Joan Rudder-Ward, MBA, CPP
I’ve been taking pictures all my life–even before I had a camera”
Hello! I’m Joan. And yes, I admit I borrowed that line from one of my favorite movies—Sabrina—and yet it’s true. I received my first camera when I was six years old and I’ve been a light writer (photographer) ever since. I’m also a follower of The Light, Jesus Christ so the illuminations I receive through my relationship with Him are interwoven in my writings.
I’ve been a professional photographer since 1985, when I began my business the Image Maker. I started working from home, moved to a retail location full-service studio for a number of years, and then returned to being home-based and more mobile. I am a Certified Professional Photographer receiving that designation through the Professional Photographic Certification Commission. These days my personal shooting consists of commissioned art portraiture, and creating inspirational artwork.
So what exactly do I share here?
I share my God-given gifts of inspiring, encouraging, and teaching. I am a creative who encourages you to delve into your own creativity as well as your relationship with The Creator.
My #1 purpose is to honor God in all I do. He never fails to amaze me how, through pictures, He teaches me more about Himself and life in general–and I share some of these vignettes.
In sharing my photographic knowledge, my goal is to show others how to expand their own creativity and discover more of their inner creative through image- making with the camera. You’ll find photo tips and tutorials here.
I love using and displaying my images in different ways (such as the wall border pictured below), and creating photo projects and gifts. I will show different ways you can use your images in decor and for gift-giving.
I thrive on encouraging others to be all that God created them to be. You can see how I use photography to” build, heal, and bridge” at my site Photography With Purpose. Thus, I will post things here meant to uplift and encourage you.
I also enjoy creating delicious, mouth-watering, “put-your-foot-in-it” gourmet desserts (and other eats), so occasionally I will post some delectable item and recipe here as well. 
And to my fellow light writers….I invite you to share as well! Every week or so there will be a theme or something similar where you can upload your images.
So pull up a chair and visit for a while. 
