Wes Odell  

Painted church of Schulenburg by Wes Odell

March 2025 - Painted church of Schulenburg

March 2025 - Wes Odell

Original

About the Image(s)

In the “Pioneer era” of Texas when the roads in the winter were non-existent, the settlers who were farmers and were largely from Eastern Europe would spend their time “fixing up” their local parish buildings. These were typically one (religious) denomination villages so it was a real community effort.
These churches are referred to in Texas as The Painted Churches. Three hours south of Austin is a city named Schulenburg (School Place) where there are several small towns nearby with such parish buildings. As a result these are called the “The Painted Churches of Schulenburg” and are internationally recognized. This is one of them.
Converted with Nik Silver Efex and PSE Contrast. Plus a lot of dodging and burning because of all the light entering through the windows on the right and darkness on the left.

This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted

Ed Ogle   Ed Ogle
I absolutely love the symmetry of this image! I often strive to get symmetry this nice. I also like how you have processed this image, the contrast looks great. The one thing I would suggest is to copy the windows on the left to the right side to cover up the blown-out light on the right. I did a quick edit where I did that to show what I'm talking about. What do you think?   Posted: 03/06/2025 14:26:02
Comment Image
Wes Odell   Wes Odell
Good suggestion. I had not thought about doing it. I like it. Thanks and welcome to the Group.
In regarding to symmetry, a tripod helps. It gives you the opportunity to study your view finder and move about in a more structured manner. The tripod also helps when taking low light pictures like this one.   Posted: 03/09/2025 21:49:10
Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
Very beautiful subject matter, and you shot it carefully. I found it a bit too bright, but Ed has taken care of that with his suggestion.   Posted: 03/09/2025 22:22:55
Diana Magor   Diana Magor
These churches are beautiful and I like the symmetry as well as the contrast. I do use a tripod or else find I'm resting the camera on a pew and not quite getting it straight.
I have loads of similar shots taken in churches, usually in Sweden.   Posted: 03/11/2025 07:02:32
Tom McCreary   Tom McCreary
It is an interesting old church, and thanks for telling us about the church and the area. The symmetry is very good, and going to mono was good, as I think that the green carpet distracts in the color image. I agree with using a tripod, although I do not use one enough. I can handhold mine pretty well to get sharp images in building interiors, but they aren't as straight or as well composed as they should be. Using a tripod makes me slow down and look at the image better. I really like what Ed did to the image.   Posted: 03/11/2025 12:56:54
Wes Odell   Wes Odell
Right about "Ed's edits." I've never done a clone like that (of the windows) before, so I didn't even think of doing it ... Hurrah for DD32 and a "new guy."   Posted: 03/11/2025 15:25:30
Jennifer Doerrie   Jennifer Doerrie
I was not familiar with these "painted churches", so thank you for telling us about them. I, too, like the symmetry in your composition, and Ed's suggestion helps with the overly bright windows on the right side. While it's a bit of a shame to lose some of the color details in the stained glass and the figures on the altars, conversion of this image to monochrome is helpful to eliminate the distraction from the carpet and warm color cast, and was a good idea.   Posted: 03/31/2025 04:45:02
Wes Odell   Wes Odell
thanks, Jennifer.   Posted: 03/31/2025 12:37:43