Stepped into a Painting

Stepped into a Painting, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

When Manny and I got out of the taxi that dropped us off at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., the sun was so bright and the sky was so blue it felt like we had stepped into a dream or a painting Mary Poppins style. After exploring the place and taking about a thousand photos, we decided to walk back outside and take a photo of both of us in front of the Cathedral. One day I hope he brings his kids here and remembers being here with me.

Where troubles melt like lemon drops

Where troubles melt like lemon drops, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Colored light beams find a resting place on one of the giant columns that support the roof of the National Cathedral in Washington DC.

All I want is a roof over my head

All I want is a roof over my head, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

On this visit to Washington D.C. I knew I wanted to return to the National Cathedral and take my nephew Manny with me. Like me, he was awed by the size and beauty of this amazing place. We did have to contend with one of the docents that obviously disagreed with the cathedral's policy allowing tripods. She looked at both of us with disapproval as we entered and reminded us of the rules that forbid the blocking walkways or fire exits. We dutifully avoided doing either but she kept an eye on us the whole time and commented to me that she couldn't understand why we needed to use a tripod in the first place. I tried to explain the purpose but seemed unconvinced.  I guess we just looked like wild renegade rule breakers! - Ten exposure HDR with the longest being 30 seconds.

Nave of the National Cathedral

Nave of the National Cathedral, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This vertorama was shot looking east to the main alter of the National Cathedral in Washington DC. The nave will seat about 3,500 people. The flags of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and US territories line either side of the nave. Even though we arrived early, I was surprised at how few visitors were in the Cathedral. The reflections of the stained glass that were being projected onto the limestone columns were amazing. I definitely want to visit again.

I did have to apply some geometric corrections to this image. My 14mm lens tends to distort and that distortion is exaggerated by panoramas and vertoramas.

National Cathedral and Gothic Archway

National Cathedral and Gothic Archway, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

I was immediately struck by 2 things upon entering the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.
First it's a huge space, probably the largest space I have ever stood in. Second the colored light streaming through the large open space was strikingly beautiful and ethereal.

While framing up this shot I decided to tilt my ultra wide angle lens a little to add a bit of interest. Not sure how well that worked out.

Cathedral Hallway

Cathedral Hallway, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The National Cathedral has lots and lots of little chapels and hallways. All of which were lighted beautifully by the abundance of stained glass windows.

Divine Illumination

Divine Illumination, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

We arrived at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. fairly early and the sun was still at a fairly low angle. Sunlight was casting beautiful colored light beams across the Cathedral's marble floors which are already quite striking. I was told by one of the priests that had we shown up a couple of hours later, the light changes quite a bit and is in no way this dramatic. I really want to return here the next time I visit.

Ethereal Light

Ethereal Light, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Amazing morning light in the National Cathedral in Washington DC. Kathy led me on a 2 mile, uphill death march from our hotel but wow was it worth it. There were very few people there, the light was amazing and best of all they allow tripods to be used inside!