Darcy Johnson
September 2023 - Westminster Abbey Nave
About the Image(s)
This image was taken a year ago. It is an iconic take of the gothic architecture and ceiling in the abbey's nave. The scene is so gorgeous and awe inspiring, I can't imagine who could resist taking this postcard shot. I adjusted for perspective, crop and exposure. Beyond those necessities, I didn't have to fiddle with much in post beyond sharpening and turning up texture a touch.
ISO 1400, 18mm, f4.5, 1/30sec
This round’s discussion is now closed!
12 comments posted
Well captured Darcy, the eye is drawn right down the length of the abbey to the stained windows above the altar the balance of light on the ceiling works well (as opposed to lighting from one side) with detail in the hung lights and ceiling depicts the architectural well. While the balance of lighting works well, a minor suggestion would be to brighten the stained windows marginally to assist with drawing the eye further into the image. Having been to Westminster I agree that it's hard to resist the photographic opportunities. Loverly architectural image Posted: 09/05/2023 19:01:48
Hi Tom - Good idea. I'll see what I can do to brighten those stained glass windows. Thanks! Posted: 09/11/2023 17:38:35
Hi Darcy,
A very nice image. I second Tom's comments and feedback. Thanks for sharing.
Best regards,
Greg Posted: 09/08/2023 14:20:51
A very nice image. I second Tom's comments and feedback. Thanks for sharing.
Best regards,
Greg Posted: 09/08/2023 14:20:51
Hi Greg - I'm glad you liked the image. Best - Posted: 09/11/2023 17:39:30
Love the clean perspective lines - beautiful shot! Posted: 09/12/2023 10:09:44
Hi Erin - I appreciate your commenting - thanks! Posted: 09/26/2023 13:34:26
Hi Darcy. this is a great architectural image and the perspective, and the parallel and receding lines really draw the viewer into the space. I especially love the progression of the chandeliers and the repeating arches of the ceiling. Although I feel that the image is great as presented, I tried a couple of edits out of curoisity, reducing the vertical exaggeration with the distort tool and darkening the stain glass windows a bit to show their color. It's included here just as a point of discussion, Posted: 09/12/2023 13:24:51
Hi Ingrid - Your approach and processing in post show a much cooler version of the abbey than mine. Perhaps a more realistic view as a result of typical weather when overcast as it pulls out the greys with an underlying green hue coming through from the stonework. I generally tend to warm up architectural images to a degree as I find them more inviting to the eye and in this particular case - was seeking an uplifting or maybe spiritual feel? Your reduction of the vertical exaggeration works nicely as does darkening the back to highlight the stained glass and draw in the eye.
Westminster Abbey has the highest nave of any Gothic church in England, and the nave is much narrower than any medieval English church of similar height. I was particularly drawn to the ceiling's architecture and hoped to capture the nave and chancel showing the vault's height in relation to the narrow width. In processing, I also hoped to show the contrast in the use of materials against the Purbeck marble piers and shafting. The reduction of the vertical exaggeration or highlighting of the stained glass didn't change my intent. Your processing though doesn't really highlight the piers as I would have hoped. Alllllll that said, your changes are remarkable effective and well done. Thank you for taking the time to process the image and make me think further about my intent and processing. Posted: 09/16/2023 21:32:44
Westminster Abbey has the highest nave of any Gothic church in England, and the nave is much narrower than any medieval English church of similar height. I was particularly drawn to the ceiling's architecture and hoped to capture the nave and chancel showing the vault's height in relation to the narrow width. In processing, I also hoped to show the contrast in the use of materials against the Purbeck marble piers and shafting. The reduction of the vertical exaggeration or highlighting of the stained glass didn't change my intent. Your processing though doesn't really highlight the piers as I would have hoped. Alllllll that said, your changes are remarkable effective and well done. Thank you for taking the time to process the image and make me think further about my intent and processing. Posted: 09/16/2023 21:32:44
Hi Darcy,
Greetings my friend.
An amazing Architecture image of an iconic interest. The composition and the lighting works well for the edition. Even though expecting details from the far visible window glasses are not practical. The overall image is fantastic and regal.
Thank you for sharing this amazing work.
Cheers.
Kamal. Posted: 09/19/2023 04:51:03
Greetings my friend.
An amazing Architecture image of an iconic interest. The composition and the lighting works well for the edition. Even though expecting details from the far visible window glasses are not practical. The overall image is fantastic and regal.
Thank you for sharing this amazing work.
Cheers.
Kamal. Posted: 09/19/2023 04:51:03
Hi Kamal - I know that my camera/lens can only do so much, but I hoped in processing to bring more of the colors from that stained glass. Thanks for providing your thinking on my efforts! Posted: 09/26/2023 13:43:00
Hi Darcy,
Welcome back!
What a beautiful architectural shot. I love the symmetry. The only thing I might suggest is to maybe lighten the shadows in the columns on the right just a bit.
Nice capture of a gorgeous building!
Karen Posted: 09/19/2023 19:34:55
Welcome back!
What a beautiful architectural shot. I love the symmetry. The only thing I might suggest is to maybe lighten the shadows in the columns on the right just a bit.
Nice capture of a gorgeous building!
Karen Posted: 09/19/2023 19:34:55
Hi Karen - I appreciate the suggestion on those shadows. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Posted: 09/26/2023 13:47:58