Composition: Make, don't take, the Photo!

My friends Rebecca & Rachael recently did Christchurch in a weekend. I love Rebecca's composition here in, I Shadow You. The darkness of the trunk takes the eye upwards and the leaves seem to circle round and draw you in to the shade or comfort of the tree. Makes me think, "I wanna climb up there!" Anyone can point a digital camera at a pretty scene these days. Not just anyone can compose; make a photograph rather than take a picture.




This image seems to draw down a curtain between the peaceful bliss of the river and the bustle of the city and whatever's going on in those buildings. The buildings are not far away, but seem so removed from the scene Rebecca captured.



A visit to Christchurch often includes at least being near the cathedral. Rebecca captured this perspective. I am glad she included the arch at the bottom pointing our eye upwards to the row of figures and then to the rosette window itself. The rosette design has a rich symbolic value including that of enlightenment. The lighting in this photo worked as it glows on surface design, but then lets the window glow on it's own with the fringes in shadow. Light, without shadow, is not fully appreciated.

Enjoy Rebecca's photos, but if you'd like more info on this particular window in the Christchurch Cathedral, read on.
The Rose Window: 25 feet in diameter, displaying a representation of cherubim, seraphim, virgins, virtues, powers, dominions, principalities and thrones adoring the Lamb of God, which is a traditional Christian figure for Jesus Christ. The stained glass was the gift of Mr and Mrs Leonard Harper, the Cathedral Guild defraying the cost of the stonework. The Mosaic panels in the centre of the arcading is the figure of Christ in the act of benediction.

The remaining mosaics represent the six works of mercy, feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, hospitality to the stranger, clothing to the naked, and visiting the sick and prisoners
(Matthew 25: 35-36). The panels are the work of Messrs Salviati and Co. of Venice.