OTTAWA PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER BLOG POST RYAN STUDIO /SERVING KANATA / NEPEAN/ STITTSVILLE / BARRHAVEN / MANOTICK / ORLEANS / PHOTOGRAPHY EDUCATIONAL ARTICLE “I RE-EVALUATED LUCENT” DURING ALTERNATE VISITATIONS INCLUDING “THE STILLNESS OF THE CHURCH FALLEN LIGHT”
OTTAWA PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER’S BLOG/ ARTICLE REVISION, BY OTTAWA PROFESSIONAL STUDIO PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER, JEFF RYAN / PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO SERVING, STITTSVILLE, KANATA, BARRHAVEN, ORLEANS, MANOTIC
“THE REFLECTIVITY OF CHURCH PEWS AND I DEVELOPED A HARMONY OF AFTERTHOUGHT, AS IT’S PATTERNS & LIFE LINES SLOWLY MEANDERED AWAY”.
OTTAWA PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Jeff Ryan/ RYAN PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
MARCH, 2021
It has long been a habit of mine over endless years upon entering churches, to not only examine the overall lighting characteristics of ambient light and in addition, reflections of stained glass patterns on church artifacts. I do this instinctively particularly in Ottawa’s Roman Catholic churches due to their ornate, and in many instances, historical characteristics. Days following an Ottawa wedding ceremony or other related religious event, draws me back to these holy sanctuaries out of deep respect while studying the constantly moving coloured collage of light, entirely distinguished in appearance.
One needn’t question the validity of known interpretations however all should be made aware that by “simply accepting the cosmetics” of a particular landscape or other related photographic material, suggests further clarification and a true understanding of artistry in your medium.
The silence of this enduring domain resided in me, and with that, such a thought provoking journey began. Quietly, reverently, visiting generations of areas in the cathedral invokes mental journeys into yesteryear equating similarly to my presence in the now. Lost or communal souls could be recognized but not heard from between my world and their place of residence. Stopping, studying, and embracing the quality of daylight sliding slowly across the pews, was similar to partaking in temporary vesper paced services, of earthly understanding.
As a photographer and teacher now determining a place of photographic residence within the shrine, I affixed my close up lens on my camera and began an exploration pertaining to angles of direct and oblique thoughtful light. The church pews, historical in themselves shone with a purification of light that is truly beside us always for those who recognize it. Rainbows of embellished colour, harmonious with the woodwork amongst me blended an orchestral symphony of ethereal notes only audible to the true. Deciding which positions to accurately create my imagery involved an additional visit to the church determining an a.m. or p.m. session due to the ever changing angle of the suns light. Afterwards, the decision was made and I elected to return during morning light. Light, resurrected from nightfall guides all people of vision to their truest attributes, comparable to accompanying a monsignor during a communion service or in a prayer books repository.
Dawning the same camera equipment as before, I welcomed my ever faithful tripod which unquestionably is a photographer’s finest friend regarding excellence in composition. Tripods assure all unwanted items that detract visually, will not hinder your carefully designed imagery. While photographing the early morning rays, it should be noted that the colour of morning light differs considerably from the light of later day. This became quite evident during my visit and one should adhere carefully to the quality of light which is forever changing. I have been asked frequently over many years if I use filtration to alter the characteristics of my subject matter, and in most instances I have not had the need to do so. How I choose to affect the end resulting image is by carefully altering exposure. Photographing church pews or stained glass windows cascaded with light often requires a slight decrease in exposure to further saturate these majestic colourings.
Once finalizing the recording of window reflections, I began a study of religious statues and determined they as well required an investment of thought as to accurately depict proper angles of light, similar to that which I create in my portrait studio.
As a photographer or individual of serious vocation, the endurance of time under most circumstances equates to a depth of purpose, sensitivity, and respect in oneself and vision. In my opinion, stepping into the realm of a church should humble a person strongly, causing an examination of conscience which has been deeply rooted in my photographic travels.
Consider for many souls, that the candle of life burns slowly in our provisional nature of existence. The temporary disillusionment of self will, like the maturing child, will one day know the amplitude of recognition in our gifted period of time. Your camera and lens reflects and becomes you. Such an extension of individuality and personal statement! No other existence can accurately afford the duplication of self.
Shine on continuously accompanied with forward momentum while holding the light of life as a visionary being. One who opens visual doors to the captive will eventually be freed. As a photographic artist interpret clearly that others during your walk who share your pleasures but distance themselves from your falls, shall forfeit their keys of questionable indifference at the gates of paradise.
With My Good Wishes,
OTTAWA PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER JEFF RYAN/ RYAN STUDIO OF PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY / IMAGING, OTTAWA / KANATA/ STITTSVILLE/ BARRHAVEN/ ORLEANS/ ONTARIO.
Email—jeffryan@storm.ca
www.jeffryan-photography.com
613.599.5363