Devotional: Photography Is about Moving

While on a photo assignment last fall, I was taking photos of a university marching band. I was trying to sneak into a position to get a good angle of the band. People kept telling me, “You can’t stand there.”

This comes with the territory when you’re trying to capture something so public. It was frustrating. I got some good photos but none of those images are running in the published story.

Photography is like that … it’s all about moving. We try to find the right position (while not being noticed) so we don’t influence our subject’s reactions.

The best photographers keep moving, and moving, and moving.

I’m reminded of Philip in Acts chapter eight. God kept moving him from one situation to the next.

Philip and the Samarians were rejoicing over the move of God in that city. And then, an angel directed Philip to travel to a desert road leading out of Jerusalem. On that road, an Ethiopian eunuch, seated in his chariot, was reading Isaiah.

“And the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over and join this chariot.'” (Acts 8:29 ESV)

Philip ran to him and shared the gospel with him. After the man was baptized, the Spirit took Philip away to Azotus. Philip traveled along the coastal road, preaching about Jesus until he came to Caesarea.

When we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), we may not know exactly why God moves us to different places at different times.

Having an attitude of anticipation helps.

Being aware of how the Spirit is moving is like the constant moving as a photographer to find the perfect spot. We need to be aware that the Spirit may use us at any moment to point someone to Jesus. This may take some getting used to, but you will find getting to share about Jesus is more exciting than getting the perfect photo.

Keep moving in anticipation that God is putting you in the perfect spot.

Guest Post by Mick Haupt

Mick has been on staff with Cru for 33 years. He served with the Campus Ministry for four years, The Jesus Film Project for 11 years, and the Global Leadership Office for 15 years. Mick serves currently on Digital Products & Service’s Content Strategy team.

He is passionate about photography and about the stories his photos tell. His ministry focuses on telling stories with photos through Cru Storylines and helping people craft their faith story for impact. He also helps build Cru’s photo resource, Cru Stock, and invests into photographers through the Photographers Network on Workplace.

He lives in Orlando with his wife, Clarice, and two rambunctious boys.

Follow Mick’s insightful photo blog, Wandering 40 Days.

Find him also on Unsplash.

NOTE: Skateboarder and photographer photo by Brandon Morgan on Unsplash