absolutely glows!  I've never seen most of you, but I have seen your art.  Your light shines through in your photos.  It's part of the process that every photographer goes through when they push down the button and release the shutter.  They take a chance.  They share their light. 

There is a line from scripture that reads "...Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations."

The necklace in my featured photo is one of my very favorites. It may look like a torch from far away, but if you look closer, you will see the profile of a woman's face.  It represents the light within us, and the simple beauty we can create.  This necklace reminds me to "Arise and Shine" and be an example through my actions and through my art. 

Please share any photo that you feel shows inner light and deep beauty.  Share it and allow yourself to shine!  You are talented, you are beautiful, you are loved.

Today I encourage you to discover your true beauty. Today I encourage you to shine!

Image and words courtesy of guest blogger Kelsey Schwartz.

Comments

[Marcie]

What a wonderful inspiring post.
Yes - about the light that shines in each and every one of us:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/home/2012/4/25/be-like-trees.html

[rakusribut]

wow, what an inspiration!
my light is shining through my image of these beautiful girls
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakusribut/6971999582/lightbox/

[Linda]

This morning glory caught my eye and as I was looking at it I thought it looked like it had a light in the center that was shining out

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainmim/6931861546/in/photostream

[Valerie]

I was irked that the power lines were in the way of the shot I wanted to get. Then I saw a bluebird perched on them. Suddenly those lines became elements in the composition! Even power lines -- the mundane parts of life -- can get a chance to "shine."
http://journeyleaf.typepad.com/journeyleaf/2012/04/bluebird.html

[DebC]

True thoughts you have put into words.
Thank you.

[Kelsey]

Thank you everybody, especially Tracey! This has been wonderful for me, being able to collect my thoughts and give them a voice.

[Heather]

Beautiful thoughts, my word this year is Light so this was especially meaningful for me..


http://www.flickr.com/photos/toliveinspired/6745129769/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/toliveinspired/5960255194/in/photostream