Traveling to Washington, D.C. with Liberty University for the March for Life was an experience that changed me both as a Christian and as a storyteller.
As a photographer, I went into the trip knowing I would be documenting a part of history. What I didn’t expect was just how eye-opening the event would be, even for someone who is in the faith. Standing among tens of thousands of people, camera in hand, I quickly realized this wasn’t just a political gathering or a Christian event; it was a human one.
What struck me most was the diversity of the crowd. People from different denominations, traditions, cultures, and backgrounds all came together with one shared purpose: to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox believers, families, students, and even people who don’t identify as religious walked side by side. In a world that often feels deeply divided, the unity I witnessed was powerful.
Although I am a Christian and my beliefs are rooted in Scripture, this event reinforced something important: you don’t have to believe in God to believe in the right to life. Every one of us shares one fundamental truth: we were given life. That basic right is something that should never be debated or taken away. Supporting the pro-life movement isn’t only about faith; it’s about protecting the most helpless among us and recognizing the inherent value of every human being.
This experience was also impactful because it was the first event I’ve ever captured from a true journalism standpoint. I wasn’t there just to take photos; I was there to observe, to listen, and to tell the story honestly. Through my lens, I saw emotion, conviction, prayer, grief, hope, and resilience. It challenged me to think more deeply about the responsibility that comes with documenting real moments and real people, especially when the stakes are so high.
The March for Life reminded me that following Jesus isn’t passive. It requires action, courage, and a willingness to confront hard realities. Scripture makes it clear that faith cannot coexist with silence in the face of injustice:
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” — Isaiah 1:17
And again:
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” — Ephesians 5:11
If we truly follow Jesus, we can’t ignore evil; we are called to stand against it, even when it’s uncomfortable. Capturing the March for Life wasn’t just an assignment; it was a reminder of why storytelling matters and why using our voices, platforms, and talents for truth is so important.
This trip didn’t just shape me as a photographer. It shaped me as a person.
