Jack of All Trades


&spspspspspspsp;Deptford Pink  -  Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina&spspspspspspsp;East and West Mittens in late-day light  -  Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona

At a workshop several years ago, I met a man who specialized in photographing wild orchids that were native to his home state of Virginia. His images were stunning! When it comes to my own efforts outdoors with a camera, I would describe myself as more of a generalist. I shoot different subjects and work in different locations. I am, by no means, an expert on any of the subjects that I photograph. But I do enjoy the variety.

A while back, my wife and I passed by a local advertising bulletin board. A business card for a pressure-washing business caught our attention. Beneath the large font that proclaimed the company name were these words in smaller letters: “Pressure Washing. Painting. Deck Staining. Lawn Service. Janitorial/Cleaning Services. Haul & Move Furniture. BBQ Catering for All Events.” We smiled at the broad and varied list of jobs that this man was willing to do. Then we noticed a scripture reference on the left side of the card: “Phil 4:13”. The words of this verse sprang immediately to mind: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Emphasis added.) Then I realized that this individual was, in his work, actually living out the testimony that Paul was giving about his own journey along the path of faith.

Whether it’s a half-inch-diameter wildflower, a grand vista, or something in between, I want all my work to glorify God. Because He is the One who created nature and gave me the ability to photograph the scenes that I come upon.