Dunkeld Cathedral III, a photo from Perth and Kinross, Scotland

Photographer's Note

As a follow up from yesterday's picture, this one was taken inside the church which lies within the old choir of Dunkeld Cathedral. We are facing the east window.

As I explained yesterday, the Cathedral dates from 1325 but had a turbulent history, being finally destroyed and left in ruins during the Reformation in the 16th Century. However, in 1600, the choir of the Cathedral was repaired and re-roofed and, despite fierce fighting in 1689 between the Jacobites and the Cameronians which caused the destruction of much of the town of Dunkeld itself, this part of the Cathedral was spared.

This church now belongs to the Church of Scotland and you can read more about it and the Cathedral here.

Typical of all churches of the Church of Scotland, the interior might be considered by many to be rather plain and spartan compared with Anglican churches or Roman Catholic places of worship: gone are the altars, statues of saints and other elements of worship and all that remain are a Communion table and a fairly plain pulpit, seen on the far left, with its simple lectern.

SnapRJW, PecoBud, Royaldevon, timecapturer, delpeoples, Didi has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

CanmoreKevin (2111) 2012-04-25 5:37

John,
Wonderful details and light. I like the symmetry as it works well in this formal setting.
Kevin

SnapRJW (18752) 2012-04-25 8:38

Hello John - Now this is a finely managed interior, difficult light but all the detail is well recorded, just a little overexposure on the LH pew ends perhaps but nothing that detracts from the shot. The 'church' atmosphere has been captured too and I can quite see myself walking and talking quietly and smelling the church smells of cool damp and old books and dustiness. Lovely. Warm regards Rosemary

PecoBud (3778) 2012-04-25 12:53

I agree with Rosemary, I can smell the old church smells also. You know you've done well when all your senses join in on critiquing, when normally our eyes are all that are needed to comment or judge a photo. Job well done John!!

Excellent POV and with great clarity and detail to colors and light control.

TFS..........Your Friend...........Buddy

agjika (4011) 2012-04-25 14:50

Hi John,
Very very nice light management, almost HDR! Superb pov and how pleasant the light on the books is. I feel like I could just walk in the photo!

Thanks for sharing

Aleks

emka (58152) 2012-04-26 0:01

Hi John,

It is not so plain and spartan, the choir is nice and the windows glasses are beautiful. I like such simple small churches (and big ones with many Baroque altars I like too..).

Tomorrow I go back home and will be more active with a new supply of photos rather big :)

Regards MAlgo

Royaldevon (17791) 2012-04-26 1:22

Hello John,

I investigated the link that you gave us and was struck by the words 'the feeling of peace' that was used to describe the inside of the cathedral. That perfectly describes the impression you receive from your shot. As you say, no trappings, just a very attractive building, captured with strong guides and composed with a very effective symmetry.
You have done well with what can often be a difficult light. The high ISO has delivered no noise. Amazing.
You don't mention a tripod so, maybe you have a remarkably steady hand.

Have a lovely day,
Bev :-)

timecapturer (30334) 2012-04-26 3:24

Hi John
a glorious interior and an accomplished capture of its exquisite beauty. Always difficult to get shots inside churches just right as the light is so difficult to manage. But this is excellent and the detailing perfect. Superb!

Have a good day - Brian.

delpeoples (44960) 2012-04-27 3:18

Ciao Giovanni

I couldn't resist this one, and apologise for not keeping up with your photos lately. This type of photo is never easy to take, usually due to extremes of light and those always-challenging stained glass windows. But this one here is a success. It has superb depth and perspective. The repeating patterns of the pews and the strong blue aisle in the middle certainly assist with this. The play of light and shade is very attractive and I like that you still managed to retain the detail in the vaulted ceiling and the stained glass. BTW, is that a lens flare or an apparition at 12 o'clock? Or maybe the ghost of a cranky Jacobite? Anyway, I like it, it gives a pretty spooky feel to the image.

Thanks for sharing and I wish you a lovely Friday
Lisa

bartekp (4200) 2012-04-28 12:29

Hi John,

Very good composition, and how's bright there. Roof is very interesting.

Have a nice evening

Bartek

Didi (48930) 2012-05-02 9:45

Hi John
Very good management of the exposure between inside and outside lights.
It's a very good picture .
Well done
Best regards