On this visit to the National Cathedral, I was decided to seek out different scenes and perspectives. I brought some additional lenses, including a 24 mm Tilt-Shift lens, and a 100-400 mm telephoto zoom lens to aid in this endeavor. The main space was also arranged differently this time, as all the chairs remained set up in rows, and all the state flags were still hanging on the nave walls. The sun light outside was more filtered by clouds, which often created softer colors in the cathedral.
I positioned a carving from the side of the main pulpit as a foreground element, with some stained glass light falling on the far wall around the state flags.
This shot of the nave was taken with a 24 mm Tilt Shift lens, which corrects for the perspective distortion caused by a wide angle lens by shifting the lens elements upward. As a result, the columns are straight and vertical, instead of tilting inward toward the center of the image. This image is straight out of the camera and has no perspective correction applied in post processing.
Beautiful color at the end of one of the hallways. This image was also taken with the 24 mm Tilt-Shift lens to keep everything straight and vertical.
We took advantage of the bright colors being projected on the wall to create a playful shadow for added interest. The photo was taken by fellow photographer Art Cole, while I was the shadow.
Intense colors from the windows illuminating the shadowy halls.
Colorful light creeping across the hallway floor.
I used a long zoom lens (100-400 mm) to compress this colorful scene composed of many arches in this hallway, each illuminated in different colors by the windows in the alcoves that separate the arches. One of the other photographers added an interesting silhouette as they were taking images in the hallway.
Another image in the nave using the long zoom lens to compress together the doorway, columns and ceiling arches, some of which were catching light from the stained glass windows.
Looking toward the back of the nave at the main altar through the choir section. The woodwork was exquisite and the ceiling was catching a wonderful glow from the window light.
A closeup of the incredible detail on the main altar.
Projected light on the wall above the altar.
Looking out toward the main space of the nave from the choir section.
Pipes from the organ in the choir section catching some stained glass light.
A close up shot of the intricate structure holding the organ pipes.
Another highly detailed altar in one of the smaller chapel spaces off the nave.