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Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice
In this first book to explore photography as a spiritual practice from a Christian perspective, Christine Valters Paintner builds on the process of contemplative creativity she introduced online at Abbey of the Arts and in her book The Artist’s Rule. She considers how a camera can help readers open “the eyes of the heart.”
More than a book on photographic technique, Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice is about cultivating photography as a spiritual practice. Adapting the monastic practice of lectio divina (sacred reading) into a form of visio divina (sacred seeing), spiritual director and Benedictine oblate Christine Valters Paintner invites readers to a new way of viewing the world—through the lens of a camera.
Paintner guides readers through six themes connecting the medium of photography with the Christian spiritual life. Each theme provides a photographic journey in which the reader does not simply take images, but receives images and learns to see with “the eyes of the heart” (Eph 1:18).
Photos by the author are included.
More than a book on photographic technique, Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice is about cultivating photography as a spiritual practice. Adapting the monastic practice of lectio divina (sacred reading) into a form of visio divina (sacred seeing), spiritual director and Benedictine oblate Christine Valters Paintner invites readers to a new way of viewing the world—through the lens of a camera.
Paintner guides readers through six themes connecting the medium of photography with the Christian spiritual life. Each theme provides a photographic journey in which the reader does not simply take images, but receives images and learns to see with “the eyes of the heart” (Eph 1:18).
Photos by the author are included.
143 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2013
About the author
Christine Valters Paintner
27 books119 followersChristine Valters Paintner, PhD is the online Abbess at AbbeyoftheArts.com, a virtual monastery and global community. She is the author of over 20 books on contemplative practice and creative expression including three collections of poetry. She lives in Galway, Ireland where she leads online retreats with her husband John. Christine is a Benedictine oblate, living out her commitment as a monk in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 26, 2021
I find the mystical, contemplative life both challenging and fascinating. Most of the time, I’m just an over-analytical, word-obsessed brain, to the neglect of all the other things I should also be, and I suppose this causes me to fear contemplative meditation that might force me into another way of being in the world and before God. Maybe I’m also scared that the contemplative life wouldn’t “work” for me, that if I truly gave myself to it I would find that I’m not up to the challenge, or that it doesn’t open the doors of perception and understanding that I long for it to. (You’re starting to see how easily the “over-analytical” part of me takes over...)
Anyway, I enjoyed a quick read-through of Christine Valters Paintner’s Eyes of the Heart in preparation for leading students through it in a new class next semester. The book was recommended to me by a previous and highly trusted student, and I believe working through it as intended—slowly, prayerfully, thoughtfully—will be really excellent, both for me and for my students. I’m looking forward to seeing what it brings up for all of us, and how we will help each other through the exercises throughout the semester together.
Anyway, I enjoyed a quick read-through of Christine Valters Paintner’s Eyes of the Heart in preparation for leading students through it in a new class next semester. The book was recommended to me by a previous and highly trusted student, and I believe working through it as intended—slowly, prayerfully, thoughtfully—will be really excellent, both for me and for my students. I’m looking forward to seeing what it brings up for all of us, and how we will help each other through the exercises throughout the semester together.
February 14, 2017
I bought this and another book on contemplative photography from a more social justice oriented position at the same time and read this one first. I definitely got some things out of it - she talks about receiving photos rather than taking them, there were some exercises that were interesting. I didn't find it super-christian. it was more in the mystical tradition than talking about jesus or anything.
there was just too much there for me, I had to leave a lot of it on the plate. a lot of meditation exercises, like guided meditations. first of all, how do you meditate at the same time as remembering 4 paragraphs of instructions from the book? secondly, I'm just not a meditator. I am convinced it has a multitude of benefits but I dislike doing it. (I don't exercise either). but there was also just a lot of stuff that makes my eyes glaze over. maybe possibly I would discover some great spiritual truths about myself by asking myself, "if my life was a mosaic, what would the different colors represent?" or "how does your spirit receive black and white photos differently from color photos?" BUT I KIND OF DOUBT IT. it left me wondering if these were actually questions the author had found helpful or revealing, or if she was just brainstorming to fill space.
