My Journey: A Tale of Faith and Photography

My name is Elly, and I am a landscape and nature photographer, capturing the breathtaking beauty of God’s creation. This journey, though fraught with doubts and fears, has been my way of witnessing His splendor.

From an early age, I felt a profound connection to the natural world. I remember the first time I held a camera, the way it felt to see the world through its lens, and the overwhelming desire to capture the beauty around me. I was twelve years old, visiting my Great Grandparent’s farm. It was a spring day, the air heavy and fragrant with the scent of fruit trees. The fields were a sea of purple wildflowers, and the sky, adorned with wispy white clouds, seemed to stretch endlessly. Though recovering from pneumonia, I felt an inexplicable surge of energy as I stepped out of the car. Under the shade of a giant black walnut tree, I raised my pink camera and clicked, freezing that perfect moment in time. It was then I knew: I wanted to share nature’s beauty with the world.

However, life’s responsibilities soon overshadowed my passion. As adulthood took hold, my excursions into nature became infrequent. Then, at twenty-six, I was diagnosed with a degenerative nerve disease. My future seemed uncertain, and my dream of becoming a photographer felt like it was slipping away. The disease progressed, leaving me with diminished feeling in my hands and double vision. My heart broke as I faced the reality that photography might no longer be within my grasp.

Yet, my spirit remained resilient. Through years of struggle, my creative drive sought other outlets, but nothing compared to the call of photography. In 2019, I decided to try again. I enrolled in classes to learn the intricacies of digital photography and photo editing. Despite my vision issues, I learned to adapt, trusting that God would guide my hands and eyes. Slowly but surely, my efforts bore fruit, and I began creating art once more.

In 2023, bolstered by the support of loved ones, I decided to share my work with the world. I discovered an academy led by a successful photographer who taught artists how to sell their art online. Though hesitant and filled with doubt, I signed up for the course. For months, I learned and implemented the strategies taught, eventually launching my Etsy store. That fall, I made my first sale.

Now, I am blessed to see my art hanging in homes, inspiring others as it has inspired me. Each photograph I take is evidence of God’s purpose and grace. My journey, marked by faith and perseverance, continues to unfold. I am filled with joy and gratitude, knowing that through my lens, I can share the beauty of His creation with the world.