Religion

I myself have no religion. I somehow never was around it that much and never grew up to understand the need. It is elusive either consciously or unconsciously? There, I guess it’s out there now….can’t take it back. Yet I feel no shame for it either? I don’t feel less full or less empty.

Now that I have that out there, let me please inform you that I am obsessed with religion. I am utterly fascinated by how it informs, leads, directs and comforts those that find themselves through it. Those that go headlong into it with seemingly no consideration for much else at that moment. Those fortunate people have a depth to them that looks superhuman - a super hero - with powers and all. There seems to be a peace that comes from that dedication. There is more achieved within themselves.

I am not saying religion makes a person better or even makes them a better human necessarily, but their power inside them, for the truly dedicated, can be an awesome thing to feel.

The rituals, holidays, festivals and daily routines are nothing short of fantastical. They are romantic, loud, sometimes terrifying, colourful, crowded and warm. Often these events are littered with complicated and unimaginable stories. Stories of war, deep love, symbolism and a cornucopia of food and drink.

It is virtually impossible to pick my favourite pictures around this topic. I have many over 20 years of seeking this out in order that I might capture this “thing”. I am certain now that the photo must first be felt however. I am only following that feeling as it leads me to perfect light somehow? If these pictures have a modicum of the connection I received in them for you the viewer, then I love that we were able to get to know each other here.