Category: Photo

Being Different- Look, See, Pray

If the first peacock you ever saw was white- you’re in for a shock. Most peacocks are very brightly coloured. How will you adapt to something so different? It works the same the other way round- your “bog-standard blue peacock” world will be surprised or even shocked when you first see a white one.

We build a world-view based on what we come into contact with (especially when we are young). So in my worldview swans are white! The ones on the River Adur were always white therefore swans are white. It’s sort of logical… But not necessarily true. Black swans exist too. Oh the shock to my childish brain!

Then my parents gave me a pet ALBINO rabbit… but Peter Rabbit was brown. No wonder I grew up confused.

The world is full of difference! In fact, that is probably one of the most obvious facts. Dogs in various sizes… cows aren’t just black and white… insects… birds… fish… animals… PEOPLE. Yep, people are all different. Skin colour, hair colour, eye colour. Some people can dance- when I try, I resemble a drunken hippo on a parachute.

Have you noticed how the younger generation ALWAYS have lousy music?

And ridiculous fashion sense? (Ahem… remembering some of the stuff we wore in the 70’s perhaps I should drop that example. Nah, those flared jeans and kipper ties were cool, man. The stuffy grown-ups just couldn’t dig it, bro.)

We are surrounded by difference yet all too often “being different” is the reason for rejection or persecution. Often people who look different speak a foreign language (well, duh) and like weird food- we don’t understand them, and standing next door to that is finding them scary and threatening… What we fear, usually we hate. When hatred takes hold, evil follows.

Racism is an evil thing. Discrimination is an evil thing. Being different is NOT an evil thing.

Variety, diversity, creativity… difference. Isn’t this what gives life its spice and fascination?

JB Phillips translated part of Colossians 1 like this:

Now Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God. He existed before creation began, for it was through him that every thing was made, whether spiritual or material, seen or unseen. Through him, and for him, also, were created power and dominion, ownership and authority. In fact, every single thing was created through, and for him. He is both the first principle and the upholding principle of the whole scheme of creation. And now he is the head of the body which is composed of all Christian people. Life from nothing began through him, and life from the dead began through him, and he is, therefore, justly called the Lord of all. It was in him that the full nature of God chose to live, and through him God planned to reconcile in his own person, as it were, everything on earth and everything in Heaven by virtue of the sacrifice of the cross.

All the differences in the world- and God’s purpose is to reconcile ALL THINGS to Himself through Christ. Will we spurn, fear, or hate those whom God loves? Jesus- the antidote to hatred, and reconciler of all. Even those who are different.

Rest Your Eyes- Look, See, Pray

Green is such a restful colour. With the sunlight passing through the leaf membranes, the greens glow; all the tiny veins form patterns linking to the Y-shape of the major stems.

It looks rather like a picture I saw of the rivers of the Amazon Basin viewed from a high satellite pass. The similarity is not just the appearance: the plant uses a “web” of veins and arteries to pass water and nutrients TO the leaf, and thus aid the chlorophyll “factory” working in the leaf bio-chemistry. The chlorophyll is what produces the green colouration. When the growing season ends, the loss of chlorophyll and water turns the leaves brown (until they shrivel or drop).

Just look at the shapes in the composition: allow your eye to wander and explore. What comes to mind? The leaf doesn’t “tell a story” it just exists… is that enough? Or is this photo a waste of space?

Being itself and being displayed can suggest value and beauty. As for meaning… aren’t some pictures valid just because they are pretty?

Let your eye linger on the photo. Does the “simple complexity” cause you to think of the wonder of life, of beauty, of the One who caused Life to be?

To look at a picture or a living scene is one way of tuning in to God’s reality and Being. Some call this practice “Visio Divina” or Divine Seeing; it is a heart-centred practice that invites the viewer to perceive God’s presence through what they see, parallel to how Lectio Divina uses scripture for meditation and prayer.

The practice emphasizes slowing down, gazing with love, and allowing the image to speak to the heart, fostering a direct encounter with the divine. It goes back to St Benedict (c500AD) or earlier: using icons, stained glass, and other forms of art.

Historically, it has been a way to make the invisible grace of God visible through art and creation. Willing to try it? Pick a picture…

(Definition provided by contemplative.org which is worth checking for more insight.)

For the curious- the leaf is a Giant Rhubarb Plant, photographed at Dunster Castle.

