This is a story about Don May, teacher extraordinaire, at Andrews University in Michigan.

My friendship with Don dates back to the ‘80s when I was guest speaker for an Andrews University week of prayer. After one of the services, Don introduced himself and began talking about God. Not just about God as he had read about Him in Scripture, or learned about Him in Sabbath school, but about God as he has met Him through the lenses of his camera. I was fascinated, especially since my cameras often serve as a window to God.

We talked throughout that week and developed a strong camera-driven, creation-loving friendship. Don’s photographic techniques have improved my photos. His love for God has improved the way I look at the world.

Since then, we have met at conventions, worked together occasionally at seminars and camp meetings, and talked about photography, film, computers, Photoshop, and the Creator. I am certain my name is not on Don’s list of his “photography students,” but I consider myself lucky to have sat at his feet.

Eight years ago, when we moved to Florida, Don’s impact on my life increased markedly! Florida Hospital is large enough, and busy enough, to employ a full-time photographer, Spencer Freeman. Spencer, I quickly discovered, is a student of the Don May School of Photography. That means he sees each photograph as an opportunity to show the face of the Creator more clearly.

Spencer and I have stood side by side photographing egrets, doctors, orchids, snakes, plumbers, herons, trees, and more. He has shown me better ways to bounce light to enhance the beauty of a face. He has shown me how to bring out the best colors in a rose, and how to calm a crying child. Mostly, Spencer has shown me how to be a friend who uses a camera to teach people about our Graceful God.

I haven’t seen Don for more than a year, but I feel his influence when I plant a tripod 600mm away from a great blue heron papa and wait for him to fluff out his chest feathers. I hear his voice when Spencer counsels me on the correct exposures for backlighting leaves. And I hear his exclamations of pleasure whenever evening clouds turn orange and yellow.

“That’s God out there, Dick. Make Him look His best.”

Dick Duerksen is assistant vice president for mission development at Florida Hospital.