How to Photograph Cathedrals – A Step by Step Guide

Essential Gear for Cathedral Photography

To start shooting inside cathedrals, having the right gear is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Camera: Any digital SLR or compact mirrorless camera will work fine.
• Tripod: A tripod stabilizes your camera for long exposure shots. Keep in mind that some cathedrals may not allow tripods, so check ahead.
• Lenses:
  • A 24mm to 70mm lens works well for general shots.
  • A 16mm to 35mm lens helps capture wider angles.
  • A 100mm to 400mm lens is great for detailed shots of intricate designs.
  • A tilt-shift lens, like the excellent, and very sharp, Canon 24mm TS-E Mark II, is ideal for keeping verticals straight and avoiding converging verticals. 

Photographing the nave of a cathedral or church

The nave is the central part of any cathedral or church and a great place to start. Here’s how to get good shots:

1. Straight-On Shot: Position yourself at the back of the nave and take a shot looking straight down toward the choir. Use the floor tiles to help with alignment.
2. Side Angle: Move to the side aisles and shoot at an angle into the nave. This adds depth and perspective to your images.
3. Long Lens for Details: Use a longer lens to capture details like stained glass windows.

Exploring the Aisles of a cathedral or church

Aisles provide unique perspectives and highlight the architecture. Here’s how you can photograph them:

• Wide Angle Shots: Use a 24-70mm lens and shoot down the aisle to showcase the height and grandeur of the cathedral or church.
• Portrait Mode: Shooting in portrait orientation emphasizes the vertical lines and structure of the arches.

Photographing the Transept

The transept, where the nave crosses with the choir, can create striking images. Here’s how to approach it:

• Look Up: If you can’t get directly under the transept, take a shot from an angle with a wide lens like a 16-35mm. Make sure to capture the beautiful arches as they come together.
• Use Tilt-Shift: If available, a tilt-shift lens can help eliminate distortion and keep your lines straight.

Venturing into the Ambulatory

The ambulatory encircles the choir and is often more intimate. To capture it effectively:

• Tilt-Shift Lens: Use this lens for a better perspective. Adjust the lens to include the arches while keeping everything aligned.
• Wide Angle Shots: If you must use a wider lens, take care to correct any distortion later in editing.

Capturing the Choir

The choir of a cathedral or church often features stunning stained glass windows. Here’s how to shoot it:

1. Look Up: Position your camera to look straight up at the ceiling and windows. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full view.
2. Use Floor Tiles: Align your camera with the tiles to ensure your shot remains balanced and without distortion.

 Focus on Details

Don’t forget the small details. Look for:

• Capitals and Columns: These often feature intricate carvings that tell stories. A good example is the Basilica in Vezelay. The capitals in this stunning building illustrate the story of the bible as well as local stories.
• Ceilings: Unique designs can also provide beautiful focal points.
• Exterior Shots: If the conditions allow, capturing the cathedral’s exterior can also be striking.

Conclusion

Learning how to photograph cathedrals and churches is about more than just taking pictures; it’s about capturing the essence of these historical places. With the right gear and techniques, anyone can create stunning images. Take your time exploring, and always be on the lookout for the beauty in the details.