If you have ever traveled you understand trying to describe and explain the experiences from your trip. I think the best way to share an experience is through pictures. Pictures allow people who were not there to better understand what you experienced. Pictures are also an effective way of preserving your trip and memories of the people who were with you.
I was able to be part of the Harding University in Australia 2010 trip. While on this trip, I took 12,000 pictures. I wanted to document everything. I wanted to be able to come home and share the beauty, culture and people of Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore.
With all the pictures I took, I am able to look back and imagine that I am there again. I can remember the smells, the tastes and the things that happened each day. I can tell you where I was and what happened right before, during and after each picture was taken.
Pictures of people and events hold great meaning to those present for that moment. In looking back on the picture they can almost relive that moment. That memory can become a special bond between the people it involves. This usually is some sort of inside joke among those who were present. The same picture will have various things that different people relate to it. Each person will have his or her own memory or set of memories that a picture will bring to mind.
A group picture of 39 students in front of an ancient temple induces thoughts of “wow,” “cool” or “that’s awesome” from those who were not there. But for me and the other 38 students standing in front of Angkor Wat, a temple in Cambodia, we all remember the heat of the day, the fatigue of the all-day excursion and the splendor of the massive temple. Individually, we remember different things as well. I remember this was the first day I felt better after about five days of being sick. Others will remember still being sick.
I took a lot of nature pictures while overseas. The beauty that God has created is breathtaking. Through the pictures I took, others are able to catch a glimpse of the beauty that he has blessed people to observe.
God has given us a beautiful place to live in. I enjoy trying to capture that beauty in an image. Though a picture will never do true justice to a magnificent sunrise over the beach, the moon reflecting on a mountain lake or even the front lawn with vibrant green grass, it can capture part of that beauty and preserve it for ages. It will allow people to see and enjoy the beauty of places they may never get to visit.
To me photography isa way to share a memory or keep a moment. It is an attempt to share the way I see the world God created. It is a challenge to see and share the beauty in things that would not normally be defined as beautiful. It is a way to share my life and my blessings with others.
