Shadow of the Crucifix

Posted by
Ian Bramham (Manchester, United Kingdom) on 19 March 2010 in Art & Design and Portfolio.

A B&W conversion and square crop of this record photo that I took a while ago of Liverpool sculptor Arthur Dooley's statue "Christ Risen" which is in the city's modernist catholic cathedral: http://ianbramham.aminus3.com/image/2009-07-06.html

The crucifixion shadow that the statue leaves on the cathedral wall is obviously central to the artists intent yet I could find no images on line showing it like this. Even the 'official' photos don't show the statue in this way which is a shame: www.liverpoolmonuments.co.uk/dooley/christrc01.html

NIKON D40 1/50 second F/5.6 ISO 200 75 mm (35mm equiv.)

Like what you see here and are interested in photographic composition?.....the blog section of my website now has a complete set of 5 articles covering my personal approach to the subject: Ian Bramham Photography - Blog

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Comments (20)

Alun from cheshire, United Kingdom

very good

19 Mar 2010 6:26am

@Alun: Thanks Alun!

John Leech from Grange-over-Sands, United Kingdom

Its one of those shots where you like the version you saw first better than the other. Having been a while since I saw this version, but being more familiar with the original, I am finding a different vibe in this. Much as I like the completeness of the light in the other, I do appreciate the power and directness of the square black and white. The best thing is that although they are essentially the same, they are so very different and well worth showing both ways - not as a comparison, but in their own right.

19 Mar 2010 9:39am

@John Leech: Hi John,

With the original photo there's vitually no post processing and I was bewitched by the beauty of the golden light coming through the stained glass windows of the cathedral and falling acroos the statue. As you say, time has allowed me to see it in a more objective way and I'm sure the composition in relation to the all important shadow is stronger on this B&W version.

Scene by Sharon Photography from Kingston, Ontario, Canada

very powerful!

19 Mar 2010 9:54am

@Scene by Sharon Photography: Thanks Sharon!

Albert Manso from barcelona, Spain

Strong image! Great shot!

19 Mar 2010 9:58am

@Albert Manso: Thanks Albert!

missparis from PARIS, France

Très belle lumière

19 Mar 2010 12:11pm

Michael Skorulski from Cigel, Slovakia

Highly unusual and very beautiful, Ian.

19 Mar 2010 12:50pm

Ian Smith from London, United Kingdom

So much impact in B&W - I think this should become the 'official' photo

19 Mar 2010 1:56pm

ARTURO LOPEZ from Toronto, Canada

Yes, very original photo...

19 Mar 2010 4:22pm

Anton from Manchester, United Kingdom

Very nicely done!

19 Mar 2010 5:39pm

LoulouPix from New York, United States

Very strong powerful picture. Really nice

19 Mar 2010 5:54pm

Chris from Seattle, United States

Lovely shot, and with such resonance. I love the contrast between the position of the arms in the shadow vs. the sculpture itself. Nicely done as always.

19 Mar 2010 6:17pm

Ted from South Wales, United Kingdom

I missed the original and have to say while I was drawn to this and its strong composition...I prefer the colour for its striking golden light and the way it falls randomly on the statue. Fascinating change of style...top drawer as always Ian!

19 Mar 2010 7:59pm

olivier Paillet from toulouse, France

Great shot !! Beautiful light and great compo with the shadow !

19 Mar 2010 9:36pm

MadScientist from Düsseldorf, Germany

A perfect capture which adds additional meaning to this powerful sculpture. Awesome!

20 Mar 2010 12:31am

Siguidine from Saint-Etienne, France

Wow, that's amazing! Very strong composition and quite funny too: looks like he shows us emergency exit :)

20 Mar 2010 9:26am

Marcelo Aurelio from Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain

Spectacular!

20 Mar 2010 10:02am

Ralph Jones from Detroit, United States

Fantastic B&W! Love the tone and texture in this.

23 Mar 2010 2:08am

steve-stefedesign from Liverpool, United Kingdom

Monchrome makes the staute beautiful......great lighting

23 Mar 2010 2:35pm

Francine from Buire le sec, France

Very good idea, I like the texture too.

31 Mar 2010 6:50pm

Magda from Vancouver, Canada

Excellent light and tones! Well done

6 Apr 2010 3:54am

next day →

NIKON D40
1/50 second
F/5.6
ISO 200
75 mm (35mm equiv.)

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