Leslie Ann Gerardo

Photo by Cecilia Kane.

In 1995, my husband gave me a Minolta X-700 film camera for Christmas. It was my first “real” camera. I loved the idea of exploring my creative side through photography, but for years, I limited myself to taking photos on the “automatic” setting, with my children as the primary subjects.

Then, in 2010, I attended a weekend photography workshop at Shrinemont, an Episcopal retreat center in the mountains of western Virginia. I finally learned what all those settings on the camera can do! For Christmas that year, my ever-supportive husband replaced my old Minolta with a Canon EOS 60D, my first DSLR. In the years that followed, I have devoted more and more of my free time to photography. A wonderful group of women friends who share my passion for this art form have enriched the experience. Some of their work is featured on this site, alongside my own.

Photography is a method of becoming more connected to the world. Selecting a subject, deciding on a perspective, framing the shot — the thought that goes into creating an image has, for me, a deeper spiritual dimension akin to meditation practice. My interest in photography has forced me out of my comfort zone in many ways, influencing me to travel more, make connections with people, and engage in different activities in order to get a good shot. I learn something about myself with every photography outing.

I also learn something about the world. My favorite subjects are those that resonate with me spiritually. I am always looking for God’s presence - in a spectacular sunrise, a beautiful landscape, or a shared smile.