the most ridiculous exercise was in the chapter on reflections - so, thinking about photos of reflections in water, mirrors, surfaces. there were also chapters on shadows, color, etc. she mentions this tradition of telling your truth to your reflection, and suggested you go to the edge of some water - a lake, a stream, a puddle, or even your filled bathtub, whisper your truth to your reflection, listen for the answer, then make a chant or song out of the answer and sing it to yourself in quiet moments. that is several bridges too far for me. don't get me wrong, I will make up a ritual for myself, it's not that it's too weird or woo woo or whatever. it's just, ok, first of all, what is my truth? my ONE truth? I don't even feel the need to have one truth, that seems like an oversimplification. but if I did, I would have come up with it, why do I then need to whisper it to myself? ok ok, fine, I'm whispering it to myself. now I'm waiting for an answer? I find that unlikely. there were many questions posed in this book I didn't feel like I needed or had answers to. and maybe I'm just impatient and if I did all these meditations I would ramp up my wisdom. but I don't think so. so, if by some miracle I get an answer to my truth - is my truth even something to answer? then I'm supposed to make that into a chant or song, and then I'm supposed to sing it to myself in quiet moments? maybe if all this had happened spontaneously - if I'd looked at my reflection and whispered a truth and something had come to me and it felt songish, maybe I would do all that. but as someone else's idea it just seems ridiculous, sorry.
I mean, it was useful to think about what I take pictures of and what I don't take pictures of. the shadow chapter was probably valuable to a lot of people but I'm pretty good at embracing my shadow side already, including in my photography. I take pictures of dying flowers, of dead animals, broken umbrellas. I felt like she was talking more to people who stick to more mainstream subjects and I've already explored a lot of this stuff on my own. I mean, I have a friend I bonded with when we pulled over to take pictures of a deer carcass on the side of the road where the head was intact but the spine was picked clean. I liked the book for where it gave me food for thought in areas I'm already thinking about, and the christian aspect wasn't offputting, though I don't identify as a christian, but even in a slim book, there was a lot that wasn't useful to me.
there was just too much there for me, I had to leave a lot of it on the plate. a lot of meditation exercises, like guided meditations. first of all, how do you meditate at the same time as remembering 4 paragraphs of instructions from the book? secondly, I'm just not a meditator. I am convinced it has a multitude of benefits but I dislike doing it. (I don't exercise either). but there was also just a lot of stuff that makes my eyes glaze over. maybe possibly I would discover some great spiritual truths about myself by asking myself, "if my life was a mosaic, what would the different colors represent?" or "how does your spirit receive black and white photos differently from color photos?" BUT I KIND OF DOUBT IT. it left me wondering if these were actually questions the author had found helpful or revealing, or if she was just brainstorming to fill space.
the most ridiculous exercise was in the chapter on reflections - so, thinking about photos of reflections in water, mirrors, surfaces. there were also chapters on shadows, color, etc. she mentions this tradition of telling your truth to your reflection, and suggested you go to the edge of some water - a lake, a stream, a puddle, or even your filled bathtub, whisper your truth to your reflection, listen for the answer, then make a chant or song out of the answer and sing it to yourself in quiet moments. that is several bridges too far for me. don't get me wrong, I will make up a ritual for myself, it's not that it's too weird or woo woo or whatever. it's just, ok, first of all, what is my truth? my ONE truth? I don't even feel the need to have one truth, that seems like an oversimplification. but if I did, I would have come up with it, why do I then need to whisper it to myself? ok ok, fine, I'm whispering it to myself. now I'm waiting for an answer? I find that unlikely. there were many questions posed in this book I didn't feel like I needed or had answers to. and maybe I'm just impatient and if I did all these meditations I would ramp up my wisdom. but I don't think so. so, if by some miracle I get an answer to my truth - is my truth even something to answer? then I'm supposed to make that into a chant or song, and then I'm supposed to sing it to myself in quiet moments? maybe if all this had happened spontaneously - if I'd looked at my reflection and whispered a truth and something had come to me and it felt songish, maybe I would do all that. but as someone else's idea it just seems ridiculous, sorry.
