Spirituality and Photography

Spirituality and Photography – I’m not really a religious man. Never have been. But I do think of myself as very spiritual. And I’ll be honest—there’ve been times in my life where that part of me wasn’t as front and center. But something’s shifted since I moved back to the Pacific Northwest. It’s hard not to feel deeply connected when you’re surrounded by this kind of natural beauty every day. The stillness, the trees, the water—it’s like nature itself keeps reminding me: Hey man, you’re alive… be here for it.

Spirituality and Photography

Today I spent time, like I do most days now, at one of my favorite spots—the Japanese Garden Island at Lake Sacajawea. If you’ve ever been to the park, you know how breathtaking it can be.

There’s something about this place—it’s peaceful, intentional, almost sacred in how it’s been designed. Lately, I’ve started doing my daily Qi Gong and meditation there. And I’ve got to say, that time… moving, breathing, just being in sync with the quiet energy of the garden—it’s been changing me.

As always, I had my camera with me. I never go to the island without it. And today, after my meditation, I felt this gentle pull to take a few photos—not because I was on assignment or working on a project, but because I wanted to share what I was feeling. I wanted to share what this place gives me.

And that’s when it hit me again—photography is a spiritual practice for me. Always has been. I’ve often said photography feels like a living being. When I quiet my mind, she shows up. She works with me, not just through me. And today she was there, full force. After I finished my Qi Gong, I walked the island slowly, and the images just revealed themselves. No effort, no overthinking. Just beauty, asking to be noticed.

The Growth of Change

What’s interesting is that my photography is changing. A few years ago, back in Vegas, I was chasing shadows—neon lights at 3 a.m., those gritty alley shots, moody portraits that held raw emotion. My work with Yuliya, Jonny, Geneva—it was all about vulnerability, drama, that deep, soulful tension.

But now, being back in the Northwest, I’m finding a different kind of voice in my images. I still love mood and story, but I’m also being pulled toward the simple richness of nature. The misty coastline. A grove of trees swaying in the wind. The reflections in the lake. It’s like nature is opening me up. And the more I tune in, the more I realize… this is spiritual work. This is connection.