Enlightened

Photography by Whitney

I just discovered the most beautiful talk. I think Heavenly Father knew I needed it. He knows me so well. I feel enlivened and enlightened... admittedly something I have not felt in days.  "Gladly, Gladly We'll Walk in the Light" by John Telford (BYU professor of Photography)

If you can, read the talk, it is so inspiring! Here are a couple of quotes that stood out to me.

"National Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones described the difference between being the best in the world and being the best for the world. To be the best in the world, all of the attention is focused on the individual. To be the best for the world, the attention is focused on others." (Telford, Quoting Dewitt Jones)


"I recall a discussion in a seminar class during my graduate studies. In it the instructor quoted from an article that went something like this: “When everyone was ‘hot,’ I was ‘cool.’ When everyone was ‘cool,’ I was ‘hot.’” I feel my work—my career—is summed up in that quote. I have been doing “cool” color photographs for twenty years while black and white has been “hot.” I have been “out” doing pristine photographs of the landscape while contemporary photographs of dirt and grit and decay have been “in.” I have never been part of the current trend in photography, but I continue to produce the work that I am passionate about. My photographs are about beauty and the ephemeral things of the world. While I photograph the landscape that seems eternal and unchanging, I am more interested in the light and weather that is constantly changing and fleeting. I am interested in things that humans did not create and have no control over—things that humans stand in awe of in spite of the fact that they have been seen hundreds of times: the colors of autumn, the glow of the land under the ethereal light of sunrise, an emotion-filled sky before and after a storm.

In a world where we are preoccupied with challenging the intellect, I choose to nurture the soul. I choose to celebrate the positive things of our world."

I find it so uplifting to see such highly talented artists, Telford and Jones, recognizing their "nothingness" and truly seeking to capture that which is virtuous, lovely, and of good report. It is highly encouraging! As noted in my last post, I have really struggled to know if this blog is something I should continue putting time and effort into. I am searching for my place. Seeking for a humble way to share my creations and insights, without the emphasis on myself. Seeking to make a contribution and not merely focusing on superficialities. Seeking satisfaction and peace with the way I share my time and talents. I don't know the answer yet, but this talk provided beautiful direction, insight, and hope.

With Hope,
L