I mean, it was useful to think about what I take pictures of and what I don't take pictures of. the shadow chapter was probably valuable to a lot of people but I'm pretty good at embracing my shadow side already, including in my photography. I take pictures of dying flowers, of dead animals, broken umbrellas. I felt like she was talking more to people who stick to more mainstream subjects and I've already explored a lot of this stuff on my own. I mean, I have a friend I bonded with when we pulled over to take pictures of a deer carcass on the side of the road where the head was intact but the spine was picked clean. I liked the book for where it gave me food for thought in areas I'm already thinking about, and the christian aspect wasn't offputting, though I don't identify as a christian, but even in a slim book, there was a lot that wasn't useful to me.
October 10, 2017
A meditation and reflection on how photography can be a spiritual practice. This is a very timely idea in our world, given that most of us have an iPhone or smartphone. We all take hundreds and thousands of photos and videos. I welcome the idea of approaching this with new intention.
Some beautiful passages and beautiful images.
Aspects to practice and keep in mind
Light and shadow
(Shadows longer in early morning and at dusk)
Form
Texture
Pattern
Color
White space
Reflections
Some beautiful passages and beautiful images.
Aspects to practice and keep in mind
Light and shadow
(Shadows longer in early morning and at dusk)
Form
Texture
Pattern
Color
White space
Reflections
July 29, 2020
I love this book and the validation that photography can be a spiritual connection to God's creations. I have always felt that, especially when taking** pictures of nature. I just never knew how to articulate this feeling.
Thank you to my friend Eric. I'm not sure I would have found this book without your recommendation. So happy you shared your interest with me.
** I deliberately left the word "taking" in this sentence. No issues, right? This is a small excerpt from the book that made me say Wow!
"Rather than "taking" photos or "shooting" them or even "making" photos, we will practice "receiving" images as gift. The traditional words for photography are possessive and aggressive. Yet the actual mechanism of photography is that light is reflected off of a subject and received by the camera through the lens opening. We can create conditions for a "good" photo, but ultimately we must stand in posture of receiving and see what actually shows up in the image." p.30
Thank you to my friend Eric. I'm not sure I would have found this book without your recommendation. So happy you shared your interest with me.
** I deliberately left the word "taking" in this sentence. No issues, right? This is a small excerpt from the book that made me say Wow!
"Rather than "taking" photos or "shooting" them or even "making" photos, we will practice "receiving" images as gift. The traditional words for photography are possessive and aggressive. Yet the actual mechanism of photography is that light is reflected off of a subject and received by the camera through the lens opening. We can create conditions for a "good" photo, but ultimately we must stand in posture of receiving and see what actually shows up in the image." p.30
November 1, 2015
Christine's book is a treasure trove. Let me highlight a few key points that particularly struck me as I read her wonderful book.
I am a centering prayer practitioner. One of the fruits of centering prayer that I have experienced is the ability to slow down and open to new things. I have always enjoyed photography. Christine's book has allowed me to approach photography in a different manner. Instead of looking for the pictures, I have learned to approach them in a contemplative manner. I let the picture come to me.
I enjoy taking pictures of people, small towns and nature. I no longer look for the picture. I "let go" and let the picture come to me. This is a big difference. Why is this a big difference? As Christine mentions, "I began to see photography as a way to slow down and gaze deeply, noticing things I missed in my rushed life." That is what happens. You begin to see things you never noticed before.
"Photography can be an act of silent worship." Photography is a wonderful complement to other forms prayer. It is resting in the beauty of God's presence that is all around us. Each picture we take is a revelation that God wants us to notice.
"When we engage photography as a contemplative practice, we are creating art from a heart-centered place. The “eyes of the heart” are eyes that see differently than when we approach things from the mind." This is the key. We learn how to drop our mind into our heart and see with new eyes. We look at the world differently. We look at it through God's eyes.
"Practice is the key to developing any habit; it is the commitment of a lifetime to keep showing up." My daily centering practice involves showing up. A contemplative photography practice is no different. We simply need to show up. Let God act. I don't think we will be disappointed. I am always amazed by the pictures God has framed for me.
