Wednesday

Pride and Prejudice

My husband is outstanding in what he does. But I have to admit, more often than not, I am apologetic and well, almost ashamed when I try and describe what he is doing for a living. It's not that I am ashamed of what he does, but it's the fear of what others will think of what he does. Sadly, I still care more deeply of others' opinions than I do of my own.

My husband is a photographer. Over the last ten years or so, he has gone from an amateur to an amazing photographer. He loves to photograph people best. When he first started into photography, he was scared spitless over the thought of photographing someone who was naked--even though in his former line of work as an EMT, he saw people stripped of their clothing quite frequently. Then, a Christian woman looking for maternity photos found his name and was ecstatic to find a Christian photographer on the other end. So, in a bit of a sweat and eyes half closed, he started his journey. It's been an interesting road, full of questions and wrestles and misunderstandings. It seems many, especially Cristians, equate photographs of nudity with pornography and are unable to see the beauty of God's design or even to believe that there could be purity or goodness maintained in the process or in the final image. I've always struggled with the marketing part of our work, knowing that eyes that are accustomed to lusting may venture on to our websites, or sensitive eyes may stumble on and not have a context or a maturity to understand the whole picture. These are some of the pitfalls.

However, over time as I observe Rod's work and hear story after story of women's views of themselves changing for the better--the joy, affirmation, and feeling of being beautiful for the first time or first time in a long time--I know Rod has a special gift. So I came up with the idea of a studio focused entirely on women, celebrating the unique qualities of a woman: her ability to be soft and strong, beautiful and wise--and so many other things. Of course, we will never do justice to the whole of a woman because we can only deal with the visible, but our purpose is to bring out the best in women and build up the way they see themselves and feel about themselves while capturing beautiful images for them to treasure along this road of life. And thus, Eve Studios was born.

We weren't sure how narrow to keep our focus, but after seeing again the tremendous excitement of a client friend over the images of their newborn, we recently decided to include Rod's famous maternity/newborn work under the Eve name as well. We can think of no better way to celebrate the diverse and incredible qualities of a woman than in her ability to nurture and give birth to a new life. There is no clearer picture of a woman's softeness and strength than in motherhood.

As I write this, I wonder why I am so easily intimidated and quick to feel shame over the work that my husband is so good at, when there are so many who can testify to the need he is meeting and to the dignified way he is meeting that need. I am reminded of a friend of ours who teaches at a Christian school in northern BC. He took his high school class to an art gallery with an exhibit focused on the nude body. Many of the female students commented on the lack of beauty protrayed and left feeling quite empty, dirty, hopeless and uninspired. They wondered why no Christians seemed to be doing this kind of art. My husband is answering that call--and honey, I'm proud of you!!

Eve Studios will be having its grand opening on Tuesday, January 29th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at 354 Selkirk Avenue. Come for food, free draws, and fun!

For more info, visit www.EveStudios.ca.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good post; you expressed yourself well.

Sonya said...

Thanks! It was something I wrote on paper first. That usually helps! If you're not doing anything Tuesday night, why don't you guys come on over and check out our new place. It would be nice to see you, especially since I missed you last year at the fun nite.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Babe, you are such an amazing support, I love you.

Rodney

Anonymous said...

i hope your opening was awesome! i would have love to come but the little munchkin is rather sick. i hope you guys had a blast!!
tara

Anonymous said...

This post has an interesting take on the human body and when it is art.

http://agreatdeception.blogspot.com/2008/01/less-is-more.html