Church Interiors in Black and White

Thanks to all who entered the contest and for submitting such a wide range of high quality entries. From grand cathedrals and high symmetry to country churches and quirky viewpoints I hope that my top ten capture a sense of that variety.

My first placed entry is quite simply stunning and I admire in equal proportion the technical prowess of the photographer and the wonderful gothic architecture of the cathedral.

The monochrome conversion is crisp, the symmetry is perfect, the horizontals and perpendiculars are true and the detail is sharp from floor tiles through to the octagonal tower lantern.

Don’t view this image on an iPhone or iPad, find the biggest screen that you can, sit back and gaze in wonder.

Congratulations on your top placing.

What a strange combination of architecture this is with the modern geometrical lines of the organ dominating the classic curves of the arched windows behind..

It makes for an intriguing and eye-catching image.

Congratulations on your deserved top ten placing.

My second placed entry couldn’t be more different than the first. Gone the expansive gothic architecture to be replaced by an intimate study of a memorial sculpture.

The composition is good and the low contrast light and airy monochrome conversion suits the subject matter so well. I especially like the broken angel wing which breaks the perfection of the scene.

Well done on a beautiful entry.

Different again to my first, second and third placed selections..

The photographer has composed the scene to capture the symmetry of the architecture but it’s the unusual twin spiral staircases that originally caught, and still retain, my attention.

The inclusion of the figure is so important here, he grounds the image and provides a most useful sense of scale.

All in all a great entry ….. well done!!

Warning: Trip Hazard

Who on earth thought it a good idea to scatter pot plants along the cloisters?

Weird 😀

Cathedrals offer magnificent architecture and are a magnet for photographers but we mustn’t forget the quaint old country churches with their more austere interiors and air of quiet solitude.

This is a fine example of the latter and I especially like the composition with the foreground lectern and oblique rows of pews running across to the far archway. I know from experience that finding a decent viewpoint in such small spaces is not easy but this works well.

Congratulations on your top ten placing.