I Spy… Look, See, Pray

Today I visited a wetland trust site near Arundel; I was hoping to spot kingfishers and dragonflies and perhaps take a stunning photo of these beauties. I saw one kingfisher, a streak of electric blue as it whizzed past- no picture. Too fast and too small. I saw loads of dragonflies- no picture, because they stayed out of range of my macro and telephoto lens. Some were also blue, I could tell that much.

Unexpectedly, the site was blessed with and abundance of wildflowers. So I took about 200 photos of those.

To be brutally honest, many of those are “nice-but-mildly boring” flower shots. Splendid in their own way, but not obviously shouting “Look at me! I’m deep and profound!”

Then I spotted an unusual detail. A “floaty seed” of thistle or more likely Rosebay Willowherb had become trapped on a reed-stem. Despite the strong breeze, it stayed put, with its fluffy-feathery arms entwined with the reed.

This is my job- to look hard enough to SEE what a casual glance would ignore. How many photographers took a picture of this today? I’m guessing, but I reckon it is only one. Here it is, shared with you! Isn’t the structure of the seed fascinating? Geometric precision, tiny lightweight strands of fluff that act as a natural paraglider. Yet it exists not for the flight, but to carry the seed. And the seed contains all the DNA necessary to grow a new plant, a perfect copy of the parent. Without the “feathery bits” the seed would fall to the ground and overcrowd the existing plant site. Seeds are to carry far away, spread the “good news” of viable DNA, and guarantee the survival of the species. That’s what a seed is for.

I spy with my little eye, a flyable seed… something beginning with hope.

John 3 v8 says “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit of God.”

A wind-borne seed, a resting place, and the expectation of new life. Many years earlier, Isaiah the prophet proclaimed these wonderful words: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55 v10-11

Today I looked and saw an unexpected messenger that reminded me that God can’t be controlled by us- and that this God who has SPOKEN does not waste His Breath. The seed goes out, and God’s will is done. The Word speaks, and new life and new hope come into being.

I looked; I saw. Now my reflection on this becomes a prayer of thanksgiving and comfort. I hope it may also become yours.

(First posted to Reflectionary.org on 30 July 2026)

Look Better- Look, See, Pray

Looking carefully is the most important part of taking photos. Three pictures here illustrate this quite well. The first shows colourful heather, with green bracken hiding the existence of a steep slope towards the two big pine trees at the back. It’s an insect-rich environment- but there is more to discover.

Those two pine trees are the main point of interest in the second photo. There is a lake in the bottom of the deep gully; and more trees in the background. Can you identify the (several) black objects near the top of the pines? No? You need more information, a pointer or symbol to explain…

Picture Three: carved from the wood of a larger fallen tree, a big cup forms a “nest” – with a wooden heron perched on the side. (The black objects in pic 2 are actual live nests used by a thriving population of wild herons.)

All three pictures supply information about a Heronry in a Country Park set in the hills of Bedfordshire. All are required to tell the story of a conservation/wildlife project protecting the colony of herons, and at the same time providing fresh air and green space for human beings who benefit from exploring the “wild side” of life.

Things don’t always have simple answers or explanations. Social media & TV abbreviate conversations and explorations. The medium seeks to condense everything into a sound bite or slogan. As a result, society only picks up a portion of fact- and the truth gets whittled away when we tell others of the “thing” we have learnt.

It’s why this blog is called Look, See, Pray. First we need to have our attention on life around us, then we need to look harder so we truly SEE what is significant. Then we have to DO something with our seeing: and it can be the “spark plug” that helps us pray in an informed and passionate way. It’s sharing our observations and thoughts with our God. It’s a “Holy Noticing” that opens our eyes, mind and spirit to the glories and realities in our everyday living.

Here we can rejoice in natural beauty, wildlife and ecology; we can enjoy it with thanksgiving. And we can also appreciate the artist’s skill in carving the Heron Nest- and understand the value of a symbol that points us to a thing of wonder.

Or… we can just grunt “nice view” and mutter “why take so many photos…” and pass by the supreme design and execution of the concept of “Heron” by the Creator who made all that we see.

Alive! Look, See, Pray

At the earliest glimmerings of daylight, some brave women walked to the tomb of Jesus: they intended to care for his corpse with spices and cloth. Jesus was not there! It’s a fact that requires explanation. As that Resurrection Day went on, more people encountered the Risen, Living Lord. You can read their witness statements in the Gospels- start with Luke.

How can I represent the Resurrection in a photograph?

This picture is a collage made up of photos of individual Christians in one church: it hangs in the entry hall so the congregation is reminded every Sunday of two things.

1. Jesus IS alive.
2. All of the church is embraced into this new living reality. Resurrection includes us, past, present, and future.

