by

Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins

The Scholar with a Camera!

There’s something sacred about being seen. Not just noticed—but truly seen. That’s what Jesus did. He brought light into the world—not just physical light, but spiritual clarity. Jesus’ light revealed injustice, illuminated truth, and allowed people to see themselves—and each other—with new eyes.

Jesus noticed those on the margins, and in His noticing, He affirmed them: You are a child of God. You have worth. You deserve to be seen.

Photography, at its root, means “writing with light.” That’s why studio portraiture is so powerful—it’s not just about capturing an image, but about revealing a soul. For the portrait you see in this blog, I used five lights. Five intentional beams of light to sculpt, celebrate, and honor the person before me.

In my Image Making Sessions, I’ve discovered that people respond deeply to the light—not just technically, but spiritually. They feel the love of God reflected in how they’re lit. In how they’re seen.

The light illuminates their divinity. It invites them to shine. It reminds them: you are worthy of being witnessed.

Turning on light in a dark room changes everything. Suddenly, what was hidden is revealed. What was overlooked is honored.

As a scholar of photography, I study light with reverence. Each session is a meditation. I draft every lighting plan with care, considering how each angle and intensity can elevate the soul in front of my lens.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” lighting setup here. Every person I co-create with receives a lighting design made just for them—for their shine, their story, their glory. My prayer is that, together, we craft images that help them not just see themselves—but imagine who they truly are.