Let there be light Photo

Photographer’s Note

The sixth in a series of pictures taken in and around the church of Saint-Peter-De-La-Tour at Aulnay in Charente-Maritime.

The Church of St. Peter in Aulnay de Saintonge, Poitou, is regarded as one of the finest Romanesque churches in western France. Located in a peaceful setting overlooking a pasture at the edge of Aulnay village, its beautiful architecture is enhanced by an extensive, fascinating array of Romanesque sculpture inside and out.

Known in Latin as Aunedonacum, Aulnay's history begins in Roman times, when it was a small town along the road between the prominent ancient cities of Poitiers and Saintes. In the Middle Ages, the road continued to be used, especially as part of the pilgrimage route from Paris to Santiago de Compostela.

The first known church in Aulnay (of unknown date) was called St-Pierre-de-la-Tour, which was given to the Benedictine monks of St-Cyprien Abbey in Poitiers in the 11th century.

In the early 12th century, the church was transferred to the chapter of Poitiers Cathedral. Shortly thereafter it was rebuilt, most likely under the direction of Poitiers' canons, in about 1140 to 1170.

A few changes and restorations were made in later centuries, including the top half and spire of the tower (13th/14th century) and the reworking of the west façade (15th century).

The above information was extracted from an article on the Sacred Places web site. The full text of the article can be read here.

For French speakers, there is quite an extensive article about the church on the French Wikipedea site here.

swiatopelk777, Budapestman, jhm, jlbrthnn, rodgerg, dareco, ChrisJ, saxo042 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

swiatopelk777 (9814) 2009-06-02 0:43

Hi Snunney!
Amazing architecture, amazing details. Good contrast.
Greetings from Poland!

Budapestman (43292) 2009-06-02 0:57

Hi Stephen,
Photo with fantastic mood with beautiful details. The composition is superb, presents the depth and the architectural characteristics spectacularly. You handled the lights wonderfully. Great clarity and sharpness. Congratulations. Have a nice day!
George

Silvio1953 (43412) 2009-06-02 2:07

Ciao Stephen, splendid light on wonderful interior, excellent perspective, very well done, ciao Silvio

jhm (83786) 2009-06-02 4:32

Hello Stephen,

A very nice detailed picture, you show here the old church on a very nice manner.
Good light and and very soft colours.
Nice composition and pleasant picture for look at.
Very well done, TFS.

Best regards,
John.

Nicou (46211) 2009-06-02 5:01

Hello,

Merveilleus image, un très beau cadrage sur l'intérieur de cette église, les beaux arches, cet effet due deu plan, mangigique.

bravo et amitié

Nicou

jlbrthnn (39501) 2009-06-02 6:30

Bonjour Stephen,
Je suis content de revoir cet intérieur, dont j'ai photographié un à un chacun des chapiteaux. La lumière n'est pas facile, mais tu as fait un bon travail. Bravo.
Bonne journée
Cordialement
Joël

amaryllis (17998) 2009-06-02 7:19

Bonjour Stephen
tu as su trouver une bonne lumière pour nous faire partager la beauté de ce site architectural roman
une bonne netteté et les piliers sont superbes
merci de cette excellent partage de qualité
juliette

jurek1951 (26176) 2009-06-02 7:49

Hi Stephen,
Very interesting perspective and lovely colours.Really very nice your architecture photos this one is very sharp and very well composed.
Georg

darek1978 (11699) 2009-06-02 8:53

Hi Stephen,
As I said before- this church with the cemetery is absolutely beautiful, so I like a lot your very impressive and also interesting presentation.
About photo itself- great indoor shot with interesting details and very good light. Congratulations!
Regards,
Darek

rodgerg (25535) 2009-06-02 11:41

Hello Stephen,

Un très beau cadrage qui permet d'apprécier des effets très graphiques. Une très belle gestion de la lumière également ce qui donne de belles teintes et valorise les matériaux.
Bonne soirée,
Roger

Fis2 (46713) 2009-06-02 12:52

Witaj Stephen!
A very interesting details.
Good frame and light.
I like the colours.
Well done.
Regards
Krzysztof

dareco (17104) 2009-06-02 16:01

I find this intriquing, when I look at this I think it's great! and yet if I tried to do it I would have no idea how to set it up or frame it. Any similar shots I've tried have turned out horrible!! Maybe one day it will make sense to me. Good lighting, colors, detail and textures. TFS

ChrisJ (70521) 2009-06-02 19:14

Hi Stephen

I like the warm cold colour contrast between the faint violet blue & amber colour tints. Good sharpness with nice repetition of the columns & arches. Tfs!

saxo042 (16576) 2009-06-02 23:49

Hi Stephen,
A very fine study of architecture and of perspectives. A well composed photo, and a very interesting note.
Kind regards
Gunnar

Graal (59126) 2009-06-03 23:45

Hi Stephen,
nice details of architecture. An interesting interior of church. Good informations. Well done photo.
Gr., Aleksander

Focales (514) 2009-06-16 1:08