This is the third post where I feature some of the wonderful participants in my workshops – to show you their work, and allow them to tell their photography story.

Meet John Carr

John has taken three of my online workshops and recently made the trek from his home in New York State to my weekend workshop at Bethany Spring. It was a pleasure to meet him in person and he brought his very spiritual perspective to contemplative photography, as you’ll see below.

How and when did you get started in photography and what drew you to this medium?

I equate my start in photography with a “spiritual awakening.” A number of years ago, I found myself on a journey searching for a deeper spiritual purpose and existence. Then, one day, I saw some artistic photographs by a friend of mine. I said to myself, “Why can’t I express myself that way?”

I was very impressed and moved by his ability to express himself so creatively. At the time, I didn’t know how or in what form photography would lead me to a spiritual discovery, but I was moved to the point where I knew I had to pay attention to this medium.

Describe your evolution as a photographer, leading to contemplative photography. Who are your mentors?

While in college, I sensed my Creator calling me to some form of ministry. So, for a number of years, I served as a parish pastor and later, a hospital chaplain in New York City. My thought process and beliefs were very religious and theological but my daily walk was not very spiritual or contemplative. For years, I searched for a spiritual path.

After seeing my friend’s images, photography and contemplation came together in my spiritual journey. That’s when my spiritual path led me to contemplatives such as Chogyam Trungpa and Thomas Merton, who both engaged in the medium of contemplative photography.

I also discovered and studied some of the greatest practitioners in the medium; Stieglitz, Strand, Evans, Weston, and Cartier-Bresson.

Why do you photograph and what types of subjects are your favorites?

For me, the camera is a meditative tool: an extension of what I see and experience, (regardless of the subject) in the present moment. When I photograph, I try to mirror the divinity in the image which awakens my sacred imagination.

I believe that if you change the way you see things, the things you see change! Paul wrote in II Corinthians 4:18, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen, is eternal.” I seek to produce images which allow the viewer to contemplate their journey with the divine.

I also believe that all creation is meant to thrive, and that not thriving is a violation of the Spirit. I approach contemplative photography as a path for inner reflection: being in the present moment, creating a sacred space to receive the image, and letting go in order to capture the “unseen” thus revealing a sacred divinity in the ordinary.

Tell us about your work with ACTS and how you bring contemplative photography into this work.

The Newark Acts is a group of young adults (ages 23-30) who serve in various inner city ministries for the Episcopal Church. I provide spiritual direction and conduct weekend retreats. I encourage the interns to use their visual and creative energies while engaging in the practice of contemplative photography.

An example of this is when I broke them into small groups (communities) where they pieced together a composite portrait. This exercise taught them to work and communicate as a team in order to achieve a common goal. Using iPhones, they came up with the portraits you see here.

Where can we find your work online?

Although I’m in the beginning stages of my website, you can see my work there: www.lensoftheheartphotography.com.

On a personal note, I would like to thank Kim for allowing me the opportunity to share some of my story. I would highly recommend Kim’s online classes and workshops. I always learn something new from her. Kim is truly an inspiration!

Thank you, John. You inspire me too.