Jennifer Blair Photography Blog

I love reading this post Jennifer. Seems like you are on the right track and if your turning over to the Lord…there is not better way than that!

“In a field of self promotion I’m sent to do the opposite…to promote Jesus and to share His compassion for the least of these… You capture pretty people with money, not the people most of the world tries to forget. This revelation for my life is beautiful paradox.”

I’m so glad you’ve received this powerful revelation. This is really the struggle of an artist, of a creative person. Yet we must strive to compare ourselves to the ultimate Creator & Creative One.

He will lead you and teach you to tell the stories close to His heart.

Be blessed Jen, in all you do.

Dearest Jennifer,

A beautiful and honest post. I must say that I have had similar struggles. Particularly with how to use photography to glorify his kingdom. My purpose was slowly being tarnished as I had an obsession with getting the best equipment and comparing myself to others etc
In diligent prayer, God has revealed a few things to me. Although as you say that weddings and engagements are about pretty people with money, I must say that this is quite irrelevant. The important thing is that it’s an opportunity for us as the photographers to build relationships with these people. To show humility, kindness, express our love to them. There’s definitely room for us to walk in the steps of Jesus while dealing with our clients.

Another point God made is that I can take beautiful photos no matter what equipment I use, I can tell a story in any equipment. For example some of my best images are on film, 20 dollar cameras or on a cheap 50mm1.8. It helped me to not get caught up with all the spending.

God has recently been using my gift at church as well, which I believe is in an amazing opportunity to serve God and use our talent at the same time.

I think it would be great to tell the stories of Ethiopian culture and of their women however don’t stop there. Your country has its stories and its struggles too. Pray for where God wants you to be. Most importantly, be humble. I’ll pray for you.

Blessings,
Farrah

I love LOVE this post, Jennifer. It spoke to my heart’s core, I’ve had a similar struggle with this. My business isn’t up and running yet because I have 3 more months before I graduate college and I’m trying to keep focused on that! But, I’ve struggled with how to glorify God through such a self promoting occupation, where it’s all about upgrading to the newest and best equipment. Reading this post made it even more clear to me that I need to continue praying for more direction and discernment..so thank you for that :)

I agree with what Farrah said though, that we create relationships with clients and show them the love of our Savior. They’ll see something different in our business over someone who isn’t a believer…at least hopefully they will! I think we can use the gifts that God gave us to further His kingdom in a relational way. After all, He created us as relational beings to mirror after Him so it only makes sense! I could keep writing but maybe I should just write a post about this too haha!

Thanks so much for sharing what’s been on your heart..I’ve been reading your posts quite religiously these last few months. I think you’ve created something beautiful here and you’re doing the Lord’s work through your photography right here on your blog :)

Jennifer. I will be thinking of you as you sort out the details of this amazing journey that you are beginning. You are such an inspiration to me, and so many others. You have the ability to change so many lives…all in the name of the Lord. God Bless YOU!

wow! i wish you the best of blessings as you courageously persue the dream God has envisioned for you!

Beautiful post from a beautiful woman. To God be the glory. He can use anything for His purpose! I can’t wait to see how this adventure unfolds for you. It’s going to be awesome, girl! Embrace the freedom of knowing you don’t have to do it…you just let God do the work and you be the vessel!

Jennifer, great article. I have always tried to run my little photography business as God’s & to show each of my client’s His love. I have however especially loved taking pictures on my mission trips to Honduras b/c they help capture God’s love of all people. My desire is to do a trip there one day just to do pictures. I will pray for you & your business b/c I know firsthand how difficult it can be in so many ways. God Bless You!!

Jennifer, a humble heart can bring glory to His name in ways we can’t even imagine! I love this and will be lifting you up!

PS
I wish we lived closer to each other and could be friends in *real* life. :)

Wow. I cannot wait to see where the Lord leads you with your business and photography! It’s going to be great!

As you usually do so well, I am captivated by your words. And inspired. I think that is the ultimate goal for us as humans– created to be the companions and friends of the greatest King. But then also–-to use the talents he gave to us for glorifying His name and multiplying it tenfold.