"My hope is that, in exploring the language of photography, you have developed new portals into your own experience and awareness of God. Shadow and light, framing, color, reflections, and mirrors all offer us metaphors for ways of understanding how we might move toward seeing ourselves and God with the eyes of the heart." Each chapter takes us through the language of photography and turns it into an inner journey.
My advice is read this book slowly. Take it in one chapter at a time. Read each chapter's reflections. Silently sit with each chapter's meditations. Embark on the photographic explorations within each chapter.
This book will teach you how to see with new eyes! Read it. You will not be disappointed.
I am a centering prayer practitioner. One of the fruits of centering prayer that I have experienced is the ability to slow down and open to new things. I have always enjoyed photography. Christine's book has allowed me to approach photography in a different manner. Instead of looking for the pictures, I have learned to approach them in a contemplative manner. I let the picture come to me.
I enjoy taking pictures of people, small towns and nature. I no longer look for the picture. I "let go" and let the picture come to me. This is a big difference. Why is this a big difference? As Christine mentions, "I began to see photography as a way to slow down and gaze deeply, noticing things I missed in my rushed life." That is what happens. You begin to see things you never noticed before.
"Photography can be an act of silent worship." Photography is a wonderful complement to other forms prayer. It is resting in the beauty of God's presence that is all around us. Each picture we take is a revelation that God wants us to notice.
"When we engage photography as a contemplative practice, we are creating art from a heart-centered place. The “eyes of the heart” are eyes that see differently than when we approach things from the mind." This is the key. We learn how to drop our mind into our heart and see with new eyes. We look at the world differently. We look at it through God's eyes.
"Practice is the key to developing any habit; it is the commitment of a lifetime to keep showing up." My daily centering practice involves showing up. A contemplative photography practice is no different. We simply need to show up. Let God act. I don't think we will be disappointed. I am always amazed by the pictures God has framed for me.
"My hope is that, in exploring the language of photography, you have developed new portals into your own experience and awareness of God. Shadow and light, framing, color, reflections, and mirrors all offer us metaphors for ways of understanding how we might move toward seeing ourselves and God with the eyes of the heart." Each chapter takes us through the language of photography and turns it into an inner journey.
My advice is read this book slowly. Take it in one chapter at a time. Read each chapter's reflections. Silently sit with each chapter's meditations. Embark on the photographic explorations within each chapter.
This book will teach you how to see with new eyes! Read it. You will not be disappointed.
May 13, 2020
This is an amazing, truly Christian book on contemplative photography, as Jesus would have taught it had he access to a camera! The author, Christine Valters Paintner, takes you through a sort of posture for using a camera, 'receiving' images rather than 'taking' them. Maybe I could use different words for my own use, but the perspective remains, helping immensely, and not just with photography!
The author also includes meditations and even exercises to really help one through the journey of receiving, light and shadow, color, reflection, holy within us, and the holy around us! Christine clearly has a lot of experience guiding people through spiritual discovery, and it shows.
This is not just a book to read, it's a path to revisit, exercising photography skills alongside a spiritual journey. Get a copy, and keep it handy!
The author also includes meditations and even exercises to really help one through the journey of receiving, light and shadow, color, reflection, holy within us, and the holy around us! Christine clearly has a lot of experience guiding people through spiritual discovery, and it shows.
This is not just a book to read, it's a path to revisit, exercising photography skills alongside a spiritual journey. Get a copy, and keep it handy!
April 21, 2023
Photography has always felt like a sacred practice of capturing stories, the simple and holy moments. This book invites anyone (iphone cameras welcomed) to discover the Sacred through seeing.
May 5, 2013
"...to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time."
-Georgia O'Keefe
I loved this quote and its impact regarding the material of Eyes of the Heart. It's a book of process. Process takes time...
The first 2 chapters introduce the reader to the idea and practice of simply receiving images from the world around us, as gifts to us for inner exploration. Next chapter introduced shadow and light as spiritual dimensions we can view through the lens as well as our personal interior. By chapter 4 we were exploring framing and reframing ourselves and our self-stories just as we can frame and reframe our photo subjects. Colour, our inspiration for chapter 5. Creative sources of reflections of the holy in our world for chapter 6. Self-portraits, our chapter 7 topic. Chapter 8 ties it all together; God is in our seeing. Open the eyes of our heart to see the Divine Presence everywhere. To live in awe and wonder.