God’s grace has rescued us; by faith- trusting active obedience- we are a part of the new Kingdom. We are “in Christ” and this fact changes everything. If we refuse to believe the evidence of history, the eyewitness testimony, and the survival & growth of the Church, then Easter is empty. That’s the choice: the empty tomb OR an empty life of futility. Mock my faith if you will; deny the Resurrection if you dare. EVERYTHING hinges on this, as St Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.

“But tell me this- since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. And we apostles would all be lying about God- for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.”

Read it and rejoice- or read it and weep.

May the blessings of our Risen Christ be yours today and always.

Being Generous? Look, See, Pray

God calls us to a spirit of generosity. This reservoir near Hennock in Devon stores an immense volume of water. A pumphouse below the dam is always rumbling as water is fed into the pipes that take it to the homes and businesses across the county. There are two other reservoirs nearby. All the residents have to do is turn on the tap and receive a generous supply.

Do you realise there is a battle in your mind over generosity? Some fight this battle all their lives. “If I give too generously, will I run out?” There can be an argument internally over responsibility vs generosity. It isn’t an easy decision.

It isn’t my place to prescribe the level of giving for other believers. That route easily leads to a legalistic bitterness where we grudge the gifts we do make. I can, however, realistically re-assess my own level of generosity- and seek to be what Paul describes as a “hilarious giver”… I will give to the One I love and who loves me.

2 Corinthians 9:7 states that “each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful (hilarious) giver.”

Jesus gives us a glorious principle to follow: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38. Do we think we can outgive God?

The Bible isn’t saying that we should give money IN ORDER TO RECEIVE more money (despite the error of some “health and wealth” teachings). We are challenged to generosity so that we are like God who gives everything, even to giving Jesus on the Cross.

Prosperity from God is connected to shalom-wholeness, the perfect peace of restored relationship with our Lord: becoming and being like Jesus. Limiting “prosperity” to money and possessions and fame is like selling a million-pound note for a battered old half-crown. (That’s 2 shillings and sixpence… or 22.5p in our terms).

God doesn’t deal in half-crowns… He gives us living crowns that we can offer back to Him in worship- casting our crowns before Him.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25

That’s making me smile right now!

Trustworthy? Look, See, Pray

There’s something missing. “No Fishing” is plain enough. But for it to be a really good/funny photo, there should be a kingfisher perching or a heron standing next to the sign. Then I could sell that pic for a decent sum. (Even a seagull perching would do at a pinch.)

Modern editing software means I could insert a suitable bird, reasonably easily, although any little mistake would mean you’d spot the cheating. There are real experts in using Photoshop who could make a blended picture so good even I’d be fooled- and I took the photo in the first place.

The altered picture would be untrue, a lie, a misrepresentation, or even a scam (if I tried to sell the photo to the media).

Does that matter? It should do! If not, we decide by default that fictional pics are acceptable “truth”… Imagine if a photographer produced fake nudes- the harm that could do to the reputation and emotional health of the victims! (Please note any similarity to the recent judgement against Gr*k could be purely a coincidence, and is not necessarily my deliberate inference).

Regular readers will know that I try to acknowledge whenever animal/bird subjects have been photographed in captivity. Or I’d be guilty of making you think I’m a better photographer than I am, with fieldcraft worthy of a professional. I’m honest about it.

Truth matters. Honesty and integrity should be integral to our chosen lifestyle.

So when politicians or preachers “add bits in” to make a powerful headline… OR leave stuff out to change the story and unduly influence the audience… it is WRONG. No smart excuses can excuse the lying. It may be expedient to lie/exaggerate/falsify but it isn’t clever and it isn’t right.

You may say I’m showing naivety. Well, I’d rather be naive and enjoy a clear conscience! I believe we should be able to expect truth and integrity from people in positions of influence and power.

After all, as a follower of Jesus (admittedly an imperfect follower) surely I must take his words seriously. “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.'” – John 14:6-7.

Is it always easy to understand and apply the truth of Jesus to every part of life? I wish!!! Sometimes I reflect Jesus a bit like the reflection of the sign in the water… Sorry about that. I’ll try to be clearer.

Jesus proclaims Truth. Our Accuser, Satan, is described as the “Father of Lies.” So when we’re listening to someone, who is closest to Truth? The sad fact is that we tend to become like the one we pay attention to… so truth IS rather vital. Who are we listening to- and how are they forming us?

Frosted Clarity- Look, See, Pray

Frost has outlined these little beauties. Rims and veins have attracted icy crystals which accentuate the shapes and forms of flower, berry and leaf. It makes for a nice picture!

