The Meaning of Life
Hello and, welcome to my second action project for my Humanities class called Journalism. For this unit, we have looked into the question, “What is Photojournalism.” I was super stoked to dive into this unit because I absolutely love photography, and there are a lot of photographers in my family. We learned the ins and outs of photography, along with how a photo can create a large impact on a story! We studied the job of Photojournalists and how they capture/document stories and issues that are occurring today. A great example is Sebastiao Salgado, he focuses on climate change and other issues as well. For this action project, we were asked to become Photojournalists and ask someone in our lives, “What is the meaning of life?” While doing so we were also focusing on the mechanics of photography as well. I hope you enjoy this action project of mine as much as I did!
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| SR. LivingSelflessly.2020 |
This is Jennifer. Jennifer is a Youth Pastor and a worship singer located here in Chicago. I decided to interview Jennifer because I personally not only see her like family but as a leader and as a great mentor that I can truly depend on in my life. I’ve known Jennifer since I was six years old because we attend the same church. Jennifer is actually my Youth Pastor. She and I have the greatest bond. Along with many commonalities in our faith and our interests, I was super intrigued to interview Jennifer because of the way she carries herself, the wisdom she displays, and her overall guidance as a role model. I asked Jennifer the very large and in-depth question, “What is the meaning of life?”
When I asked Jennifer this question, she stated, “Being selfless.” Jennifer then went on to say, “In this life, we have to be intentional about what we do, and ask ourselves the questions: Are we really glorifying God? Or are we serving ourselves and our flesh? We are supposed to be doing what we are called to do as Christians and serve God. We are called to become selfless because everything that we have here is temporary. Our lives should be revolving around God and only God. Being in such a selfish world, we have to be selfless in The Word of God and live for Him. You know we are called to be living sacrifices, and we shouldn’t be worried about the temporary things that are given to us here on earth. By being selfless, we should be helping the community and share The Word with others. We should be following this servanthood because all of this is superficial, and by doing so, we become bold and meek! Those words define those who are consistently in the word and living selflessly. The Scripture is our cure, and it provides us to learn how to be a Christian.”
I then had a follow-up question and had asked Jennifer, “How do you overcome doubts or mental battles that may interfere with your walk with God?” She then responded with, “So this is actually something that I struggle with a lot. My doubt is not in God as much as it is myself. The way I overcome it with the word and to make sure I am wearing the armor of God. The sword, which is what we would actually fight within “battle,” is the sword which is the word of God. I have to remind myself that I am chosen, and God has given me certain gifts for His kingdom. So basically, I remind myself of biblical truths, and being able to discern what are attacks is huge!”
For my last question, I had asked Jennifer, “How do you approach others who are struggling with their faith to a kind of give them a sense of motivation and to help them within their walk?” Jennifer then responded, “I think the most effective way to help others is by being transparent. Often times, when people are struggling with faith, it is because they think they have to be perfect, which is the farthest from the truth. When you can be real with other people and the storms, trials, and tribulations you’ve faced and have overcome with Christ, it says a lot because it is at that point that God is glorified and not man. People need to see how God moves in your life, and if we aren’t willing to be transparent and vulnerable other believers will think we overcome obstacles by our own might and strength, and it’s not at all that. It is our dependence on God that enables us to come out of valleys. The greatest thing I can do as a leader is to point people (or my youngins) to Christ.”
As I have mentioned, Jennifer attends the same church that I do and has such a beautiful and in-depth relationship with Christ. For as long as I’ve known Jennifer, she has always had such an invigorating and uplifting spirit. She would always surround herself with those that will bring her closer to the Lord. I believe that she has always been around this atmosphere since she was my age or younger. Of course, her spiritual journey has grown, but I can say that Jennifer has found her calling within the Lord along with her gifts of worship and preaching!
- Capturing Jennifer! -
I captured Jennifer in her bedroom, journaling in her journal that she uses when reading The Word, or has prayers that she wants to write down. This truly defines Jennifer and what she does daily to have a closer relationship with God. This action isn’t only a “practice,” but it’s a relationship where you are committed and hunger to grow each and every day. Through reading the word, writing down thoughts or questions, and allowing God to guide her, she is unapologetically herself and living with an eternal mindset focused straight on Christ. Through this shot, I took you to see the emotion that Jennifer has, and it carries throughout her whenever she is allowing God to capture her entirely. Jennifer also expressed to me that while taking the photos that “even when I’m reading The Word, I guess I do smile sometimes too *laughs.” I thought it was funny that Jennifer mentioned that because we were then talking about how others may view religion in general, as something so serious or strict. Religion is, of course, a serious matter, but it is also observed in so many various ways in terms of emotions and feelings that are not strict and based on rules.
- Mechanics & Critiques -
When shooting Jennifer I wanted to get more of a front view of her as we were doing this on FaceTime. I wanted to capture this view to make the viewer feel like they are actually there with her, journaling. While doing so I was utilizing the rule of thirds. This allowed me to observe Jennifer and make sure that I was able to capture her in the center of the frame, which was my intention of the photo. Jennifer was completely still so there was no need for the shutter speed to increase. Now for the aperture, it was a little difficult. I had it a bit low, which makes the photo more shadowing than normal. Because of this when editing I was playing around with the highlights, shadows, contrast, etc! Something that I wish was different was the quality of the photo. I managed to conduct this photoshoot on FaceTime because of our current position on the coronavirus. Since I wasn’t the happiest about the quality of it, I decided to make black and white to give a more in-depth look!
