Perfect Poise, Perfect Life
Bring your body into balance and revolutionise your life
By Noel Kingsley
Publisher Hodder Mobius
AVAILABLE HERE
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A pause to contemplate
St Bartholomew's Church, Shapwick, Dorset
Having just returned from a weekend conference on church photography, I thought it appropriate that I share with you one of my recent images. This one was not taken at the weekend but a few months ago.
There is something wonderfully peaceful in churches and although I am not a religious man, I cannot help feeling a wonderful sense of calmness and tranquility within old churches. The atmosphere is a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of modern living. They are a 'sanctuary' away from life. Yet on crossing the threshold into a church by it's old doorway, we bring with us our own experiences from life into a space that invites contemplation.
It's a place where we can quietly ponder on our situation, our successes, troubles and sadnesses but also our joys. We can acknowledge where we are in our life, take stock and somehow feel strengthened with resolve that will support us when we leave. Someone said to me she hated churches because they reminded her of death. But while this may be true, the church is mostly about life, about how we cope with life, it is for the living to make more of it, to find contentment, happiness, joy. while also providing a means of coping with our memories of those who have left us. When light comes in through church windows, I feel a quietness that can be uplifting. This helps me find contentment, peacefulness and energy for my own life. I usually leave a church feeling lighter, calmer and happier.
Churches in England range from the modern to the ancient. many being close to a thousand years old. Stone slabs are worn away by thousands of feet, wooden benches or pews are polished by the million hands that have touched them. Some churches may be ancient, but they are also living places as used by parishioners over hundreds of years and who still do so. They are indeed living museums.
I do not photograph churches with regards to architecture. But I do love taking photographs inside churches, to capture the atmosphere, light and mood. In this Dorset village church we have a mix of old and new, the trappings of current living, yet they harmonise with the old, blending and fusing into a homogeneous whole that is individual in character.
Leica M6 camera with 50mm lens, tripod mounted, f11 at 30 seconds exposure. Delta 100ASA film rated at 50ASA and hand developed, printed on Ilford IV glossy fibre based paper.
