The Story Behind the Photo

On Saturday evenings I watch Mike Rowe’s “The Story Behind The Story.” It is always interesting to hear the story and try to figure out what well known figure the story is actually about. This past week it was about Harland David Sanders (Colonel Sanders of the Kentucky Fried Chicken Empire) which was not revealed until the end of the intriguing story. I was reminded that there is also a story behind each of my photographs… such as the photo of the Jordan River in Israel and the finished painting from the original photo.

Traveling through Israel, we traveled north to Caesarea Philippi. This is where the springs flow out of the mountain to form the Jordan River. My photo reveals the original site. By taking artistic ‘license’ I painted this rendition of the Jordan River at Caesarea Philippi.

My friend looked at the finished piece of art and said, “I did not think the Jordan River would look like that.” I failed to explain the story behind the original photo and my finished piece of artwork.

There is a story that can be told about each of my photos. It may be unusual happenings that occur on the way to our destination, or events that made the trip even more memorable.

There are some great stories about our trip across Israel. People love to get baptized in the Jordan River. Our tour took us to a certain area, and several people were re-baptized there.

It was very interesting to be in the Garden of Gethsemane, and look down on the Eastern Gate (where it is said to be the gate where Jesus will reenter). Or, to walk down Via Dolorosa where He carried his cross.

I loved being at En Gedi and look across the Dead Sea. It is very beautiful there. It is a salt lake, and is said to have healing properties. Some of our group actually took the opportunity to float in the water. I love my painting from that area.

The experience of being in Israel and walking where Jesus walked, and visiting the empty Tomb was overwhelming.

Each photo continues to tell a story, just as each of our family photos tell stories of family history and events. Never fail to take the photo…and by all means hand the camera to someone and get in the photo once in a while!