Photographing cathedrals
Feb 3, 2018 05:59:34 #
Spend time looking for huge buildings, so that you can get the feel of their size. I have attached 2 photos that I took in Italy, I use the Canon 70D and there fore I had to use much wider lens, but these are to give an idea of what you might see.
Ovieto
used a 10-18mm for this one
Feb 3, 2018 06:19:39 #
If you have a telephoto or tele zoom lens (70-300 seems to be a popular size these days) take that. Many details in the stonework high up are revealed, gargoyles on drainpipes etc. Also, many cathedrals were a major landmark of their time and were built with prominence in mind. Look for a few distance shots showing the complete building in the landscape.
Sadly, the inverse is true today - and with expanding development you might need a good wider angle to get close shots, one that will allow you to crop a decent fringe and 'lose' a lot of edge distortion. I wouldn't rely on processing tools to restore distortion on a full frame shot - it's just too hard to maintain proportion in my opinion, though you will be able to get a close approximation dependent on how long you want to faff about with it.
Finally, enjoy your hols.
P.S. To make the most of a holiday like this with a specific intention in mind might I suggest one of those sites that suggest locations for specific photos (haven't got one in mind) or a little research with google maps and Streetview.
Sadly, the inverse is true today - and with expanding development you might need a good wider angle to get close shots, one that will allow you to crop a decent fringe and 'lose' a lot of edge distortion. I wouldn't rely on processing tools to restore distortion on a full frame shot - it's just too hard to maintain proportion in my opinion, though you will be able to get a close approximation dependent on how long you want to faff about with it.
Finally, enjoy your hols.
P.S. To make the most of a holiday like this with a specific intention in mind might I suggest one of those sites that suggest locations for specific photos (haven't got one in mind) or a little research with google maps and Streetview.
Feb 3, 2018 06:49:17 #
Take an 18-200 or similar for exterior and interior since you will want the big picture as well as close ups of details. A 24-70 or similar will disappoint you - those spires are a long distance away. I carried my P900 to Barcelona in 2016, photographed the Familia Segrada and used most of its range. PS forget the tripod but a monopod is nice to have.
Feb 3, 2018 06:58:05 #
Whatever equipment you take, make sure you visit Wells, Gloucester, and Worcester[ pronounced 'gloster' and 'wuster'].
Durham is a 5 hour drive North, but you will be glad you went!
I do suggest a light tripod, a bean-bag or similar, and a remote release.
Durham is a 5 hour drive North, but you will be glad you went!
I do suggest a light tripod, a bean-bag or similar, and a remote release.
Feb 3, 2018 07:05:57 #
John Battle wrote:
I'm fairly new to DSLR photography. My daughter and I plan to visit England for 3 weeks in June/July, and would like to get some great pictures of the splendid cathedrals there, both inside and out. I now have gotten a Nikon D750 and their 24-70 zoom lens. Would some of you who are more experienced suggest any other lens or lenses to get prior to our trip?
I have found with cathedrals for me a wide angle works very well 10-18mm. Many are very difficult to back up away from. Interiors also need a WA to get good interiors.
Obviously the best lens would be the Canon Canon TS-E 17mm f4 L for Nikon the choice would be the PC 19mm lens. For travel and portability though, these are cumbersome choices thus the recommendation of the 10-18mm range.
Allow extra space at the top and a bit on the sides for PP where the tilt can be corrected to your liking.
The 24-70 is very useful as well for many more detailed shots of the architecture.
I have found the 100-400 very useful for some of the high details in the architecture that 99% of the tourists and pros totally miss taking. These details are very fascinating and can make for a memorable set of the building that will be totally unique and separate your shots from the billions of me-too shots that bore the heck out of us from pros and tourists. Keep an eye out for nooks and crannies and details in the cathedrals. Enjoy your trip and look for those things all others are missing, wander the grounds like the Winchester Cathedral and there are some beautiful shots from non-traditional points utilizing brick walls etc. for composition.
