St. James' Church, Chipping Campden, a photo from Gloucestershire, England

Photographer's Note

I visited the lovely Church of St. James in Chipping Campden with a little group of TE friends last month. The weather was changeable and I unfortunately didn't get any pictures of the outside of this lovely church which is a magnificent example of an early perpendicular "wool" church, rebuilt in the 15th Century, its imposing tall square tower visible for miles around.

But inside the church we were treated to some lovely light. This is the altar and east window at the end of the choir and lovely bright sunlight was streaming in through the south window casting some lovely patterns of light and shade on the red carpet.

There was actually a Norman church on this site before 1180, though it was much smaller than the present one. About 1260 the Norman church began a slow transformation that was to last nearly 250 years.

The chancel was rebuilt, the north aisle constructed with arches to balance the the 13th century south aisle and the south porch was added together with the windows and battlements of both aisles. About 1490 the nave was reconstructed with its magnificent arcading built on the foundations of the old Norman nave. The great window over the chancel arch was added, a rare feature of church architecture, which provides wonderful light for the nave.

About 1500, the noble West tower was built, adding grace and proportion to the whole. At 120 ft. in height it ensures that the Church is a landmark from whatever direction Campden is approached.

The East Window (seen here) by Henry Payne was completed in 1925 in memory of those who fell in the Great War. On the left (north) wall of the chancel you can see the finely carved canopied tomb of Sir Thomas Smythe: he was Lord of the Manor of Campden until his death in 1593. He lived at the court of Henry VIII and was the first Governor of the East India Company.

As I say, I didn't unfortunately get any photographs of the outside of this lovely church. but, if you're interested, you can see a street-level view of it if you look at this map and drag the little yellow man dowm to the red cross and pan around. If you "walk" along a little farther west to this spot and do the same, you can see the rather imposing gateway to the church with its twin towers.

ourania, SnapRJW, bayno, kathryn_weir, macjake, delpeoples, jhm, timecapturer, annjackman, Tigerlily has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ourania (12331) 2012-09-26 14:16

Hello John,
this is a wonderful, very clear and accurate way to present the minimal, solid and suggestive character of the interior of the church. I like very much how you've managed the sense of space and depth, the perspective, lighting and colours. I feel like I'm standing on the red carpet, in front of this magnificent window and wrapped up in this fine light and peaceful atmosphere. The rendering of colours is superb but what has captivated me even more that the window is the play of shadows all over the frame. You have rendered them in a most skillful and effective way. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a good night,
Ourania

chrisvek (5437) 2012-09-26 15:55

Hello John

Very nice shoot with amazing colors and saturation.Awesome indoor atmosphere and great POV.Well done!TFS

Have a nice evening
Chris

SnapRJW (18690) 2012-09-26 21:43

Hello John - Well I had to comment on this one! I know Campden well, my eldest brother's wife hails from the town and it is a place I always visit when I go 'home'. Many a day and pleasant evening has been spent wandering the streets shopping or having a drink in the local hostelries.
The church, as you say is magnificent. Unusual to see an interior shot and a long time since I stepped inside. One of my ancestors was sent as a missionary to China from this very place.
A finely managed shot, the light has been well managed and the colours of the tiled floor and window are wonderfully bright. Don't you just love the tomb? I do. TFS this. I love seeing shots from 'home'. Warm regards rosemary

jadesgran (3271) 2012-09-26 22:03

Hello John
What a beautiful Stained glass window, and almost filling this part of the church.
A pity you couldn`t get the church from outside, but there`s always another day.
Strong colours with the red carpet and the green alter cloth.Best Wishes Gladys.

bayno (16149) 2012-09-27 0:07

Caro John,
reading your note that speaks of St. James', I immediately thought of the movie I saw a few days ago: The Way, which talks about the path that the pilgrims do all along the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela (800 Km) where there is the remains of St. James, I'm an atheist so the movie I have not liked too but definitely for a believer is a good movie, I want to specify that despite being an atheist I love visiting churches and here in Rome would certainly be a good guide .
Very nice window and the light captured, great job with the exposure...
best regards,
Valter

kathryn_weir (1742) 2012-09-27 0:53

Hello John,
Such a beautiful photo- so rich in colour and detail and matched equally by such a rich history. The light falling onto the carpet and lighting the centre of your shot is superb. The ornate tomb tucked away in the corner and then treated to such a grand presentation is lovely. The sharpness, detail and colour in the stained glass all top notch.
Thanks for sharing
Kathryn

macjake (39207) 2012-09-27 1:06

Hi John
looking at the finer details, for some reason i couldn't help but wonder what a modern interior designer would think of all the color combinations and patterns in this room! :)

I think the addition of the shadows along the bottom really do 'make' the scene - i don't think the scene would have the same visual impact if the floor was 100% illuminated. it also gives the feeling that the photo is more difficult to handle :)

I know I'm weird, but the lighting on the floor is the main attraction for me in this one!

PS
You had asked me about joining and photo group in my local community. I've never done it. I feel as if i'd be doing 'homework', and it may take the spontaneous joy out of it. but thats just my own take on it.
Working Days and Nights and weekends too, make it difficult to join these social groups that usually meet on weekends or evenings.

thanks again
cheers
craig

delpeoples (44904) 2012-09-27 2:19

Ciao Giovanni

You always talk about the light in your critiques (and rightly so) so let me reciprocate by saying that the light here is exquisite. There is a real atmosphere here, one of reverence, silence and history - created largely by the light. The colours are exquisite and again you've managed the light well to retain those beautiful colours in the stained glass. Nice work and as usual, a most edifying note.

Un abbraccio
Lisa

jhm (122366) 2012-09-27 4:05

Hello John,

I am truly a very great fan of church interiors, not through the religion but through the architecture.
A lovely picture with the big window in stained glass.
Excellent enlightenment, splendid done.
Perspective and depth are very good
Excellent presentation, nice photo work.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice day,
John

timecapturer (30256) 2012-09-27 4:42

Hi John
you excel at church interior photography, and this is another fine example. Exquisitely managed light and a real sense of tranquillity and harmony here. Your execution is flawless with the detailing and colours so beautiful and compelling.

Have a good day - regards Brian.

annjackman (13183) 2012-09-27 4:46

Hello John,
I am not keeping up well with TE just now - too much happening! Problem is that I am missing some great pictures. I love your church interiors as they are very carefully taken and this one is no exception. Lovely light through the window and on the floor. I did not get a good picture here so it is lovely to be able to view this as a memory of a great day.
Best wishes, Ann

Silvio1953 (98051) 2012-09-28 7:20

Ciao John, fantastic light in magnificent interior, lovely composition with beautiful stainglass window, wonderful colors and excellent clarity, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

ACL1978 (5755) 2012-09-28 8:22

Great shot with which to demonstrate all you've been saying recently about the importance of light, John - the light here is exquisite, and perfectly captured! Managing the bright window in a dark room, especially while maintaining detail in all areas of the shot and retaining that vibrant color, is quite a feat. I like your choice of format and POV here, leading us down the carpet to the altar, and then taking us upward. Really nicely done!

Andrew

Tigerlily (2343) 2012-09-30 15:01

Hi John,
Beautiful light contol, the colour is wonderful..I love the red colour. Excellent work! Much better than mine:-).
BTW, thank you very much for the link and your compliments.
Kind regards.
Jasmine