I’m more of a behind-the-scenes gal. The whole speaking in front of people thing usually gets my heart rate up in the 120s, and my voice shakes as if I’ve just seen a ghost. Not ideal. No, where I’m most comfortable is dressed in all black, navigating a venue like a ninja with a camera in tow, doing my best to stay out of sight and out of mind. That probably sounds a little weird, I know (especially the ninja part). But this, for me, feels like a front row seat to the incredible things God is doing in the people all around me.
Let’s back up a little bit. I’ve been taking photos for as long as I can remember. Picture it: the little girl with the tiny point-and-shoot camera snapping photos of every flower and rock and green army man that piqued her interest. Around junior high, the capture became a little more purposeful; in high school, it became both a hobby and a point of study, and in college, it became a career. Now, I’m honored that I get to serve at both Christ’s Church as a photography host and at CIY on the marketing team, taking photos everywhere I go. It’s a small thing I get to do in our local church and at events across the country that brings me joy like no other.
On paper, sure, I always want to make cool stuff. Take pictures I’m proud of. Create content that is useful, impactful, and tells a good story. Even junior high Lauren could have probably told you that.
But on a 16-hour CIY event day when my body is tired and would like nothing more than to be horizontal, that’s when simply making cool stuff doesn’t get me very far. I have to lean on something a little bigger than that.
Photography is an invitation for me—an invitation to stop. To see. To open my eyes a little wider. It challenges me to notice all the little things I know God has orchestrated, to hear the conversations I know He’s working in, and to watch His people love selflessly.
In college, my photography professor always reminded us to “see it with our eyes first.” Now I know he probably meant composition, color, light, all that fun technical stuff. But have you ever just stood in the corner of a big room and heard 2,000 plus people sing the name of Jesus at the top of their lungs? Walked around the café and watched faces light up when they saw a dear friend or heard the best news in the world? Admired as a host gently consoled an upset two-year-old? Noticed a student’s lightbulb moment when a big concept finally made sense? Those are the things that fill my cup. Am I still exhausted? Absolutely, I slept for five hours on a dorm mattress. But will I keep going because God is so kind and way bigger than I could ever imagine? No doubt about it.
It has taken years for me to realize that making cool stuff alone can’t fuel me. I’m grateful I get to see the goodness of the Lord from behind a camera. But maybe photography isn’t your thing. That’s okay. We all have our thing. Maybe it’s gardening. For others, sewing. Don’t worry—reading, biking, writing, puzzling, woodworking, running—we see you, too. Anything that brings you joy can be added to the list. That’s the beautiful thing about trusting in the kindness of God. You don’t have to take photos to notice the presence of the Holy all around you. He’s working in the garden and at the sewing machine just as much as He’s working in my viewfinder. Accept His invitation to see and notice the goodness He’s creating all around you. Your cup will surely overflow.
Lauren Bryan
Lauren is a part of our Christ’s Church family since high school. She not only serves on our photography team but also with Creative Arts and Student Ministry. She is also a Creative Producer at at Christ In Youth, one of our Impact Partners.
