Eglise Abbatiale Ste. Marie, Souillac (Lot)

Famous statue of Isiah to the right of the doorway.

You're right about the fame of that statue in art history, but because of that I would have concentrated on that (and the tympanum above the door). The rest of the church is rather disappointing IMO (been there too, BTW).

Have lots of pictures of the statue, but this has always been one of my favorite churches in the Dordogne, perhaps because of personal associations. I also loved the effect of the open door.

Dennis, I think that it is a splendid photo of this church (I was not there but seen some photos of it). Although the composition is classic the colouring and light are in my opinion just perfect. If you had focused your attention on the statue it would have been a different photo (which you have made anyway) and I fully understand why you have decided to show the whole church in your gallery. Its walls have beautiful creamy colour that appeals to all the Romanesque lovers ;-) . But seriously... this church has its history - we can recognize this both from the crackles in the plaster and from the organ which was added much later. It is an important place for many past, present and future generations, a monument that still lives. Your photo is full of nostalgy, it is a sentimental vision of this place, something that I am always after when I try to document how these interiors look using my camera. Unfortunately I did not have a chance to do it for quite a long time now so it is a real pleasure for me to look at your photos - the images that come straight from your heart. You just feel better being there and desire to come back as often as it is possible. Me too.

 

I am sorry that I still have not answered to your last e-mail but I have a lot of work this week and as english is not my mother tongue writing takes some time. I have many things to write - maybe I will write some of them under your comment to my "Architecture of silence". Best wishes, Michal.

... thanks, Michal. I look forward to reading more of your thoughts in the future. Do you know anyone else on Photo.Net that specializes in these kinds of shots. I am very anxious to see more, to photograph more, and to experiment. Tomorrow I go to Trinity Church in Boston to photograph panorama interiors. Will do wide bracketing and experiment with the HDR at the same time, will let you and Theo know how it goes, maybe post a shot or two in a new folder.

 

... Now, concerning your use of the English language. You shame many of us who are native speakers, Michal.

Dennis, I have not found anyone who specializes in the Romanesque or mediaeval architecture (apart from Theo) but many photographers shoot churches. Two names come to my mind at once: Marielou Dhumez and Colin Carron - they both have only a few photographs of that type in their portfolios but IMO these images are intriguing and inspirational.

 

Thank you for your compliment, I am trying to do my best :-) . Regards.