Eddie Connolly
Eddie is a creative storyteller and photographer based in Auburn, Alabama. Passionate about the local church and capturing authentic moments as they happen, Eddie’s main goal in his creative pursuit is to point people toward Jesus.
What dream are you currently turning into reality?
I think right now, the dream I’m turning into reality is creating in a space that’s bigger than me, and that is the space I’m currently in! One of my biggest things growing up was chasing something that would make my name big — then I met Jesus (funny how that happens). I went from chasing the next thing to following the doors He opens! Right now, as I write this, my wife and I are transitioning to Auburn, Alabama, to come on staff at All Christ Church — doing exactly what I love!
When did you first realize you discovered your dream?
I had no idea what I wanted to do for a long time, as most young kids do! It’s funny how the Lord works, though, because it was so sudden when I realized I had discovered what I loved. I met Jesus in high school and got involved in church as fast as I could. Then someone put a camera in my hands, and I fell in love. It was then that I realized what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
How does your faith go hand in hand with pursuing your dream?
My relationship with Jesus is the source. EVERYTHING flows through that. I trust the Lord with every single event, job, tour — literally everything. I truly believe that as I capture the hearts of these rooms, the Lord captures my heart more and more.
What’s one or two practical steps you take to keep moving forward?
Step one — Live a life of devoted prayer.
Step two — I’m a chronic “reacher-outer.” There’s a bit of hustle that it takes when you’re trying to build a foundation for your creative dream, and I think it all starts with having the confidence to reach out, no matter the answer you get.
What encouragement would you share with someone who’s going after their dream?
I think the only encouragement I can give is to continue to trust the Lord as you chase after your dreams. Align yourself with Jesus’ call on your life, run after it, and keep running!
I think if I would’ve stopped when someone told me my first “no,” I wouldn’t be in the rooms I’m in now. I trusted through the NO’s.