Supporting quotes open each chapter, in depth instructional material plus each chapter provides multiple activities for interaction to deepen the learning opportunities; to enrich the inner growth available through intentional practice. eg. Go walking. What images evoke/reflect your deepest dreams/longings/wishes/hopes...? or scripture passages to contemplate,journal and apply.
“..every photo we make is in some way a self-portrait, b/c it reveals something about how we see the world.” What are our photos saying about us? “In a sense your photographs are your autobiography.” –Dorothea Lange. Everyday objects can symbolically represent the self. For me, the teacup icons I use are a self portrait. Stacks of books another. In fact, more representational of me than a single dimension photo visage.
Here is a book intent on breaking down the perpetuation of our false self that wants “to create only images beautiful in the eyes of others or ‘marketable’ rather than truthful.” We must discover our true self – ‘who I am beneath the accolades and achievements’. What desires has God planted in our heart? The exercises included are designed for just such discoveries.
Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice is a personable guide to a life of awareness lived centered in calm and stillness rather than knocked off course by reactive emotions. I highly recommend it for those who wish to live at a deeper than surface level. For those who are ready to take the necessary steps in that direction and for those who pray, "Lord, Open the eyes of my heart"...
*My appreciation to Ave Maria Press for providing an ebook copy for review without obligation.
-Georgia O'Keefe
I loved this quote and its impact regarding the material of Eyes of the Heart. It's a book of process. Process takes time...
The first 2 chapters introduce the reader to the idea and practice of simply receiving images from the world around us, as gifts to us for inner exploration. Next chapter introduced shadow and light as spiritual dimensions we can view through the lens as well as our personal interior. By chapter 4 we were exploring framing and reframing ourselves and our self-stories just as we can frame and reframe our photo subjects. Colour, our inspiration for chapter 5. Creative sources of reflections of the holy in our world for chapter 6. Self-portraits, our chapter 7 topic. Chapter 8 ties it all together; God is in our seeing. Open the eyes of our heart to see the Divine Presence everywhere. To live in awe and wonder.
Supporting quotes open each chapter, in depth instructional material plus each chapter provides multiple activities for interaction to deepen the learning opportunities; to enrich the inner growth available through intentional practice. eg. Go walking. What images evoke/reflect your deepest dreams/longings/wishes/hopes...? or scripture passages to contemplate,journal and apply.
“..every photo we make is in some way a self-portrait, b/c it reveals something about how we see the world.” What are our photos saying about us? “In a sense your photographs are your autobiography.” –Dorothea Lange. Everyday objects can symbolically represent the self. For me, the teacup icons I use are a self portrait. Stacks of books another. In fact, more representational of me than a single dimension photo visage.
Here is a book intent on breaking down the perpetuation of our false self that wants “to create only images beautiful in the eyes of others or ‘marketable’ rather than truthful.” We must discover our true self – ‘who I am beneath the accolades and achievements’. What desires has God planted in our heart? The exercises included are designed for just such discoveries.
Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice is a personable guide to a life of awareness lived centered in calm and stillness rather than knocked off course by reactive emotions. I highly recommend it for those who wish to live at a deeper than surface level. For those who are ready to take the necessary steps in that direction and for those who pray, "Lord, Open the eyes of my heart"...
*My appreciation to Ave Maria Press for providing an ebook copy for review without obligation.
September 29, 2018
I was enamored at first with this book, looking at photography as a meditative practice. But the actual practices she advocates were of less interest to me. The concept overall is very valuable to me and it does call me to see the world with new eyes.
August 17, 2020
I’m an Oblate at St. Placid Priory with this author, so I’ve had the gift of her classes and wisdom. I’ve read each book she’s published and each one has spoken to me in a different way. During this pandemic, as someone who lives alone, and is now teaching from home, I have taken to my garden and posting daily photos on social media sites. It has been my saving grace, my sanity. I find God in my garden. The flowers, hummingbirds, butterflies, water features, birds, and my dog, have kept me grounded and I have found the presence of God in each. Taking photos in my garden and sharing these, has been an act of faith. This book helped me to realize that God is all around me even when I am alone and unable to go to church. Taking photos helps me to see and be grateful for all the gifts my loving God has given to me right outside my door.
