Genuine

“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” (Romans 12:3)

Being Real

I have been thinking quite a lot lately about the controversies that sometimes surround photo editing and the use of our powerful modern software and techniques and where the line exists between being “real” with images and creating work that is essentially fake. With AI today it is possible to have your computer create something out of essentially nothing that looks very real but took no effort or expertise by the photographer. It is also true that all of my images go through a process of editing using a program called Lightroom in order to make them the best that I know how to do at this point in my development as a photographer.

Consider the image above. This was taken at sunrise along a frozen lakeshore in 25 degree weather where I spent nearly two hours getting various images in hopes that I would capture at least one that would be worth posting. This part was very real (and cold!) and the camera techniques I was using were also real in order to give myself the best chance of getting an image I would be able to share. Once I got home to my computer to edit my goal was to use software to draw out and enhance the image as I saw it on the lakeshore to make it enjoyable for the viewer. There are some distracting elements that I removed from the scene and much work went into adjusting the light and shadows but in the end I did not create something that was not real.

I think what I am wanting to get across is that when it comes to editing I draw the line at creating an image that did not actually exist and calling it my own. Photo editing to me is like makeup in a way. The person wearing the makeup has a goal of enhancing beauty that already is present but with too much makeup it begins to look fake and it becomes repulsive. As you view my photos my hope is that none of them ever come across to have your first thought be “look at how well that was edited!” but rather “what a beautiful scene of God’s creation!”

Life Application

Romans 12:3 above speaks a bit toward being “real” in life. We should be authentic and not think more highly of ourselves than we should and are called to be sober in how we view ourselves. Whatever talents and beauty that we possess as a human is only by the Grace of God and we should be thankful. We are called upon to be men and women who are genuine in what we do… genuinely love, genuinely serve, genuinely do well in our work and talents without arrogance. Being “real” does not mean being so blunt as to blurt out ugly thoughts or words that may enter our mind either. We should capture those things before they are expressed and quietly ask God to remove them as they don’t need to be said or even thought. I believe a genuine person living under grace knows they are not perfect and also knows how to apply God’s “editing” to their life to show His beauty through their life just as an edited photo shows the beauty of creation without being fake.

I hope these thoughts today have been an encouragement to you in your own walk and that you do enjoy taking these little photo journeys with me along the way! Praying for you wherever you are whether you are someone I know or may someday be able to meet. God Bless and don’t forget to take some photos along the way in your own journey.

Ken
Psalm 8:3-9