Over Xmas I was visiting San Antonio and managed to visit all of the Spanish Mission churches that are maintained by the NPS down there. These churches are really interesting and have very distinct and simple architecture and details. We had really harsh light most of the time I was there with next to no clouds. But I still managed to take a few that I liked. This shot is from the back entrance to the Mission San Jose. You can see the rest of these here here.
Ebony SV45Te
Nikon 150mm W
Fuji Provia 100
RichieV
Posted by Doug Andrews on January 3, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Nice stuff Richard. I especially like the Mission Espada pic. Its got a nice Ansel Adams vibe to it. Not sure if that was intentional or not, but I like it nonetheless.
Posted by Adam Schallau on January 3, 2008 at 1:02 PM
You got some nice shots despite the conditions. I was also in S.A. over the holiday and had an afternoon to shoot Mission Concepción and San Jose. I plan to get back later this year to shoot them again. They really are very interesting with wonderful details.
Posted by John Klotz on January 3, 2008 at 1:04 PM
Very nice Rich! I take it NPS or the parish had no problem with you using a tripod mounted 4x5 camera? I have been stopped from using small cams on tripods on city streets in Los Angeles.
John
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 3, 2008 at 1:31 PM
All are very nice Richie.
Those missions are a fun place to shoot. Unfortunately my experience with the light has been similar to yours. The highlights off the bright limestone in sunlight are brutal.
John - No problem with tripod and 4x5. Heck - I have travelled around the world and only had one abbey in Italy where they threw me out - (luckily the film was already 'in the can' as it goes). That doesnt go to say that I like having somebody looking out for me. Especially when I have to go under the dark cloth to compose and focus.
Absolutely killer stuff, rich (no pun intended) with texture and detail. Must be that 65 megapixel upside down and backwards magic camera. I love the lead-in image!
Posted by Rene Pirolt on January 4, 2008 at 12:27 AM
Good stuff Rich - as always!
Posted by Nick Moore on January 4, 2008 at 9:19 AM
Amazing architecture!. You captured a really nice series of images, with interesting compositions throughout!.
Really nice gallery of images, Richie. The one above is stunning - the simple color palette allows the details and arches to standout, but there's enough hint of blue to compliment the warmer colors of the large arch and separate it from the background; it has a nice 3D feel to it.
Discussion
9 repliesEbony SV45Te
Nikon 150mm W
Fuji Provia 100
RichieV
John
Those missions are a fun place to shoot. Unfortunately my experience with the light has been similar to yours. The highlights off the bright limestone in sunlight are brutal.
John - No problem with tripod and 4x5. Heck - I have travelled around the world and only had one abbey in Italy where they threw me out - (luckily the film was already 'in the can' as it goes). That doesnt go to say that I like having somebody looking out for me. Especially when I have to go under the dark cloth to compose and focus.
RichieV