I found the Canterbury Cathedral also wonderful with the courtyards etc. when I went there to meet the Archbishop for a matter and dispensation.
Again take your time, wander and explore and you will be surprised at the unique things you can see and photograph.
Feb 3, 2018 07:19:58 #
John Battle wrote:
I'm fairly new to DSLR photography. My daughter and I plan to visit England for 3 weeks in June/July, and would like to get some great pictures of the splendid cathedrals there, both inside and out. I now have gotten a Nikon D750 and their 24-70 zoom lens. Would some of you who are more experienced suggest any other lens or lenses to get prior to our trip?
If these are popular tourist attractions, you might not be allowed photography. If some of these happen to have a website, you might get info there on allowed photography, tripod, and flash. Visiting Italy once, I found that some allowed photography, others did not, and none allowed flash. Good luck and look forward to seeing the photos!
Feb 3, 2018 07:22:03 #
Lincoln is also good to visit. There is plenty to see. Tripods are ok. You may be asked to make a contribution to upkeep of the cathedral, but it is good value I believe. You may be able to go up on the roof or up the tower if you are there at the right time.
You could also visit the castle which is close to the cathedral. Maybe you can see the copy of the Magna Carta.
Steep Hill is also quite picturesque. It lives up to its name.
If you are staying in the area you might visit Newark. There is a large market square with the town hall facing onto it. Market days are Wednesday and Saturday.
The parish church is worth seeing too.
Enjoy your visit, wherever you go.
You could also visit the castle which is close to the cathedral. Maybe you can see the copy of the Magna Carta.
Steep Hill is also quite picturesque. It lives up to its name.
If you are staying in the area you might visit Newark. There is a large market square with the town hall facing onto it. Market days are Wednesday and Saturday.
The parish church is worth seeing too.
Enjoy your visit, wherever you go.
Feb 3, 2018 07:27:02 #
John Battle wrote:
I'm fairly new to DSLR photography. My daughter and I plan to visit England for 3 weeks in June/July, and would like to get some great pictures of the splendid cathedrals there, both inside and out. I now have gotten a Nikon D750 and their 24-70 zoom lens. Would some of you who are more experienced suggest any other lens or lenses to get prior to our trip?
John, I think that you must have a 24-70 2.8 as I am not aware of any other F stop made in that size. I had a D810 and that lens and for most of my trips it never left the camera. It is relatively fast so you can handhold it in any situation, it is wide enough at 24 to get all the shot in, and the short tele at 70 will get you up close for most city shooting. Don't even think of another lens. Just go practice with that one, and have fun in Merry Olde'. There are some members here that may be able to give you local insights into what you would enjoy the most. Watch for their posts and reach out to them.
Dick from Nashville.
Feb 3, 2018 07:29:28 #
John Battle wrote:
I'm fairly new to DSLR photography. My daughter and I plan to visit England for 3 weeks in June/July, and would like to get some great pictures of the splendid cathedrals there, both inside and out. I now have gotten a Nikon D750 and their 24-70 zoom lens. Would some of you who are more experienced suggest any other lens or lenses to get prior to our trip?
A lot of these building do not allow flash. A fast lens might something to bring. My last trip to Italy I had a 50MM 1.4 Nikon and took some very nice interior pictures. After post-processing and cropping, they looked very good.
Feb 3, 2018 07:47:21 #
John Battle wrote:
I'm fairly new to DSLR photography. My daughter and I plan to visit England for 3 weeks in June/July, and would like to get some great pictures of the splendid cathedrals there, both inside and out. I now have gotten a Nikon D750 and their 24-70 zoom lens. Would some of you who are more experienced suggest any other lens or lenses to get prior to our trip?
Get a wide lens also. If money is plentiful you should get the Nikon 14-24 lens. If that one is too expensive you could go with the Samyang 14 mm 2.8 lens. That lens is excellent but manual focus so if that is new for you it would be good to get it in time so you can practice with manual focusing before you leave for the trip.
