God Is at Eye Level: Photography as a Healing Art

by Jan Phillips

For amateurs and professionals alike, this book is the story of photography's power to renew the spirit. Jan Phillips helps us transform sight into vision, leading us to see that images can be mirrors for our deepest truths, even in our simple snapshots. "The real thing about photography," Jan says, "is that it brings you home to yourself, connects you to what fulfills your deepest longings. Every step in the process is a step toward the light, an encounter with the God who is at eye level, whose image I see wherever I look. There's something holy about this work. Like the pilgrim's journey; it's heaven all the way."

Genres: Photography, Spirituality, Memoir, Christian, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

Reviews

[RM(Alwaysdaddygirl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The two reasons for the 4 stars:

1) I would have love to see color photos. I did not like all black and white. I prefer the mix. The title grab me at the library. It why I pick it up and thew it in my library bags( Yes, I mean bags.)

2) Everyone grief differently. It your right to have your beleifs. I do not agree with shoving beleifs down someone throat. This book made it feel that way. For me, I am still anger at God. I do not want to feel that only through God, can I feel this way or that way. The only reason I did not give it three stars is because the messages on how photography helps healing was amazing on point.

[Bunly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book proves that photography is all about you! It is a way you express your inner thoughts that could not be done through words and illustrations. Too often people care about what to capture and what camera to use, but the author demonstrates your passion matters more. It is an art that heals for those who suffers, a memory to rejoice happy pastime, and a mirror to predict the future. Recommended for both beginners and professional photographers alike!

[Ted · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book to help me rethink my own photography. There is much to commend the book, but I'm not in my thinking anywhere near where the author is. Photography is her religion and her way of seeing the world, and she uses it to promote causes she is interested in. I do not have the passion for photography that she has apparently always had. I do not see in other's photos all that she does. I do not see myself as an artist creating anything. I do my photography for the sake of "framing" beauty because I think each of us is created by God the Creator of beauty to ourselves do something beautiful. What a better world it would be if we could see this as our task as humans. I'm not creative - I'm not going to create beauty, but I like to point it out to others when I see it.

[Brittan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly not preachy. interesting

[Patrick Hanlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, grounded and inspiring read about the sensitivity and patience that can go into creating good images.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a life-changing book for me, as it revealed the true reasons for photography (or any art): to illustrate the beauty of Creation and to bring diverse people together by showing what we as humans have in common. The author has travelled around the world to bring us her marvelous photos of beauty in everyday things. Her writing is fluid and inspiring, with many spiritual and artistic insights that ring true for me. Sprinkled throughout are excellent quotes from her extensive reading. This book will be welcomed by the professional, but I also recommend this book for anyone interested in photography or in the role of art in transforming society. Resist the temptation to rush through this book. Take time to ponder - you will grow as a person.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is said at times that there is nothing to photograph in familiar places and that trips must be made to other places in order to find something of interest to photograph.
This book shows how very untrue that statement is. Documenting our lives, the ordinary, everyday business of a life lived, the engagement with another person or place, time spent to understand and see ... these are the photographs that hold attention and have something to say.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Photography is a passion of mine, and connects me to my own sense of spirituality in the present world. The photographs and writing here - and the appropriate use of many quotes from photographers, writers, philosophers, etc. - were a great match. It's a book I'll go back to regularly.

[Melanie Guste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! As a photographer, I loved the integration between spirituality and photography.

[Cathy Lander-Goldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Illustrates the power of photography to connect within.

[Zak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those who have no compassion for themselves, have none for others either.