Skipping Sundays takes a metaphoric look at religion, where faith no longer feels like a given. It exists within a landscape of contradiction and uncertainty.  Institutions that once offered certainty are questioned, and belief itself has become entangled with politics, power, and division. For many of us, belief is an ongoing struggle to reconcile what we are told with what we experience.

Aline Smithson
Founder & Editor, Lenscratch


In Heather Evans Smith’s Skipping Sundays, the boundary between photography and storytelling dissolves into a breathtakingly immersive experience. This remarkable volume is more than a collection of images; it is a masterclass in visual narrative, where exquisite photography meets a flawlessly curated layout to evoke a world that is both haunting and profound.

Elizabeth Avedon
Curator, Photo Editor and Consultant

“How many of you have been saved?” the preacher shouted at a church event. The congregation promptly raised their hands. Not wanting to be the sole individual with my hand down, I slowly raised mine to join theirs. Why had this magical experience not happened to me? I desired to comprehend why faith held a deeper meaning for them beyond attending Sunday services, for that was the extent of its significance for me.

As a young adult, I ventured out on my own, skipping Sundays, yet the questions persisted. One evening, I found myself in the living room of one of my spiritual friends. “How do you believe?”, I asked. She responded with unwavering confidence, “You simply must pray for it. You just gotta have faith. That’s all.” Following her advice, I prayed earnestly, hoping for a transformative experience. However, nothing seemed to change. Over time, these inquiries faded into the background, but they never completely disappeared. They would resurface during significant life events, such as the birth of a child or the loss of a parent. Despite my efforts, I still felt as though I was merely going through the motions, lacking this profound connection that others seemed to possess.

Often, doubters choose to keep their thoughts hidden. This decision can lead to a profound sense of isolation, especially when surrounded by individuals steadfast in their beliefs. These images delve into the memories of those bygone Sundays and my lifelong pursuit of finding answers. How is it that some can wholeheartedly embrace traditional faith while the rest of us are left questioning?

Skipping Sundays is the fourth monograph and third self-published book of Heather Evans Smith.

Self-Published 2026
Hardcover, 8.5 x9.25 inches
84 pages / 30 color images
Printed and bound at Conveyor Studios
979-8-218-86153-7 
Edition of 250.

$65 USD