How to Photograph La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and other Cathedrals
La Sagrada Familia is, in my opinion, one of the worlds most amazing places. All cathedrals are really, quite spectacular. They are always a beautiful example of fine architecture. From the spires and huge carved door ways on the out side to the amazing stained glass windows and marble work on the inside, they are a photographic dream.
Here is my 8 step guide to help you come away with some beautiful photographs that capture and tell the story of the cathedral.
1. Things Around and About Outside
Before you even get into the cathedral look for things to photograph out side. La Sagrada Familia is a working project so there is loads to photograph out side. The people working on the cathedral are very photogenic, really make up the story and help capture the wonder of La Sagrada Familia. There is usually things going on at every big cathedral, people selling things, tourists photographing the out side, birds feeding. Take a walk around the cathedral where people don’t usually take the time to go, photograph what you see.
2. Look For Stories
The carvings at La Sagrada Familia are very distinctive and are key to portraying the image of the cathedral. Look closely at carvings and tapestries and photograph the stories that they tell. Pick out stories that are familiar to you or scenes that you recognise.
3. Slow Shutter
Cathedrals are often dark, even La Sagrada Familia. A slow shutter can really work wonders. For really slow shutters you will need some way of steading your camera. A tripod is idea but some cathedrals don’t always allow. If your unable to get permission to use a tripod, try resting the camera on a chair to steady.
4. Photograph the Tourists
In La Sagrada Familia it can be hard to photograph anything with out getting another tourist getting in the way. Embrace them and use them in your photographs. Get creative with a slow shutter so the blur like ghosts. Photograph others photographing. Work with them and they won’t ruin, they’ll enhance your photographs.
5. Glass Windows
One of the most spectacular things in a cathedral are the stunning glass windows, something your can’t miss. Glass windows can be a bit tricky to photograph but remember these simple rules and you will get great results;
-Direct sunlight will mean uneven light, its best to photograph the window when the sun is not right behind it. (If direct light is pouring though the window, you should be able to get some great photographs of the different colours being reflected onto the floor)
-If your camera allows, use the exposure compensation feature. Between -5 and -1 should be perfect, experiment. This will insure that you get a good exposure from the window not the dark interior.
-Zoom in, and focus on a small detail. This will instantly give you more detail and you will capture more of the intricate detail
I will write more about photographing Stained Glass soon....
6. Look Up
This is so obvious people forget it! A great way to capture the brilliant celling of a cathedral is to sit in a chair and lean back. This I find is the easiest way to steady your camera and get really crisp shots. You may need to use a slower shutter speed as the light probably wont be great. Its best not to use the flash as the textures and arches of the celling will cause shadows.
7. If you can, Get to the top
I feel its essential to go up in one of the lifts at La Sagrada Familia, the photograph opportunities are endless. Climbing to the top of the cathedral means you can capture things at a completely different view. Not only can you capture the amazing steeples of a cathedral but also things on the ground. For example the floors of cathedrals are often quite spectacular and being up high means your able to get a great image of this. If you can, and your stomach allows, get to the top....you wont regret it!
8. Please Remember
Cathedrals are a place for worship and quite reflection. We should always remember this when inside, don’t use flash and its always best to check its ok before you start snapping.(Unless its already clear.) If there is a service is in progress I think its a good idea to come back as it wouldn’t be good to distract or disturb people.
I always think its a good idea to leave a small donation if there is a donation box. This helps to keep the Cathedral alive for more to photograph.
