Open My Eyes
On a recent trip to California, I was accompanied by my friend and blogging partner, Rob. It would be apparent to anyone looking at our images, taken at the same locations, that photographically we see things differently. I love Rob’s work and viewing his pictures helps me to see the world in a new way. Hopefully my work does the same for him. When it comes to “seeing creation” my guess is the more eyes the better. God’s manifestation of Himself in nature is beyond any one person’s seeing. For that reason I am thankful for other eyes that help me to see better the wonders of God in nature.
A hymn I’ve heard all my life begins with the words, “Open my eyes that I may see, glimpses of truth Thou hast for me.” This is actually a prayer I often pray when I go out to photograph or simply to enjoy the outdoors. There are a lot of different ways God can open our eyes to His presence in Creation. Sometimes it comes through a friend.
I took this picture of a hummingbird and snow plant in Yosemite NP. Rob has been practicing and teaching “down and dirty” photography for quite some time. It’s called “down” because he likes to shoot from very low angles. I assume it’s called “dirty” because…, well, you get dirty while you’re down there. I decided I’d try his approach with this snow plant. Sitting on the ground I focused on the beautiful red plant. Within seconds a hummingbird came by to take advantage of it. Perhaps I’d never gotten the image had I not been open to learning to see from another. Thanks Rob!
— Chuck Summers