Spirituality in Photography
Photo by Danny Chan
"Life is not always perfect. Like a road, it has many bends, ups, and downs, but that's its beauty." ― Amit Ray
Existentially, I mostly believe that life takes us down the roads meant for us, and as a photographer, I try to apply that same philosophy. I like to think that I am doing something more than taking pictures. I am in pursuit of framing moments that reflect the way I see the world. I believe there is a profound spirituality in photography that evokes sincere emotions and captures a beauty that is hard to put into words.
I remember a particular morning when I didn't know where to go for my next photo opportunity. While I had ideas, I felt pretty uninspired, and since I needed to go somewhere, I hesitantly made my decision on a location. I headed off but wasn't feeling it at all. While driving, I noticed that I was about to pass a parking structure with an incredible skyline view of Los Angeles. After taking my pictures, I felt reinvigorated, but I had a new problem. The exit that I took to get to my destination had no easy entrance back on the freeway, but I happened to be close to three different freeways. Now I can choose from six different directions. At that point, I decided that whatever entrance that I would first see will determine where I would go next. Deep down, I felt a leading to a place and moment meant for me, and I ended up at a photographer’s dream location. That morning was a spiritual encounter for me.
Many define spirituality as having a connection to something beyond ourselves, and it is also how I hope to approach photography. I want to feel connected to the settings that I am trying to capture. My goal is that my photos are more than pretty pictures, but something with depth and meaning towards them.