Kristi Herrald -- I think this course has been valuable in many ways, most especially for me in increasing my awareness of how I go about taking photographs. The course has opened an "inner eye" for me in showing me how I've tended to approach photography in an intellectual way. I don't feel that's a bad way for me to take photos, but I have come to appreciate some alternatives to such an approach. Namely, I've enjoyed opportunities to experience taking photos from a more emotional or intuitive place, as opposed to thinking about or planning the shot. I have experienced many times a sense that "there's a picture here," even though I might not immediately see it. I've found that my exploration of that sense feels like a scavenger hunt, one that requires equal parts perseverance and play. I have felt very encouraged by the entire group in this exploration, as I think it helps to hear how others experience and approach any creative process.
Discovering that I can approach taking photos in other ways is a very powerful connection for me, one that I can see having profound and lasting effects. For many years, I've been in touch with my own intuitive abilities, but prior to this course, I don't think I was able to experience that sense as connected to this form of art. I feel I'm just beginning to understand how tuning in to this sense can guide my photography practice, and this is really exciting to me. While my general impression is that an "inner eye" has opened for me, I sense that there are more to be opened, and that this course has served as a catalyst for that process. I feel as though there was just enough technical information coupled with support from you and our whole group to make this course a true opportunity to discover and explore spirituality.
Discovering that I can approach taking photos in other ways is a very powerful connection for me, one that I can see having profound and lasting effects. For many years, I've been in touch with my own intuitive abilities, but prior to this course, I don't think I was able to experience that sense as connected to this form of art. I feel I'm just beginning to understand how tuning in to this sense can guide my photography practice, and this is really exciting to me. While my general impression is that an "inner eye" has opened for me, I sense that there are more to be opened, and that this course has served as a catalyst for that process. I feel as though there was just enough technical information coupled with support from you and our whole group to make this course a true opportunity to discover and explore spirituality.
Pastor Craig Mueller -- Occasionally I take pictures of people and mountains, lakes and landscapes. My theology already is centered in a spirituality of everyday life. So I was not particularly drawn to a class on photography as spiritual practice. Yet, I signed up because I was free on Thursday mornings and we needed to try to fill the class. A springtime continuing education experience with other parishioners sounded fun.
There were a number of surprises for me. Learning a few--but not too many--basics of photography was exciting and interesting. Enough to be challenging, but not intimidating. Photography became a new way to see, notice and savor the holy in everyday life. I could imagine taking a picture of a single rose, but finding delight in texture, pattern, and shape for the pure delight of it? Quite a surprise.
The process of viewing photographs together in silence and then sharing observations and feelings was powerful. I felt that everyone was affirmed in the process, even if a picture or two could have been better. Though we learned from the experience, the communal method was always positive. And like so many things in life, having an assignment created a certain accountability. I needed to take pictures and practice. The weekly class allowed us the opportunity to explore, experiment and have fun. Without it, I may have read the book but not take the time to actually take the photographs.
Since we spend so much time online, the process of downloading and then viewing the photographs was a sign of the times. The various websites enriched the experience as well. For me there were glimpses of grace not only in the photographs but in the actual Thursday class experience--in the viewing, sharing, affirming, learning, and celebrating.
There were a number of surprises for me. Learning a few--but not too many--basics of photography was exciting and interesting. Enough to be challenging, but not intimidating. Photography became a new way to see, notice and savor the holy in everyday life. I could imagine taking a picture of a single rose, but finding delight in texture, pattern, and shape for the pure delight of it? Quite a surprise.
The process of viewing photographs together in silence and then sharing observations and feelings was powerful. I felt that everyone was affirmed in the process, even if a picture or two could have been better. Though we learned from the experience, the communal method was always positive. And like so many things in life, having an assignment created a certain accountability. I needed to take pictures and practice. The weekly class allowed us the opportunity to explore, experiment and have fun. Without it, I may have read the book but not take the time to actually take the photographs.
Since we spend so much time online, the process of downloading and then viewing the photographs was a sign of the times. The various websites enriched the experience as well. For me there were glimpses of grace not only in the photographs but in the actual Thursday class experience--in the viewing, sharing, affirming, learning, and celebrating.
Jon Skogen -- What did you learn about the art of photography? Form, color, light, texture are all important. I was able to understand why I find some images more appealing than others.
