Across the Tracks

Across the Tracks
June 2008

I'm hoping to post a picture every day {or realistically, every other day} and just share some of my thoughts about it.

The legs in this picture belong to one of my best friends of 17 years, Miss Annie Donahoe. This railway was located next to an amazing rose garden {which I'm sure I'll be posting some pictures of} near her home in Charlotte, North Carolina. I'm a big fan of all things train related, so I was really excited to take some pictures there. This turned out to be my favorite shot. I just love the angle and the subdued brown tones. I also love that her one leg is slightly blurred--in action.

This photo makes me think of a Tracy Chapman song, "Across the Lines,"that Annie & I listened to on my visit there. Annie actually did two paintings that were inspired by this song {both are rather spectacular, if I do say so myself.} The song presents the injustice that can cause. This song challenges you to cross the line that "separates whites from blacks." Definitely worth a listen...

It also reminds me of a verse in Isaiah:
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'"--Is. 52:7

I think this verse fits perfectly with my theme of pilgrimage. Our feet are the physical means God has given us to embark on our pilgrimage to proclaim his Word. They are beautiful in his sight {that's right, Jess!} when we use them to proclaim the salvation he has given us.

What's in a Name?

Welcome to Pilgrim Photography!

I will be using this blog as a way to keep everyone updated on upcoming events, sharing exciting new things I'm learning about the art of photography, as well as promoting some of my work. I'm so excited to get started on my senior project and any other work the Lord calls me {and my camera} to!

As many of you know, I've spent the last few weeks agonizing over finding the perfect name for my photography business. The creative part of my brain wouldn't allow me to just settle for Jamie Stuart photography. I bounced around many ideas before deciding on, what I think is, the perfect name. Let me take a few minutes to explain the meaning behind the name...

Pilgrim Photography

Definition- "One who embarks on a quest for something held sacred."

Now, obviously this isn't the only definition pilgrim can have. I could be referring to the English separatists who founded Plymouth Colony in 1620 or someone who journeys to a religious shrine. But...I'm not. By this definition, I'm referring to myself, as well as everyone else who belongs to the body of Christ. We, as Christians, are on a quest. We are on a quest for godliness. For sanctification. For our eternal home in Heaven. And ultimately, for Jesus. Jesus is the one and ONLY thing we are called to hold sacred. He is our light and our salvation. My hope is that my work will be a visual testimony of my own quest for Jesus. I pray that with each picture, you will be able to see something new and exciting that the Lord has done in my life, and in turn encourage you on your own quest.

"Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage."
--Psalm 84:5--

I have set my own heart on this blessed pilgrimage and I invite you to join me on it!