July 13, 2021
Preaching to the Choir
If you have studied the Christian mystics and want to apply their words into your craft, this book is for you. This book has reinforced a lot of beliefs I have regarding photography and spirituality.
It's definitely a good read.
If you have studied the Christian mystics and want to apply their words into your craft, this book is for you. This book has reinforced a lot of beliefs I have regarding photography and spirituality.
It's definitely a good read.
August 24, 2021
A book reinforcing and validating a journey I've already begun...
April 15, 2022
A enjoyable read, it has helped me to 'look' ar my photography in a different and enhanced way.
November 29, 2023
As always, an outstanding book with deep questions and prompts for letting photographs capture and stimulate personal growth. Read while doing the retreat with Abbey of the Arts.
November 30, 2023
I've finished reading this but am still challenging myself to finish the suggested activities & reflections. Very challenging questions!
March 18, 2024
I was excited when I saw this come through on my mailing list from Abby of the Arts, which looked like my cup of tea. I love to take photographs, and consider it a contemplative practice at times. I also bought a copy for a friend, who is on the same wavelength. We were so inspired by the book that we got together this past winter to take pictures in a local Audubon Society spot, and then we got together for tea at her house to discuss the first chapter of the book. However, much as I enjoyed the concept of this book, I'm not sure if I really learned anything that stuck with me. Still, I appreciate the idea.
June 21, 2013
Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a ChristianContemplative Practice, Christine Valters Paintner’s latest book, is moving, helpful, challenging and inspiring. Which is not surprising, given Christine’s record of turning out such books (two of my favorites are The Artist's Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom and Awakening the Creative Spirit: Bringing the Arts to Spiritual Direction).
Christine, besides being an author, is a Benedictine Oblate, writer, artist, spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and teacher. She’s also the on-line abbess for Abbey of the Arts, an amazing site that you should know about, if you don’t already. I’m a regular visitor to the site and participant in her “Invitation to Photography” spirituality exercises. She’s going to guest blog here soon!
As a photographer, as soon as I heard about Eyes of the Heart, I knew I wanted to read it. I was not disappointed. Christine is a wise writer and grand guide into the idea of combining contemplation and photography. I appreciate this as I’ve been doing what I call “praying with my camera” for years. In some ways, Christine’s concept is similar to Sybil MacBeth’s concept of “Praying in Color” -- an active, visual, and meditative form of intercessory prayer.
We find that the title comes from Ephesians 1:18 when Christine writes, “Photography as a spiritual practice combines the active art of image-receiving with the contemplative nature and open-heartedness of prayer. It cultivates what I call sacred seeing or seeing with ‘the eyes of the heart.’” Of course, this resonates with me – having written myself about learning to see deeply as a spiritual practice (Mind the Light) and the integration of body, mind, and soul to experience the Divine as we move through this world (Awaken Your Senses).
Eyes of the Heart is filled with thoughts helpful and inspiring. “For me, both art and spirituality are truly about tending to the moments of life: listening deeply, holding space, encountering the sacred, and touching eternity. For a few seconds I touch time beyond time and in that spacious presence my heart grows wider, my imagination frees, my breath catches, and I am held in awe and wonder. These are the moments that help to make life full of meaning.” Indeed. Words such as that are an invitation to experience God breaking through – via the means of a simple tool that many of us have in phones even, a camera. It’s a gadget that is often thought of just as that – a gadget – rather than a entry into eternity and spiritual experience. Christine’s book helps us broaden our spiritual horizons whether through phone camera or professional DLSRs.
Make no mistake. This is no book solely for photographers. It is for anyone who desires a fresh way of connecting the visible daily life with the often unnoticed Divine presence in it all. It opens a new way of seeing God at work in and around us. We behold beauty, life, truth and love as we learn to notice – as we accept Christine’s invitation to “see with the eyes of the heart.”
