Invocation and Invitation
Aug, 2022Views
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Cultural Crossroads Photo Contest
Peer Award
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in the Nave at St. Columba's Episcopal Church in Washington D.C.Time
This picture was taken in the early afternoon as it was the ideal time for the sunlight to come through the stained glass windows in the background.Lighting
I had very little control over the lighting as I was sort of at the mercy of the lighting in the Nave (another term for a church sanctuary). However, the priest was standing at the altar where they preside over much of the service, and so the lighting for that specific spot has to be ideal for the services. The Nave was generally well-lit, but again, there wasn't much control I had over it.Equipment
This was shot with a Canon EOS 60D with the 50mm lens, which is perfect for portraits and macro photography.Inspiration
This photo was inspired entirely by a vision I had of a picture of a priest at the altar, holding the bread of the Eucharist up, with the stained-glass windows in the background. I did succeed in taking that picture (which you can see on my profile), but this picture was taken while setting up for that shot. I was actually taking these pictures as part of an internship I had at this church, and the pictures were used for the covers of the church's monthly magazine.Editing
There was some light post-processing, but this picture came out almost perfectly without any editing. The adjustments were minor color adjustments and highlight reduction, but other than that this picture is mostly natural.In my camera bag
As a portrait and macro photographer, I always carry the 50mm lens I used to take this picture. I have two camera bodies: the Canon EOS 60D and the 70D. For macro shots, I always carry around extension tubes. Spare batteries and extra SD cards are a must, and depending on the shoot, I'll either bring a monopod or tripod (though I am partial to the former).Feedback
This photo took some more advanced planning than I usually do with my photography. Normally, I'm a fan of spontaneity and creative-impulsivity. But, this picture was months in the making and required scheduling, setup, and collaboration with others. I always encourage new photographers to get used to shooting by embracing a more spontaneous attitude towards getting shots. Some of my best pictures are ones I captured simply by walking around without much forethought or planning. After garnering some more experience in photography, it's then that I encourage people to think strategically and methodically about what pictures to take, especially if they are for a particular purpose. However, I never lose the impulse to take pictures as I feel led and inspired, because it is in the least thought out moments that we find the most beautiful ones to capture.