What did you discover about how photography can be a spiritual practice? I thought the spiritual practice part would be looking at and discussing each other's photos in class. But what I soon found out was that I was looking for images and taking photos with intentionality, and that became spiritual. The act of setting aside time, and taking the time to take photos, became part of the spiritual practice for me.
What difference did it make to select and to share your images online? I wanted to make sure my images were as interesting as possible. When I would photograph common things, I wanted to find a unique way to portray them.
What difference did it make to share your images in silence in our face-to-face gatherings? And then to hear from the others in the group? I wanted each image to speak to me first, to see what I thought and feel about it. And then I liked the surprise of what others saw in the same image. It opened my mind to see things I had not seen before.
What surprises did you have along the way? What was unexpected? On my outings, I found more interesting situations and subjects than I have space for in my camera. My mind would work overtime, noticing patterns, seeing light in different ways, and seeing beauty in the most unlikely places.
What glimpses of grace did you experience that was directly related to this course? Photography and art is personal. The images I took were a reflection of me. So it was grace-filled when others appreciated my images, because they were appreciating me.
What was the effect of your creating images about your callings? First off, it made me consider what my callings are. And then I was challenged to think of my callings in a new and creative way. And finally, I was able to put words to concepts and images of my callings.
Would you want to do something like this again? If so, how many weeks would you want it to be? Absolutely I would consider this again. This class length was perfect for me.
What did you discover about how photography can be a spiritual practice? I thought the spiritual practice part would be looking at and discussing each other's photos in class. But what I soon found out was that I was looking for images and taking photos with intentionality, and that became spiritual. The act of setting aside time, and taking the time to take photos, became part of the spiritual practice for me.
What difference did it make to select and to share your images online? I wanted to make sure my images were as interesting as possible. When I would photograph common things, I wanted to find a unique way to portray them.
What difference did it make to share your images in silence in our face-to-face gatherings? And then to hear from the others in the group? I wanted each image to speak to me first, to see what I thought and feel about it. And then I liked the surprise of what others saw in the same image. It opened my mind to see things I had not seen before.
What surprises did you have along the way? What was unexpected? On my outings, I found more interesting situations and subjects than I have space for in my camera. My mind would work overtime, noticing patterns, seeing light in different ways, and seeing beauty in the most unlikely places.
What glimpses of grace did you experience that was directly related to this course? Photography and art is personal. The images I took were a reflection of me. So it was grace-filled when others appreciated my images, because they were appreciating me.
What was the effect of your creating images about your callings? First off, it made me consider what my callings are. And then I was challenged to think of my callings in a new and creative way. And finally, I was able to put words to concepts and images of my callings.
Would you want to do something like this again? If so, how many weeks would you want it to be? Absolutely I would consider this again. This class length was perfect for me.
Suzanne Stryczek -- This class has been a significant adventure for me. I enjoyed the structure of the class that wasn't so confining that questions were unwelcomed; but, tight enough that we started and ended on time while still achieving the opportunity to view and comment upon the homework pictures of everyone. I especially liked the time given to view the pictures in silence before commenting as a group, as it seemed to be a very respectful process. The photo assignments were manageable and in alignment with the reading matter from the book selected for the class. By viewing fellow classmates photos, I learned much more than if I had just read the book alone. I am inspired to read and learn more about photography and certain that I will enjoy and appreciate the art within each frame that I look upon, whether by others or myself!
Carol Schickel -- This class sharpened my awareness of the basic elements of photography, bringing new focus to how I picture my world. I felt like I was using new eyes to see. I appreciated the ongoing invitation to use the frame of my own spirituality for my photographs. It softened me, gave me joy, and let me tend my soul in new and nourishing ways. The way I take pictures has changed. I have slowed down, opened my view and tried to remove the clutter as I focus. The mutual sharing was so wonderful. I will continue to treasure this experience ,and I am truly and deeply grateful for the opportunity to engage in this opportunity.
Britta Bolin-Carlmark -- I’ve truly enjoyed the few weeks spent in your class and cannot thank you enough for the thoughtful prompts, commentary and encouragement you’ve provided. You’ve given us a frame within which to work, a perspective for our lens both in terms of the visual arts and our spiritual journeys.