Christine, besides being an author, is a Benedictine Oblate, writer, artist, spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and teacher. She’s also the on-line abbess for Abbey of the Arts, an amazing site that you should know about, if you don’t already. I’m a regular visitor to the site and participant in her “Invitation to Photography” spirituality exercises. She’s going to guest blog here soon!
As a photographer, as soon as I heard about Eyes of the Heart, I knew I wanted to read it. I was not disappointed. Christine is a wise writer and grand guide into the idea of combining contemplation and photography. I appreciate this as I’ve been doing what I call “praying with my camera” for years. In some ways, Christine’s concept is similar to Sybil MacBeth’s concept of “Praying in Color” -- an active, visual, and meditative form of intercessory prayer.
We find that the title comes from Ephesians 1:18 when Christine writes, “Photography as a spiritual practice combines the active art of image-receiving with the contemplative nature and open-heartedness of prayer. It cultivates what I call sacred seeing or seeing with ‘the eyes of the heart.’” Of course, this resonates with me – having written myself about learning to see deeply as a spiritual practice (Mind the Light) and the integration of body, mind, and soul to experience the Divine as we move through this world (Awaken Your Senses).
Eyes of the Heart is filled with thoughts helpful and inspiring. “For me, both art and spirituality are truly about tending to the moments of life: listening deeply, holding space, encountering the sacred, and touching eternity. For a few seconds I touch time beyond time and in that spacious presence my heart grows wider, my imagination frees, my breath catches, and I am held in awe and wonder. These are the moments that help to make life full of meaning.” Indeed. Words such as that are an invitation to experience God breaking through – via the means of a simple tool that many of us have in phones even, a camera. It’s a gadget that is often thought of just as that – a gadget – rather than a entry into eternity and spiritual experience. Christine’s book helps us broaden our spiritual horizons whether through phone camera or professional DLSRs.
Make no mistake. This is no book solely for photographers. It is for anyone who desires a fresh way of connecting the visible daily life with the often unnoticed Divine presence in it all. It opens a new way of seeing God at work in and around us. We behold beauty, life, truth and love as we learn to notice – as we accept Christine’s invitation to “see with the eyes of the heart.”
April 7, 2016
I COMPLETED READING THIS BOOK IN NOVEMBER OF 2014
I am on page 109 and continue to find Eyes of the Heart enlightening and enjoyable to read. Have had to put the book down recently, but hope to pick it up where I left off.
Finished reading EYES OF THE HEART this week. Love the suggestion to ask friends for two words that describe me, make photos to represent each word, create a photo collage (pg.117). I included family members, some of whom would no hesitate to include one 'unflattering' word. All of my friends, so far have been generous, or cautious so as not to hurt my feelings! I did find it interesting that two respondents, one a family member and one friend ( who do not know each other) gave the same word LAUGHTER in my younger days. I certainly do not remember myself as laughing a lot, but I do remember being quiet and reserved. But this made me realize that people really do see you differently than you do. Very interesting so far.
Last month (November 2014) I completed the photo collage (p.117) as recommended. Discovered it was a lot more difficult to do than I had anticipated. It was a challenge and heart warming.
I am on page 109 and continue to find Eyes of the Heart enlightening and enjoyable to read. Have had to put the book down recently, but hope to pick it up where I left off.
Finished reading EYES OF THE HEART this week. Love the suggestion to ask friends for two words that describe me, make photos to represent each word, create a photo collage (pg.117). I included family members, some of whom would no hesitate to include one 'unflattering' word. All of my friends, so far have been generous, or cautious so as not to hurt my feelings! I did find it interesting that two respondents, one a family member and one friend ( who do not know each other) gave the same word LAUGHTER in my younger days. I certainly do not remember myself as laughing a lot, but I do remember being quiet and reserved. But this made me realize that people really do see you differently than you do. Very interesting so far.
Last month (November 2014) I completed the photo collage (p.117) as recommended. Discovered it was a lot more difficult to do than I had anticipated. It was a challenge and heart warming.
October 28, 2013
There is very little explicitly Christian literature out there on the practice of contemplative photography. Sadly, "Eyes of the Heart" really doesn't fill this void.
