I can’t tell you how rejuvenating it is when I cross paths with a Christian photographer loves to write and share Christian perspective in photography! Not that long ago, a friend of mine introduced me to the photo blog of Jeffrey Cummings, a nature photographer on the west coast. And I’ve been enjoying following his blog ever since! When I read the following post, I thought it would be an excellent read for everyone here at Lenspiration, and Jeff was more than happy to share. —James

“Look What’s Following You”

A Blog Post from Christian Photographer, Jeffrey Cummings

Photography is a transformative relational exchange with my Creator. The expression of His love is ever on display through His handiwork. As He presents the scene, I snap the photo and there is a divine moment of celebration between us! A camera in hand compels me to intentionally look for details in my surroundings that I might otherwise miss. The same is true with the love of God. Many walk life’s paths are unconscious of His divine love. Capturing a snapshot of His love, I hope to arrest the preoccupied mind to recognize and reflect on the significant and eternal existence and value of Jesus’ love.
—Jeffrey Cummings

“Snow Moon Rising” is available to order.

It was a gorgeous wintery sunset. I have spent many evenings with camera and tripod, captivated as the sun dips below the horizon for the night. The final day’s light erupts in a glorious chorus of colors and textures, absorbing me in the scene.

I have learned something about photographing sunsets and sunrises. Here’s my tip: Don’t forget to look behind you. There is more at work in the scene than what’s in the direction of the sun. While the sun may seem to take center stage, its glow on the scene behind is often just as stunning. It’s also true in life. Sometimes, I’m so preoccupied with what’s in front of me that I fail to recognize the beauty that’s following.

“Snow Moon Setting” is available to order.

On February 11th these were the scenes opposite the sun. The first photo shows the “Snow Moon” rising in soft pastels of purples and pinks. The icy blue of the frozen lake and dusting of snow in the shadows of the rocks created a peaceful palette of colors in preparation for a good night’s rest. The second photo shows the “Snow Moon” setting, its warm yellow glow reflecting on the frozen lake. Instead of focusing on the sunset and sunrise, I chose to photography what was behind me.

These experiences remind me to be ever-cognizant of what’s behind me in my walk with God. I’m being followed, and what it trailing behind is glorious!

GOODNESS AND MERCY!

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” —Psalm 23:6

Jesus is my Good Shepherd. He is always leading me. He is ever present. In bright green pastures and dark valleys, He restores, comforts, corrects, provides, protects, and causes overflowing life from my innermost being!

As I fix my gaze on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith, I am reminded that behind me, God’s GOODNESS and MERCY create a scene just as breathtaking in my life.

As a young boy, I recall times when I was afraid to look behind me. After finishing my chores outside in the dark, I hurried toward the safe glow of the front porch light. Whatever was following me seemed to grow as I ran faster and faster toward safety. Though the fear was always an illusion, I would not look back. All that was behind seemed scary.

In Jesus, behind is settled. I can look behind me now without fear. I can see that what follows me is good!

The lie is that you will never be rid of your fears, regrets, mistakes, and failures. The lie is that they trail you like a prison chain, rattling and clanging, constantly accusing you that you are not free. If you are in Jesus, you are free. The fearful noise behind is an illusion.

“You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.” —Psalm 139:5

You are tucked into God’s protective presence, like a loving father tucking his child into bed sheets for the night.

He has fortified you, confined you, and bound you to Himself. Look WHO is behind you! JESUS in the fullness of His GOODNESS and MERCY!

In God’s GOODNESS and MERCY is the voice of the Shepherd. You are His sheep, so you can hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. He speaks through His Holy Spirit that encompasses you.

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” —Isaiah 30:21

The [Spirit of Truth] will guide you into all truth. He will tell you of things to come. He will take from Jesus and declare it to you. (see John 16:12-15)

Look what’s following you! Do you see it? Trust Jesus and turn around. It’s the stunning, glorious, brilliant GOODNESS and MERCY of God!

“Snow Moon Rising Up Close” is available to order.

In Jesus, you are a stunning sight! Your caboose is glowing with the GOODNESS and MERCY of God!

I can see it following you. Can you?

Living in Washington State, Jeffrey Cummings relishes the Creator’s wonders in the Pacific Northwest. Follow his blog and website for more Christian encouragement on the topic of photography