Reflections of Christ
Reflections of Christ is a coffee table book containing 30 outstanding pictures of Jesus Christ- photographs by Mark Mabry depicting the life of Christ during the New Testament-era. Scenes include the Nativity, Christ's baptism, miracles, Atonement, death, and resurrection. Mark Mabry and his crew first started shooting these amazing pictures of Jesus to promote the Mesa Arizona Temple's Easter Pageant. The work and dramatic images of the life of Christ turned into an exhibit that is currently touring Canada and the US. A slide show, CD of music that plays in the exhibit, and a behind-the-scenes DVD were also created. Pictures of Jesus are a Photographic Masterpiece Reflections of Christ, by Mark Mabry and the Reflections Media Group, is a photographic milestone and masterpiece. Mabry and his team undertook the substantial endeavor of recreating the major events in the life of Jesus Christ and portraying them in photographs. While we may have seen similar attempts in film and various other art forms, this series of still pictures offers a new level of exceptional artistry. The opening photograph in the book, titled Angels, is probably the most complex and spectacular, making the viewer eager to study all the details. To create this picture, Mabry photographed individual actors in costume as each one jumped on a trampoline. Then he digitally compiled and layered them atop a nighttime sky to which was added one of NASA s Universe pictures taken by the Hubble Telescope. The result, which would never have been possible without current digital technology, is impressive. Pictures of Jesus Christ's Ministry However, it is Mabry s less complex images throughout the book which seem the most compelling: Christ healing a desperate blind man; the woman taken in adultery who is backed by the jeweled hands of her accusers as they hold or drop their rocks; the beautifully displayed symbolism of the ten virgins half of them with lit lamps, others in shadow; the betrayal by Judas told in a hopeless expression as he clutches his coins; the anguished Savior in Gethsemane with a storm-filled sky in the background; and, of course, heart-rending details of the crucifixion. And it is the simplistic perfection of the resurrected Christ, and the striking ascension piece with the look of a painting, which complete this moving work. It is important to add here that Mark Mabry s photographic genius was aided by an excellent cast whose expressions bring the viewer into the emotions of each scene. Most notable was Robert Allen, who portrayed Christ. Others also brought their unspoken testimonies to the still shots, and some of their touching comments are included in the notations at the back of the book. Additionally, an explanation in the forward of how Mabry spiritually prepared himself for this undertaking, and his later comments about the many circumstances which seemed to miraculously come together for the photo shoots, are inspirational. Where is the Calling of the Twelve Apostles?   Regardless, the photographs, supplemented with scriptural references, are works of art. At a time when Christmas has become more about the world than Christ too materialistic with its glitz and forced merchandising Reflections of Christ is a visual gift that could help any family draw closer to the Savior and better understand his life s mission. The behind-the-scenes DVD is fascinating and the music on the CD is beautiful but I prefer to focus on the pictures of Jesus in Reflections of Christ they are truly amazing, giving this coffee table book a full five stars. --About.com