Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Innocence - Self Portrait Series // Cleveland, OH Portrait, Fashion & Wedding Photographer

As I spoke to an older friend of mine they made a lighthearted jab about my age and innocence and for a few seconds I felt a sort of shame in that. I felt as though, in that short time, there was almost some sort of mockery in being pure. The next thought that came to mind was Mathew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” In a culture where media floods us with coarse jesting, crude humor, and explicit scenes of sin, we are constantly being encouraged to intake all this as a part of growing up and attaining maturity; almost as if maturity is only achieved through taking part in the world and experiencing, watching, and carrying out sinful acts. It struck me that innocence is something that is often regarded as bad or immature among young adults. 


Innocence – “freedom from guilt or sin through being unacquainted with evil”

That ^ doesn’t sound bad to me, in fact I see my life and what a great and utter lack of innocence I posses. I strive towards innocence and Jesus dying on the cross is the sole reason that “freedom from guilt” is attainable even when I am so blemished by sin! For those who are not acquainted with evil, do not be ashamed. Although people may not admit it and might even tease, many would do anything to be where you are; to not know some of the things they know, to not think some of the things they think. “Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted.” Titus 1:5

This series is my way of putting a new image to innocence; one that is not lacking in maturity (the old roses which have withered with time representing maturity) and exudes a certain beauty and attraction in a pure heart. I hope that through these images even the slightest impact will be made to the way you see innocence and purity.



"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8


“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8


“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” – Colassians 3:5

30 comments :

  1. nothing short of extraordinary. i wanna do this.

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  2. Beautiful! Sharing with this with a few young photographers. You are such an inspiration, Janelle!

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  3. Janelle, I must say this is probably my favorite of all your work you've done! Your talent is beyond belief and God has certainly crafted you into the creative person you become. Simply beautiful photos!!

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  4. janelle, these are stunning. i love the heart behind it, and your meaning is truly exuded in each image. so proud of you for doing something with such meaning, and i know you will be an encouragement to other young people with this truth. so beautiful, so good.

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  5. the images are breathtaking and I love what you shared at the beginning. It's so true what you said about being looked down upon because of your innocence, and honestly I've never thought about how precious our innocence is. thanks so much for sharing these words and images…

    Emily

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  6. You are a wise soul!! God has given you a gift Janelle and I'm excited to see where He takes you!! Your words and work are simply beautiful!!

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  7. You have a gift Janelle. This was beautiful in every aspect, your words are beautiful written and your work is stunning and insightful. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. Wow, Janelle! My favorite were the last ones with the petals! Very talented!

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  9. this is phenomenal. this hit home for me. there are so many things i know that i wish i didn't know, things i've seen, that i wish i could erase from my mind, and things that i've done, that i wish i never did. i look at those who have that innocence that i relinquished years ago, with the utmost respect. being on the path that i am now, it is so hard to try to reclaim what i had given because i can not do that. I can only ask God for forgiveness, try to atone for the sins i've committed and forgive myself. and i must remember that it is ONLY by the grace and mercy of God, who sent His one and only Son to die for people like me and all of mankind, that am i able to be forgiven for those sins i have committed against my Him.

    you are so talented. please keep up the amazing work.

    -Jenn

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  10. These are so gorgeous and inspiring. Beautiful work!

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  11. I thought the pictures were good. . . the inspiration is even better! Way to go Janelle!

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  12. The Lord has given you such a great gift Janelle, it's so amazing how he is using you and your art to share his truth! Never stop shining babe<3

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  13. Janelle, you take such gorgeous self portraits! I love that you can take words and ideas and make beautiful photos out of them.

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  14. absolutely stunning.
    you can really see your heart for the Lord and how you use your photography for His glory!

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  15. Stunning! The light in these photos is swoon worthy.

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  16. This was a total blessing to read, such a good reminder. And amazing job with these photos.

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  17. Ohhhhhh these are sooo beautiful. thank you. just…thank you. <3

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  18. Ohhhhhh these are so beautiful. Thank you. Just thank you

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  19. Janelle. These are seriously (i mean SERIOUSLY) so gorgeous. Your creativity with photography is amazing. You are so totally talented, girl! I'm always so insanely inspired by you! <3

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  20. WOW... just WOW to these... I love the concept and idea behind it... so beautiful!!
    xoxo

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  21. This might be some of your best work, Janelle. Absolutely gorgeous, both you and the meaning behind the photos.

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  22. Girl, wow. You are amazing - and I love your work.

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  23. Janelle, this is so good. "You're so young and immature and you don't know anything. You are so... shallow and innocent and weak." As if innocence is bad or puny or less. I've felt like people judge me like this just because I'm younger or something. Remarks made to degrade your authority and strength and attitude.

    You are such a huge example to me. Thank you for having the courage to post this.

    Much love,
    ~Andrea

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  24. oh man. you. your word. your words.
    just woah.

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  25. gah.
    these are perfect.
    i agree with everything you said, you totally hit the nail on the head for me.
    i feel the same way. i don't know what some of my peers are talking about.
    i don't understand these terms and jokes or movies or tv shows, and it sometimes makes me feel left out or behind, somehow lacking.
    how wonderful to just be reaffirmed by the words of our Lord Himself.
    and, the photography is awesome.
    stopped by to say howdy, i'm following, these are beautiful and you're one of the best photographers i've seen.
    ok, i'll shut up now :)

    ~Abigail
    http://sweetergetsthejourneyblog.blogspot.com/

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