Feb 3, 2018 07:55:14 #
Something to think about- I noticed that carrying and setting up a regular sized tripod in the middle of a large mission church (similar to a cathedral) with many other tourists there besides me was awkward. If you set is up in the aisle you are in the way of others. And guaranteed someone will stand right in front of you! It you try to set it up in the pews often the tripod is too big to spread out to give an effective stable platform (to get the height you need) And yet with the traditionally low lighting some sort of stabilization is needed.
Something that clamps to the back of a pew would be the most helpful giving you a central position to take the photo. And it would be easier to transport than a regular tripod.
What do others do inside crowded areas?
Something that clamps to the back of a pew would be the most helpful giving you a central position to take the photo. And it would be easier to transport than a regular tripod.
What do others do inside crowded areas?
Feb 3, 2018 07:57:39 #
John Battle wrote:
I'm fairly new to DSLR photography. My daughter and I plan to visit England for 3 weeks in June/July, and would like to get some great pictures of the splendid cathedrals there, both inside and out. I now have gotten a Nikon D750 and their 24-70 zoom lens. Would some of you who are more experienced suggest any other lens or lenses to get prior to our trip?
If you are shooting inside photos of the stained glass windows, make sure to use manual exposure, as the auto systems will try to make the windows plain. Ask me how I know this....!
The 'rose' windows in Westminster Abbey and Durham Cathedral (at least) are just *spectacular*...
Feb 3, 2018 07:57:59 #
It's hard to beat the 24-70. However for general travel going light weight is a bonus. With that said, my choices would be the 17-35 2.8, 24-85 vr. The 17-35 will do everything you would want in tight quarters. The 24-85vr is light weight and does excellent work. Weight when traveling is a factor.
Feb 3, 2018 08:01:09 #
John Battle wrote:
I'm fairly new to DSLR photography. My daughter and I plan to visit England for 3 weeks in June/July, and would like to get some great pictures of the splendid cathedrals there, both inside and out. I now have gotten a Nikon D750 and their 24-70 zoom lens. Would some of you who are more experienced suggest any other lens or lenses to get prior to our trip?
I think you have a near perfect combination camera /lens combo in what you have. Instead of more lenses I suggest adding some filters - a CPL and/or a GND would be good to bring up the sky. Towering steeples tend to blow out skies. If you are bringing a tripod consider a 6 or 10 stop ND filter for dramatic clouds. When shooting interiors without a tripod, try 'clamping' your grip to a column or end of a pew. You can make a pretty effective tripod by kneeling and wedging your butt against the seat with your elbows resting firmly on the seat back.
Do some research on the best way to shoot stained glass windows.
Most of all enjoy the trip and post pics when you get back.
Feb 3, 2018 08:08:59 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
John Battle wrote:
I'm fairly new to DSLR photography. My daughter and I plan to visit England for 3 weeks in June/July, and would like to get some great pictures of the splendid cathedrals there, both inside and out. I now have gotten a Nikon D750 and their 24-70 zoom lens. Would some of you who are more experienced suggest any other lens or lenses to get prior to our trip?
When I used to carry DSLR's on vacation's with me I took two lenses and my D7100. My lenses were the 18-200 and the 10-20, both Nikon's. I found the 10-20 great for interiors and the 18-200 for everything else. IMHO, your lens at 24mm would be find for interiors but not long enough for me anyway outside. And that lens can get heavy carrying it around all day, not to mention calling attention to your self unnecessarily,especially in London where many pick pocks live, work, and look for tourists.
That's why now I carry two Sony pocket camera's with me in belt loops. They are out of the way, I can move around easily and get almost any shot I want. The HX90V with the 24-720mm Zeiss lens and the Sony RX100M2 28-100 1.8mm Zeiss lens that also has a hot shoe for my big Sony flash.
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