Church Sunlight ~ is Religious Light Different Light?
Is the Light in and Around Religious Buildings Different ?
It makes no sense scientifically but as I’m always looking for photographic opportunities I’m always looking at light.
See what you think of this photograph . . .
Photography is, of course, all about light, it makes or breaks a shot.
It can also be your enemy as well as your friend as depending on the direction it can make shots difficult at best or impossible at worst.
This was a tricky shot due to the light etc, it worked but just look at those rays of light . . .
Ray of Light
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Hopefully you can see what I mean now, the light I encounter in churchyards seems so often different to elsewhere.
If you have religious beliefs then there’s an easy answer . . .
Myself, I wonder whether it’s because everything seems different when you stand looking at an old church - I think it makes you think and feel differently.
Perhaps the fact you stand a look you’re more likely to see and experience things.
Perhaps the nature of a churchyard makes you aware of your own mortality which in turn makes you think deeper thoughts.
Whatever your personal beliefs I do believe that when people stand in wonderful spots such as above you do think and feel differently, things take on a different light . . . in some cases quite literally.
Philosophically yours,
Rod
v said,
January 10, 2013 @ 7:33 pm
A beautiful photo Rod, taken at a super angle; contrasting tree trunks and gravestones leaning in different ways. PLUS just a hint of old Celtic Sunburst crosses ( always appreciated TY ) Great composition. Much appreciated.
Religion -wise. It’s all a very private and personal thing. But in all my busy, hectic life over the years, daughter, infants’ teacher, wife, mother, business woman … church is the only place I have peace, quiet and ‘light ‘, time to reflect .
The rational part of me says it’s merely how the light catches the stone and the angles of the building. Whatever it is, I find it soothing.
Rod said,
January 10, 2013 @ 8:25 pm
V,
that’s a wonderful comment
church is the only place I have peace, quiet and ‘light ‘, time to reflect .
I can absolutely see that.
Whatever it is, I find it soothing
That nails it for me as well V, they really are very special places and well worth visiting and spending a few moments at, whether you believe or not
Best
Rod
V said,
January 11, 2013 @ 8:16 am
So true Rod.
You don’t have to believe to visit a church at all. In fact, people visit a church for many reasons, - social, loneliness, belief, unbelief, fear, refuge from stress, need for tranquility, peace, reflection, to feel closer to deceased loved ones.
On a personal level, I just find it to be that touchstone of serenity and light that is lacking amidst my daily toil. And when at one time, I was dealing with a cancerous mother, a dementia-ed father, infants’ teaching and motherhood to teenaged children, all at the same time, it was certainly my only hope to be honest.
Rod said,
January 11, 2013 @ 11:07 am
V,
I think there’s much in the tranquility of the surroundings that give rise to a sense of escaping for a little while.
Really appreciate the comments V
All the best
Rod