Several of the topics are fairly standard, e.g. how we talk about photography ("receiving images" rather than "shooting photos"). But there is little fresh insight or encouragement, and I found myself constantly wishing that Paintner would be "a little more Christian" in her presentation. Much of her suggestions seem to be more about getting in touch with myself or a vague "Creative Source" rather than exploring a relationship with the Triune Creator/Savior God. The name "Jesus" is barely used, and the Holy Spirit seems often relegated to a vacuous New Age spiritual concept.
There are some helpful sentences along the way which provide language for expressing aspects of this journey, but all in all, this work is deficient in leading us forward into "Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice" (as the subtitle reads).
Several of the topics are fairly standard, e.g. how we talk about photography ("receiving images" rather than "shooting photos"). But there is little fresh insight or encouragement, and I found myself constantly wishing that Paintner would be "a little more Christian" in her presentation. Much of her suggestions seem to be more about getting in touch with myself or a vague "Creative Source" rather than exploring a relationship with the Triune Creator/Savior God. The name "Jesus" is barely used, and the Holy Spirit seems often relegated to a vacuous New Age spiritual concept.
There are some helpful sentences along the way which provide language for expressing aspects of this journey, but all in all, this work is deficient in leading us forward into "Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice" (as the subtitle reads).
October 1, 2018
Years ago I loved taking photographs of both nature and family events. I lost interest somewhere along the line, but I this past year I have picked the hobby back up again. I started off the year by reading this interesting book that uses the art of photography as a tool in the spiritual life. I’ve enjoyed taking walks in tune with the Holy Spirit and with my camera in hand to ‘receive’ images God was showing me. I’ve still got a lot to learn, but I took lots of notes and am slowly taking each chapter at a time. The book doesn’t cover a lot of ground as far as the technical aspect of picture-taking is concerned, but it is surprisingly deep spiritually and intellectually. To be honest, sometimes it was a struggle to try to understand what the author was saying, but that just caused me to reread until I ‘got’ it. It’s made me look a little differently at life, and for that I highly recommend it.
June 6, 2013
Christine beautifully expands on the contemplative prayer tradition of Lectio Divina (sacred reading) and applies it to photography by encouraging readers to practice Visio Divina (sacred seeing). Throughout the book she invites the reader to go deeper withing, to pause and reflect, while becoming more aware of what we see, and what we might have missed seeing.
I particularly appreciated her notion of contemplative photography, allowing the picture to draw us in and invite us to see more deeply, rather than simply taking pictures. She also invites us to explore the darker sides of ourselves as a way of shedding light and bringing healing.
I highly recommend this book!
I particularly appreciated her notion of contemplative photography, allowing the picture to draw us in and invite us to see more deeply, rather than simply taking pictures. She also invites us to explore the darker sides of ourselves as a way of shedding light and bringing healing.
I highly recommend this book!
February 28, 2016
I read this book because I wanted to take a class nearby on contemplative photography. The emphasis of the book is about receiving images rather than just taking pictures. It's about how to receive photos with the heart and not take photos with the head. The author includes many quotes from scriptures and theologians, along with reflective exercises to complete after each chapter. She also shows how photography can be a form of silent worship, not just a technical hobby.
I'm very interested in meditation and mindfulness and how it can relate to all aspects of your life, so this book resonated with me.
I'm very interested in meditation and mindfulness and how it can relate to all aspects of your life, so this book resonated with me.
May 18, 2015
Insightful, inspiring book on using your camera to see and pray contemplatively. Smoothly combines traditional elements of photography like framing, color and exposure with spiritual concepts like shadow side and reflection in contemplative exercises that cause you to attend to the world around you and within you in thoughtful, prayerful ways. I used this in a five week class lead by a person who has taken a class with the author--the best part was sharing our photos and hearing how others saw, both physically and spiritually.
May 31, 2013
Photography has been part of my spiritual practice for some time, but Christine's book is filled with ideas and techniques that have allowed me to approach my photography from a more relaxed, receptive place. I was fortunate to have the chance to interview Christine on Faith Squared. Here is the link.
December 2, 2019
this book is right up my alley! it's on my amazon wish list :)
July 14, 2013
This book does exactly what the title says
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