Overall, I found this interview to be such an impactful conversation. I wasn't only able to speak to Jennifer for this action project of mine, but I was able to really soak in the wisdom and knowledge Jennifer was providing. I truly love action projects and assignments like these where it allows me to really evaluate these personal topics. This action project made me reflect and ponder on my thoughts, where I was able to really push myself in this objective. I found it to be fun being a Photojournalist, and is something that I would love to do in the future!
When I asked Jennifer this question, she stated, “Being selfless.” Jennifer then went on to say, “In this life, we have to be intentional about what we do, and ask ourselves the questions: Are we really glorifying God? Or are we serving ourselves and our flesh? We are supposed to be doing what we are called to do as Christians and serve God. We are called to become selfless because everything that we have here is temporary. Our lives should be revolving around God and only God. Being in such a selfish world, we have to be selfless in The Word of God and live for Him. You know we are called to be living sacrifices, and we shouldn’t be worried about the temporary things that are given to us here on earth. By being selfless, we should be helping the community and share The Word with others. We should be following this servanthood because all of this is superficial, and by doing so, we become bold and meek! Those words define those who are consistently in the word and living selflessly. The Scripture is our cure, and it provides us to learn how to be a Christian.”
I then had a follow-up question and had asked Jennifer, “How do you overcome doubts or mental battles that may interfere with your walk with God?” She then responded with, “So this is actually something that I struggle with a lot. My doubt is not in God as much as it is myself. The way I overcome it with the word and to make sure I am wearing the armor of God. The sword, which is what we would actually fight within “battle,” is the sword which is the word of God. I have to remind myself that I am chosen, and God has given me certain gifts for His kingdom. So basically, I remind myself of biblical truths, and being able to discern what are attacks is huge!”
For my last question, I had asked Jennifer, “How do you approach others who are struggling with their faith to a kind of give them a sense of motivation and to help them within their walk?” Jennifer then responded, “I think the most effective way to help others is by being transparent. Often times, when people are struggling with faith, it is because they think they have to be perfect, which is the farthest from the truth. When you can be real with other people and the storms, trials, and tribulations you’ve faced and have overcome with Christ, it says a lot because it is at that point that God is glorified and not man. People need to see how God moves in your life, and if we aren’t willing to be transparent and vulnerable other believers will think we overcome obstacles by our own might and strength, and it’s not at all that. It is our dependence on God that enables us to come out of valleys. The greatest thing I can do as a leader is to point people (or my youngins) to Christ.”
As I have mentioned, Jennifer attends the same church that I do and has such a beautiful and in-depth relationship with Christ. For as long as I’ve known Jennifer, she has always had such an invigorating and uplifting spirit. She would always surround herself with those that will bring her closer to the Lord. I believe that she has always been around this atmosphere since she was my age or younger. Of course, her spiritual journey has grown, but I can say that Jennifer has found her calling within the Lord along with her gifts of worship and preaching!
- Capturing Jennifer! -
I captured Jennifer in her bedroom, journaling in her journal that she uses when reading The Word, or has prayers that she wants to write down. This truly defines Jennifer and what she does daily to have a closer relationship with God. This action isn’t only a “practice,” but it’s a relationship where you are committed and hunger to grow each and every day. Through reading the word, writing down thoughts or questions, and allowing God to guide her, she is unapologetically herself and living with an eternal mindset focused straight on Christ. Through this shot, I took you to see the emotion that Jennifer has, and it carries throughout her whenever she is allowing God to capture her entirely. Jennifer also expressed to me that while taking the photos that “even when I’m reading The Word, I guess I do smile sometimes too *laughs.” I thought it was funny that Jennifer mentioned that because we were then talking about how others may view religion in general, as something so serious or strict. Religion is, of course, a serious matter, but it is also observed in so many various ways in terms of emotions and feelings that are not strict and based on rules.
- Mechanics & Critiques -
When shooting Jennifer I wanted to get more of a front view of her as we were doing this on FaceTime. I wanted to capture this view to make the viewer feel like they are actually there with her, journaling. While doing so I was utilizing the rule of thirds. This allowed me to observe Jennifer and make sure that I was able to capture her in the center of the frame, which was my intention of the photo. Jennifer was completely still so there was no need for the shutter speed to increase. Now for the aperture, it was a little difficult. I had it a bit low, which makes the photo more shadowing than normal. Because of this when editing I was playing around with the highlights, shadows, contrast, etc! Something that I wish was different was the quality of the photo. I managed to conduct this photoshoot on FaceTime because of our current position on the coronavirus. Since I wasn’t the happiest about the quality of it, I decided to make black and white to give a more in-depth look!
Overall, I found this interview to be such an impactful conversation. I wasn't only able to speak to Jennifer for this action project of mine, but I was able to really soak in the wisdom and knowledge Jennifer was providing. I truly love action projects and assignments like these where it allows me to really evaluate these personal topics. This action project made me reflect and ponder on my thoughts, where I was able to really push myself in this objective. I found it to be fun being a Photojournalist, and is something that I would love to do in the future!
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