ABOUT ME

I live in a camper van with a West Highland Terrier for company.
My passion is creating images but it is a work in progress.
I am always willing to share what knowledge I have and can be contacted through the comments on this post or e-mail ADRIAN
ALL IMAGES WILL ENLARGE WITH A LEFT CLICK

Monday 11 April 2011

THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS (11/04/11)

Nothing about this morning, not that I hung around for too long it was damp and cool. I then hitched a ride into Haltwhistle to have a good go at the church. I’m glad I did. It is better than I at first thought.

_4113064_5_6_7_8_tonemapped_edited-1It was also locked but not for long a most obliging lady appeared and unlocked it. I have no idea how she knew I was there but the Lord works in mysterious ways. To my advantage for once.

_4113047_48_49_50_51_52_tonemapped_edited-1  All images are shot manual everything today, cable release, tripod the works. Exposures vary from three to six per image shot with a two stop difference then they were tone mapped in Photomatix, with contrast and sharpening done in Photoshop Elements.

_4113041_2_3_4_5_6_tonemapped_edited-1 Both these were taken with a prime 8mm f1.3.5 wide angle lens. I purchased this second hand and am delighted with it………..even happier as it was half price. Just before Christmas I sold half a dozen lenses and upgraded to this one and a new Sigma Macro lens. I’ve not really got my head round the latter but will take it for a stroll tomorrow.

 _4113053_4_5_6_7_8_tonemapped_edited-1 A small corner with prayer candles, British Legion standards, they must be standards they are too elaborate to be flags or bunting.  The wreath of poppies is in remembrance of fallen soldiers.

_4113059_60_61_62_63_tonemapped_edited-1These will all enlarge and display some lovely detail.

_4113030_1_2_3_4_5_tonemapped_edited-1   This not a separate chapel but the side alter.

_4113024_5_6_7_8_9_tonemapped_edited-1    A non fisheye view of the main church and the west window.

_4113000_1_2_3_4_tonemapped_edited-1   The east window……..yes there is an organ……..it’s the big box on the left……it’s not a pipe organ but and electronic one so of little interest to me.

_4113020_1_2_3_tonemapped_edited-1 This is the tomb stone of John Riddley who died in1562. His brother was burnt at the stake with Lattimer. Heretics! I’m glad we’ve moved on a bit of a barbarous thing for one Christian to do to another. Worse than feeding them to Lions………….silly me, they didn’t have any Lions. This is almost indecipherable close up. The wee plaque on the right deciphers it but I was non the wiser reading that.

_4113005_6_7_8_9_tonemapped_edited-1 The carved marble reredos depicting the nativity. The frieze either side is also marble as are the wall tiles. Where it came from I can’t tell you but there is no local marble.

_4113015_7_8_9_tonemapped_edited-1 I’ll save my favourite till last a superb painted ceiling.  This is the result of over thirty shots and six attempts. Still I have only half a ceiling and I still have lens flair. I’m glad I have a flair for something.

I’m happy with these which is a first for me. Plenty of room for improvement but a good hit rate with very little in the bin.

It’s now time to polish the van……..we have a famous visitor next week. More on that next week……….No it isn’t Uma Thurman. Did I say clean the van?…………I’ve another job to do first I’ve got a crossword and a couple of Sudukos. That’s three jobs, four with dog walking and five with cooking supper.

 

 

14 comments:

  1. Everything came together for you today Adrian. A superb set of photos, 'twould go towards making a great illustrated guide or history of the church.

    Not much to look at but the electronic church organs which have real sampled sound of a pipe organ sound superb, and they don't need expensive tuning.

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  2. John, it did come together. There is always a but. The but is I wish I had more patience. I've about solved the colour cast problem with HDR. I like tone mapping but it requires perfect multiple images. So that is tripod, mirror up and cable release.
    I'm happy with these.............I worry about over sharpening. The longest exposures here are over a minute, that picks up noise. I de noise the under exposed images in Raw converter. A lot of work but I'm happy or half happy.
    I love organ lofts.............and Belfrys! it's nay a proper church without them.
    If the church want the snaps they only have to ask.........they are free.

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  3. A beautiful set Adrian. I imagine a lot of work and effort, but the results make it all worthwhile.

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  4. A well produced sequence of shots....
    Churches offer a wealth of photographic opportunities.

    -Trevor

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  5. Keith, better than a day at the office or mill, it's only when I get back and post I see romm for improvement.

    Trevor, churches are just great.......every last one of them. Thank you.

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  6. You are a brilliant photographer. I love the ones you have done with a fisheye lens. And the ceiling, wow.

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  7. Bob, not brilliant but happy, if you look at the roof it appears to be a stencil job. I noticed that the first yellowish panel down to the left is different.

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  8. You inspire me with the interior of churches and your fish eye treatment is quite striking. I've never seen a spectacular ceiling like that for a long time and you may remember that I am a fan of door photography, this one is a beauty.

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  9. Jay, it's the buildings not me. I love this lens. So sharp right to the edges. How Zuiko do it I don't know. Nikon can do it as well. I almost missed the roof.......look up round and backwards is my new motto.

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  10. Spectacular, Adrian! The church must be huge. Lots to see!

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  11. Scrappy Grams, It's not a big church. The fisheye lens distorts perspective. It is a good church though.

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  12. Hi Adrian, I liked a lot the coloured-glas window

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  13. I love that you love churches!

    You know, I don't know how many times I've lurked outside a church wishing I could get inside when someone has come along with a key....makes me wonder sometimes!

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  14. Laura, so do I .I'm glad you enjoyed them too.

    Pauline, It was a coincidence.....a happy one. Churches are brilliant places and whilst photogenic I find them challenging. Mind I find tying shoe laces a challenge.

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