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