I am inspired that you are taking this step to do so with the gifts He has given you.

I can’t imagine you need much more training. Your photography is superb. You just need to go out there and tell the stories. I pray God opens the right doors in all areas for you. He will do the rest.

Excited to hear more :))

Jeanine

What a perfect way to use your gifts! I am so excited to see the adventures that the Lord sends you on!!

I really love this post! Sometimes it’s hard for me to put into words the struggles that I face in my faith. It is a constant battle with our flesh, and often, my flesh wins. I wish I could have the courage to write it all down on my blog, but for some reason, I often don’t. This post really inspires me, so thank you for sharing. I think it’s amazing that you are using your gift to glorify the Lord! I can only hope that one day, I can say the same thing. Praying for you!

Christ, your pictures are amazing my dear! Keep on the good work!

Love Vienna Wedekind

I love this. As a tear fell down my face I felt myself heavily convicted. I am at a place where I am jobless, not looking and serving the Lord with my time at church. But I truly have no idea what I am supposed to be doing other than bible college and preparing to start school next semester at a local junior college. But I have no idea what I am supposed to be doing despite everything I just told you. Maybe I am seeking something bigger than just accepting and being faithful with the litte. But I definitely enjoyed this read.

I also apologize for being so absent on your blog :). Your loved and cherished in my heart!

♥CheChe

Wow wow wow. Your heart is in the right place. What a unique and beautiful thing that God has called you to do! Sooo excited to see what will happen… Love you!

“Have Thine own way Lord”

You are stunning, my dear! Both inside and out, it seems :)

He is and always will be absolutely faithful to guide your steps, Jen. His strong hands will hold and guide you as you follow Him on this journey. I’m so excited to see where He leads you!
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Hey, these are some great questions and thoughts! As I was reading it I instantly thought of Youth With A Mission (YWAM). If you don’t know about it, it’s a missions organization that trains people and then takes them on outreaches to serve all over the world. I did it in 2008.

ANYWAY, the point is that one of the friends I made now leads a school called Voice for the Voiceless and it focuses on telling people’s story through media. I’ve seen some of their work; its incredible.

I’m sure you have plans and are taking steps but I just thought I would give you the link for the school so you could check it out (lots of married couples do these schools too!)

http://uofnkona.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=694&Itemid=751&lang=en

Thanks for sharing your vision!

This is beautiful. I am so excited to continue to watch your journey as the Lord leads you and I can’t wait for your upcoming trip!
Jen recently posted..Flowers Fade Friday: Go or Send…

I can’t tell you how weirded out I just got by this… in a good way.
First of all, I’ve been following your blog for a while because, one, your blogs are always so good and your pictures and such are so cute, and, two, some things about us seem so similar to the point it actually almost scares me.
Which leads me to what I really wanted to say:

I read this blog a few seconds ago, and basically you’re speaking back to me the same thing God laid on my heart a few months ago. Not to necessarily use pictures (I’ve never been a big photographer), and I don’t have a business to fund their rescue from darkness (I’m a college kid…), but I believe God is calling me to use my words and storytelling to give these “statistics” faces and stories and names and lives. I feel like I need to speak up for the people who have no voice and just get pushed to the “statisctic” category. Actually, it’s been a process, but He’s been putting little things in my path for over a year now, but I am confident this is where He is leading me. I also went to Ethiopia this past summer (I returned the week before you left I think), and this was confirmed even more through that… anyway, this is really jumbled up I am sure because I am so excited to see someone being lead a similar direction and I can hardly type. Anyway, I just wanted to share that. And I’l be praying for you!

There is something so beautiful about a life that’s surrendered to a greater cause. I am so encouraged by reading your story. I went to Passion 2010 & 2011, and was also really awakened to a ‘less of me, more of others (ultimately more of God)” way of life… To use the creative talents God has given me to touch the world. I’m not sure how ends will meet, but I know He will take care of it all. Thank you so much for inspiring. May God complete the work He has started in you!