A word.

It is said that you should never mix religion with your professional life, and there is truth in that. But how can I do that if religion is the essence of my work?

My inspiration.

I am a Mormon.

I take pictures of people of my faith, as well as people that would discard my work right away if they knew I am a member of the Latter-Day Saint Church.

Lately, my clients have been asking me how I get certain shots. Other photographers have been sending me e-mails asking me to teach them to have their clients smile freely and carelessly while having a stranger hold a black box in front of them.

This past Saturday, after a family photo session, the father turned to me and said “you have a wonderful spirit”. At first I thanked him and thought about it no longer, but as I drove home that phrase kept coming back to me as if it needed to be shared. As if not just my clients, but I myself needed to smile freely and carelessly, regardless of how people would react when they knew about my religion, particularly about this post.

I was always a Mormon, but I wasn’t always a photographer nor did I have an amazing plan to be one. It happened, and it continues to happen until this day. My camera and I have a bond- or more like a deal, that we would portray happiness, love and everything that has to do with what I believe. And I believe in God, Jesus Christ and their everlasting love for us.

Last Sunday, still puzzled by what that father said, I watched this short video:

I watched while smiling and crying of happiness.

I finally understood my deep desire to create moments through my camera that would last forever.

And thank YOU for making that happen. And I would also like to express my thanks to my church and my beliefs. Those are the things that make me smile. It is through my faith that I am inspired.

Religion never held me back from my dreams. Religion was what actually helped me fulfill them.

And this is by no means a post where I’ll send missionaries to your door, nor a “subliminal message” to get you to join my religion.

This is a expression of love, to what shaped me to be the professional I am today.

My testimony.

And that is why my work and my religion can never be apart.

With love,

Juliana Turner