By Elizabeth Feeley — Mar 31, 2023

Photography as worship

How do you view photography? Do you simply use it as a way to record your experiences to share with others on social media or does it resonate with you on a much deeper level? Do you perceive yourself as a visual artist or just as a photographic technician?

Different people answer these questions in a variety of ways.

Decades ago, I came upon a large photographic exhibition in downtown Vancouver, BC…incredible works by a group of Korean artists.

Mesmerized, I walked among their images. And read some of their stories. One woman wrote that every time she loaded her camera (this was long before digital was born), it was an act of worship. Right then I knew, this accomplished photographer viewed photography as worship, on several profound levels. Over the years, I have pondered on what she wrote and have agreed with her.

Not all do. Many see photography simply as a tool to record events, capture special moments or do some other sundry task. While they may view music and preaching as acts of worship, they would seldom accept that photography could be.

This has been a challenge, not only for photographers but for visual artists across the millennia. Yes, millennia. People have used the visual arts in worship for a very long time. I am not referring to idolatry which strives to replace the Divine Creator, but the act of making things and appreciating things in imitation of the Creator in whose image humanity is made.

How does photography as worship differ from simply recording? First of all, photography can draw us out of ourselves as we focus elsewhere. This isn’t about the quality of our craftsmanship. Second, photography allows us to deeper appreciate what’s around us. I have noticed this both with electron microscopy and staring at the stars. It draws us to deeper levels of gratitude. It can soothe the very soul of a person; which is why it is used in so many therapeutic disciplines…once when I was a student, I returned home after a particularly trying day. My landlady looked at me and told me to take my camera and go out. She understood what I needed.

So come, and let’s take a look at what some others have discovered.

Divine Focus

a place to begin

What we like about it

This is a group of photographers who come together on a monthly basis to share their work, their faith and to build up each other.

What you should know

Although all ages are welcome, they do want those under 16 to be accompanied by an adult. This is neither a photo club nor a training school in photography. Think, "focused congregation."

Click here to contact them.

Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice

A chance to go deeper

Why we like it

Dr. Paintner is no stranger to the impact and value of the visual arts in spiritual formation. As an abbess at Abbey of the Arts in Ireland, she examines how the camera has helped people open the eyes of their hearts. This is not an academic textbook, but a practical guide to developing photography as worship. We appreciate that she has put exercises at the end of each section.

What you should know: For those not familiar with monastic traditions, this may be a more difficult concept, but it is worth the time that it takes to understand her message. That said, some have found her emphasis to lean too heavily on valuing the intuitive. Like surgeons, they appreciate the complexity of their skill and how it integrates with their spirituality. In addition, some found that her theology seemed too general, and not specifically Christian.

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Click here to contact Abbey of the Arts

The Little Book of Contemplative Photography: Seeing with Wonder, Respect and Humility

Excellent value to challenge in a short read

Why we like it

Howard Zehr has a deep heart for renewal in several spheres. This book challenges the reader to see the purpose and the problem and then take action. His overall goal is to see people gain a deeper appreciation of the creation and draw closer to the Creator.

He has brought his skills as an orator to build a strong case for the positive use of photography in bringing balance to a person and situation. There is a certain sense of humility in his choice to exclude a lot of his own photographs so that the reader would focus more on their individual process.

What you should know

Some have found this book too basic for experienced photographers and missed Zehr’s point. It is not intended as a photography manual. Its small size has caused some to dismiss it without even working through the exercises. Don’t be misled.

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Spirituality in Photography: Taking Pictures with Deeper Vision

A meatier tome

Why we like it

Philip Richter challenges the reader to use photography to experience God on different levels. He encourages his readers to savour moments rather than rush through life, sharing images and being concerned about how many likes one receives. He gives people permission to use and integrate their cameras of whatever form into their lives and not just have them as a distraction. He challenges people to both walk softer and look deeper – inwardly and outwardly.

He has a rich sense of history that informs his photography and is often missing in modern lectures. He also warns about the “predatory” approach to photography which creates a whole new level of images. Unlike so many authors, Richter includes endnotes for each section, both useful and appreciated.

Finally, he gives the admonition, “Keep on exploring – this is just the beginning!”

What you should know

This book is not for the faint of heart. It will take time to work through and do all the exercises given.

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In Conclusion

If you are serious about integrating your photography with spirituality – to see photography as worship, we hope that this will help you on your journey. And as Dr. Richter said, “…this is just the beginning!”

We hope you found this information helpful and take time for the additional readings below.

Thanks for stopping by!