You may be surprised to know it can help us do theology too.

Theology is “God Knowledge/Thinking.” The information we have, the principles we hold to, and the interpretation of God’s revelation enable us to begin to comprehend God. We debate, discuss, argue, theorise, and write BIG books! (Wouldn’t it be helpful sometimes to have a simpler explanation, a short book or cartoon instead? If so, read on about the frosty rose!)

Christians have prepared summaries of what we believe: we call them Creeds. “I believe in God the Father…” is the beginning of the Apostles’ Creed (one of the mainstream standards). These Creeds have been agreed by many believers over many years, and are often familiar to most churchgoers.

Each Creed sets out statements of faith; the things we agree on as “standard” for Christianity. They set out a “map” of faith, rather like the frost on the rose petals. We see where each one fits, what’s “in” as a part of normal faith. (There are, of course, differences of emphasis and nuance between the churches! But bear with me on the main principle.)

We cannot fully comprehend God- but one central Christian belief is that God has been and is self-revealing. We can see the Divine in Creation itself- through beauty and awe. The Bible is a written collection of the history of God’s interaction with humanity, inspired by God and amazingly effective at teaching us about God and His Ways.

I suppose we could write different doctrines on every petal to make it even clearer. For example: the nature of God; Creation; Salvation; Bible; Ethics, etc., etc.

Theology is the whole rose- but the parts can be looked at separately. We can always discover and experience more of God; so our study is open-ended, and there are “mysteries” as well as plain and obvious truths. But even if the rose is a symbol for theology, God is above and beyond it- the Gardener who is greater than the rose (or the whole garden).

Do you get the idea? Just as the frost has highlighted nature’s beauty, so choosing particular aspects of faith to study helps to make sense of the bigger picture.

The best starting place?

The life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus. As set out in the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we are introduced to the best self-revelation of God.

As Jesus said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.” (John 14 v9)

Start here: GO.

Rainbows- Look, See, Pray

I love that delicious moment when we find ourselves at the edge of a passing storm… the sun peeks through, and a rainbow ignites. Arching across the skies, those gorgeous colours offer us hope.

Life will always have storms. But the Lord God gives us rainbows. Do we fear the storm- or celebrate the rainbow?

One encouraging phrase sometimes used during tough times is “This too shall pass.” It’s true enough- I have a 100% record of surviving bad times (so far). But that is small comfort when we have to face the harsh realities of sickness or grief, when we -or those we love- seem caught up in a tornado of trial or terror.

Jesus offered something more reliable: in Matthew 24:35 (NLT) he says:-
“Heaven and earth will disappear,
but my words will never disappear.”

That promise shines like a rainbow against the darkening sky. A technicolour guarantee! Jesus speaks- and gives Life.

Later, in 1 Cor 13 v13, Paul commented that it all boils down to this:

“Faith, Hope, and Love shall remain-
and the greatest of these is Love.”

Time to Breathe- Look, See, Pray

Living in a seaside town means the pace slows down when the holiday makers go home at the end of summer.

Traffic levels drop off a bit, and the seafront changes character. The kid’s playgrounds shuts down, the crazy golf closes, and the pier goes quiet. I remember a time when the pier was longer, and speedboats offered high-speed rides- such a thrill. The more sedate could take a donkey ride, or hire a deckchair.

It’s as if the town takes a breath before next year’s visitors.

That’s a good thing for the town: and it is a good thing for people to do the same. Early morning at low tide, a huge expanse of wet sand is exposed, with scattered soft rocky boulders ruling over little briny lakes. The sand is patterned with ripples by the receding water. A few crabs, some seaweed, worm casts, not much else to take the eye.

Early low sun-rays turn the sand into a glaring bright mirror. Locals take the opportunity to walk the sands, exercise the dog, breathe deeply of the salt-tanged air. Precious time to breathe; solitary if you like, or friendly passing chats with the dogs (and sometimes the owners!).

How wonderful to set mind and spirit at rest.

Praying whilst walking can be helpful practice. Sharing your thoughts with God, acknowledging His Presence with praise, and even working through doubts, fears, or troubles.

Meditating on a few verse from the Bible (or one of the great themes of faith or theology) can be a real blessing. Take a breath- and inhale the gracious Love of God with every step. Imagine walking alongside Jesus beside the sea and share a conversation…

Here is one passage to meditate on to seek deeper Wisdom:

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity.”
Proverbs 2:6-7

Take a breath. It will bless you- and bring you closer to Jesus.