By Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins, MFA, PhD — The Scholar with a Camera

I have taken a keen interest in the power of reflection—the sacred pause to truly see. When a co-creative walks into my studio, we begin a journey that’s not just about taking pictures—it’s about soul work. My deepest desire is to see them—not just their face, but their essence.

The music starts—their music. It’s more than ambiance; it’s a tool of liberation. It frees the spirit, relaxes the mind, and invites joy. This is where seeing begins.

The lights dim. The strobes power on. The energy shifts. We step into sacred space together.

I never stand behind the camera. I never look through a viewfinder. My camera is mounted on a movable stand so I can remain fully present. I move freely, while my gaze stays connected with my co-creative. We are in it together—spirit to spirit.

They see me—not the camera. Because in this space, the camera doesn’t create distance—it creates connection. It’s not a mechanical tool; it’s an instrument of spirit. It captures energy. It reveals truth. It connects our souls.

As our image-making session unfolds, something begins to shift. The walls fall away. We reach a deeper layer. The images start to speak louder. We begin to see each other—and ourselves. What emerges is more than a portrait—it’s the Imago Dei made visible.

Then comes my favorite part: the mirror shot.

Mirror photography continues to captivate me. It takes time—adjusting pose, camera angle, lighting, comfort. We try, we adjust, we try again. It’s not easy. But then, suddenly—we get it.

I invite my co-creative to come look. To see what I see. To see themselves—in the image, in the mirror, in the light.

And every time, the same reaction: WOW.

That moment of seeing yourself and being seen—truly seen—is nothing short of spiritual. It’s freedom. It’s joy. It’s reflection. It’s love.

This is what I’m called to do:
To see.
To be seen.
To love.
To connect.
To let the Spirit move.