The magic of candlelight

Last autumn an event popped up on the Southwark Cathedral website which piqued my interest - a candlelit photography evening. I assumed there would be at least some electric lighting so I was surprised to find the Cathedral entirely lit by candles - quite a photographic challenge. Fortunately tripods were permitted, so that made life easier and the slow nature of the photography did at least mean I would have a limited number of images to edit at the end of the evening!

There were only a few dozen of us taking photos so it was easy enough to keep out of each other’s way, and the gloom at the back of many of the scenes made it easier to camouflage the odd photographer who did walk into shot!

As I set up for the photograph below I was initially frustrated when the verger walked into the frame and sat down to check his phone. With hindsight though it’s actually my favourite image of the evening and I think he adds a welcome focus to the picture.

Candlelight reflected off parquet flooring.

Photographs taken 13 November 2024

On the Cathedral trail

Every so often I get the opportunity to visit an unfamiliar Cathedral, although I’ve been to so many this happens less frequently these days. Back in July my work took me to the midlands so this was the excuse I needed to visit Lichfield Cathedral for the first time.

Things began rather inauspiciously. As I walked towards the Cathedral I realised they’d erected a swathe of scaffolding around the spire. Not a wonderful sight, but it was raining and the skies were leaden so my chances of taking beautiful photos of the exterior were always going to be limited. As I walked towards the west door I was met by the Dean - what a lovely welcome. Sadly not - he was there to greet an incoming funeral! Although I was invited to sit and admire the nave during the service I politely declined and went in search of a cuppa.

An hour later I returned. The funeral party had departed and I pretty much had Lichfield Cathedral to myself - that’s exactly what I had hoped for! I spent a couple of hours exploring every corner of the building, looking sweeping architectural shots and smaller details too.

In the choir I sat quietly on a step, aiming my camera beneath the rope which closed the area off to the public. One of the vergers spotted me and asked if I’d like to go inside - an offer I wasn’t going to turn down! This is the photo I was taking at the time, but being allowed inside the choir gave me opportunities I’d otherwise have missed and I was grateful for the verger’s kindness.

Behind the high altar I discovered this wonderful crown hanging from the vaulting. I suspect the candles are electric rather than wax, but that doesn’t detract from the design.

The beautiful arched stained glass window in the north transept.

And yet more arches from around the Cathedral…

Photos taken 18 July 2023

A two church day - part two

Having explored St Mary Redcliffe fully I then wandered along the dockside to Bristol Cathedral, arriving as the light was just beginning to fade.

Rather than swapping lenses, here I chose to shoot with one lens which made me search for images which would work well at around 50mm. I may not have a comprehensive gallery of the Cathedral as a result, but I find this technique makes me look in a different way.

One of the interesting characters I found in the Elder Lady Chapel.

I’m fascinated by the animals I find at the feet of effigies on tombs. I’d love to know if there’s a reason why some have dogs, as here, while others have lions or other creatures.

Looking back into the choir.

The cloisters were particularly atmospheric, especially as the light began to fade.

A dramatically lit corner of the Norman Chapter House.

Photos taken 17 February 2023

In the footsteps of Peter Marlow

Some weeks ago I read about the work of the late photographer Peter Marlow, whose exhibition ‘The English Cathedral’ is now touring the UK. He visited 42 Cathedrals at dawn, making a photo facing east towards the altar, using a large format film camera. This was a sight I couldn’t miss, so my friend Peter and I visited St Paul’s Cathedral last week to see his photos and perhaps make our own photographic record of this dramatic building. The exhibition was wonderful, although it made us realise how few of our ancient Cathedrals have architecture which is truly symmetrical and properly aligned! Given the challenges of building a Cathedral today, never mind several centuries ago, that perhaps shouldn’t be a surprise but seeing these structures together, all photographed in the same way makes it more evident.

After we’d explore Peter Marlow’s photos we spent the afternoon exploring St Paul’s with our cameras, searching for interesting photographic compositions. Ironically, we didn’t actually take any photos looking east like Marlow did!

Sir Christopher Wren’s wonderful geometric staircase, as seen in the Harry Potter and Paddington films.

Photos taken 23 January 2023