The creative process behind Reflections of Christ is a singular event in my life. I've never felt something that was so multi-faceted and at once so strait forward. I wanted to avoid mystery. Each image must carry a lesson independent of the others in the collection. Aesthetic was secondary to spirit. There was really more care taken to ensure a proper spirit on the shoot than any of the technical aspects. Mood drove the technique.

The documentary and music were commissioned to get people to the proper frame of mind to view the photographs. My goal is for people that view these to transcend thoughts about "art". I say without embarrassment that I enthusiastically embraced the changes that the subject of Christ caused in my own creative outlook. I found it challenging to move people to tears caused by introspection, especially in an endeavor that was largely posed and orchestrated. There was a higher power in play that I freely acknowledge and hope that He sees fit to give me another shot at something similar ASAP.

Throughout my life I have, more often than not, found myself in situations where I am trying to share with someone a certain experience but am unable to find words that adequately express how I actually felt. As I struggle to articulate those thoughts I am subconsciously thinking”if only I had a camera I could literally show you exactly what I felt!” Therein lies my approach to documentary filmmaking.

The Reflections of Christ project has changed my life both professionally and spiritually. My hope with the documentary is twofold. First I hope it gives deeper meaning and insight to the images that Mark has created. Secondly, my hope is that it will open peoples’ minds to ponder what it may have been like to be with Christ during the most important events in the history of this earth.

For more info check out the East Valley Productions website...

It has been said; “Next to the pleasing word of God, music offers the highest form of praise”. The creative process for me is one of the most inspiring gifts from on high. It is for me the essence of life and one of my greatest joys. My personal commitment and goal as I commenced composing and arranging the music for Reflections of Christ was simple, it was to enrich, inspire and heal the listener.

It was truly amazing for me to witness and experience the hand of the Lord in this project. Never before artistically have I been blessed so much from on high; at times I felt as though the “piano played me”. I felt like it really mattered what I was doing and that many people would be impacted by it. The collaborative synergy and passion felt with Jason, Freddie, Melinda, and Hope was truly a miraculous experience. I will cherish and love our moments and appreciate with gratitude my chance to contribute.

For more info check out Clyde's website...

I'll spend the rest of my life hoping to participate in a creative project with as much meaning as Reflections of Christ had for me. Nothing brings more joy and purpose than to build a more individual relationship with Jesus Christ and to inspire others to do the same. Reflections of Christ has done both. The central driving force was absolutely a desire to celebrate and testify of the reality that Christ lived and inspire reflection as to what it might be like to personally know Him, enjoy his friendship, and feel directly of His Divine presence and purpose.

Achieving this through the creative arts began first with the Mark's photography. As producer, my job was to understand the vision of the project and bring together musical elements to elevate that purpose. Thankfully, Mark had put so much thought and prayer into this project that he had a detailed vision all the way down to specific hymn selection and choice of artists. This is one key reason why the music and the photography so fluidly compliment each other. Each musical decision was directly inspired by the photography.

Invariably, at a moment of musical 'writer's block', we'd get to see the next new photograph and the ideas would come pouring in to all of the artists resulting in a wonderful collaboration. Clyde's unique piano arrangements became the common thread and backbone. Then, we built vocals, cello, and choir around that. Particularly inspiring was Clyde's original piece titled 'Reflections of Christ'. I had asked him for an intro to 'Amazing Grace'. He came back a few days later to play it for me. After he'd played for six minutes and developed three or four different unique themes, I said, 'Clyde, that's not an intro, that's an inspired masterpiece unto itself'.

The most magical moment was the day Clyde and Hope first met in the studio. The spontaneous creation of music was astonishing. Before they finished their first pass, Elder and Sister Peterson arrived. For all of us, it was an outpouring of the Spirit through music we will always remember. Such were the experiences we had being recipients of inspiration through the music of Reflections of Christ. Above all, this project has inspired me yet again to put Christ squarely at the center of all I do, including the music I love so much.

For more information, check out Jason's website...

One thing’s for sure, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and unlike any other project I’ve ever worked on. It was such a pleasure to work with such talented individuals who were all one in purpose – to help others come closer to the Savior. The images themselves made so many aspects of the life of Christ seem more real to me. In the process, my own testimony of the Savior was strengthened.

Musically, we were driven by that same purpose. The spirit was present as we attempted to create a soundtrack to back the images. Our hope was to add to the power to the images rather than distract from the individual message of each picture. There was no doubt the Lord was guiding the process, allowing everything to come together right when we needed it. I’m grateful to have been a part of a project that had so much meaning to me personally and that had the potential of touching so many others.

Vocalist

I have no doubt that “Reflections of Christ” will be a life changing experience for many people. I instantly knew that this project was different when Mark asked if he could offer a prayer before we began our recording session. I had never experienced anything like this before. I know that every musical number was as inspired as every individual photo! I will be forever grateful to Mark and Jason for letting me be a small part in this incredible journey.

Cellist

How grateful I am for the opportunities and experiences the Lord places in our paths. When I was asked to play for Reflections of Christ I knew little about the project or its purpose, but the Lord did, and He knew that I needed to be a part of it. The opportunity to participate in Reflections of Christ came at a time in my life when I was full of questions about my future. Playing the Lord's sacred music helped me to detach myself from my worries and concerns and instead focus on the Savior. Since we have recorded, each time I get to play with Clyde and Freddie my thoughts are once again redirected to Christ and the true purpose of life.

The thing that stood out the most to me while working on this project was how strong the Spirit was during the recording session. My prior experiences with recording had been very stressful and frustrating, but playing the hymns and knowing that everyone involved was working to glorify the Savior made it a very spiritual experience for me. I am so humbled to be a part of this project and feel that I have benefited more from it than I have contributed.