Bone Church_Kutna Hora_Czech Republic 0880_July 2016
The abbot of this Sedlec monastery returned with dirt from Palestine and sprinkled this dirt around the grounds. These grounds were thereafter thought to be co...
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The abbot of this Sedlec monastery returned with dirt from Palestine and sprinkled this dirt around the grounds. These grounds were thereafter thought to be connected with holy land, and were a sought out resting place for the aristocracy of Central Europe. Soon the graveyard filled, and many of the 40,000 bones were stored in the chapel.
A local woodcarver (František Rint) was commissioned in 1870 to decorate the church with the bones.
The bones were light by incandescent light. I used an LED light to illuminate the front skull to separate it from the background. The higher Kelvin temp (cooler temp toward daylight) gave the cooler blueish look to the front skull.
Flash (hence the led light I used) and tripods were prohibited. I steadied my camera on a ledge in front of the display.
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A local woodcarver (František Rint) was commissioned in 1870 to decorate the church with the bones.
The bones were light by incandescent light. I used an LED light to illuminate the front skull to separate it from the background. The higher Kelvin temp (cooler temp toward daylight) gave the cooler blueish look to the front skull.
Flash (hence the led light I used) and tripods were prohibited. I steadied my camera on a ledge in front of the display.
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Aug, 2016Views
400
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Awards
People's Choice in Skulls Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
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Confalonieri
October 27, 2016
Awesome photo! Excellent composition, the effect of the LED light is fantastic. Congratulations.
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Behind The Lens
Location
Kutna Hora Bone Church_Prague July 2016Time
Photograph was made indoors. Time was 6:22pm.Lighting
The lighting was ambient and available. I used a pen light to add illumination to the front skull.Equipment
Nikon D800. Nikkor 24-85 lens. No flash or tripod (both were restricted). LED pen light.Inspiration
In my minds eye, I felt that the skulls were pushing forward to be photographed. I knew that with my White Balance settings that the LED would create a bluish light. I used my pen light for in camera burning, and to add contrast on the front skull in relation to the entire photograph.Editing
I adjusted the exposure slightly, the shadows to bring them up overall, and the high values. I also did some selective edge sharpening and in addition some edge softening to create more depth and a near-far experience.In my camera bag
I usually use a modified 4x5 Wista and a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod with a quick release 3 way head. Film is usually 4x5 Trix. I also use a Pentax 6x7 and infrared film. For digital I use a Nikon D810 and 18 to 35 lens. For site photos and sketch images I use my Google Pixel 4, and use my phone to record my photography settings when using my 4x5.Feedback
I would suggest to reverse engineer your photography when heading out to photograph a place like the Kutna Hora Bone Church. Meaning if the establishment does not want tripods or flash usage as in the Bone Church, and your using a higher end camera for resolution files, think about what would assist you in making your picture. In my case, it was a pen light and small bean bag to stable the camera for a longer exposure. Also know your camera. How to delay the shutter opening, f/stops, shutter speeds, and white balance. There will usually be crowds, so be polite, and converse with those around you. You may have some interesting portraits in the people you talk to.
