Behind the Lens: Autumn Light and Sacred Stones Durham Cathedral's "Risen"
Autumn Light and Sacred Stones
Autumn mornings in Durham carry a crispness in the air, the promise of cooler days, and a shift in the colors of the landscape. On this particular morning, I was at Durham Cathedral, determined to capture the moment the rising sun would illuminate the iconic structure in a way that had been on my mind for months. It was a moment I had been waiting for—the sun’s light filtering through the cathedral’s arches, framed perfectly against the last of the vibrant autumn leaves. I knew that today was the day. The following morning, those leaves would be gone, and I would have missed my chance.
The Location and Setup
Durham Cathedral is a place of timeless beauty, its medieval architecture standing strong against the changing seasons. I had visited the site many times in the past, but this shot was different. The cathedral’s grandeur, coupled with the autumn foliage surrounding it, required a unique perspective. I arrived early, knowing the sun’s trajectory through the arches was key to the composition. The trees surrounding the cathedral were bursting with color, but I also knew that today was the last day before the leaves would fall. The golden hues of the trees and the soft morning light had to come together in this one perfect moment.
I positioned myself to catch the first light of day, making sure the sun would rise through the cathedral’s arches in just the right way. As the minutes passed, I set up for the panoramic shot, carefully composing each image to ensure the full sweep of the scene would be captured. The pressure of time weighed on me, but I knew I had to get it right on this final day of autumn's color.
The Moment of Truth
As the sun began to rise, the cathedral slowly transformed. The light shifted, casting soft golden rays through the stone arches, highlighting the intricate details of the cathedral’s façade. The autumn leaves, still hanging on, caught the light, glowing in shades of amber, gold, and crimson. The moment felt fleeting, but I had planned for it. I quickly began shooting, capturing a series of bracketed exposures to ensure I captured every detail, from the soft shadows under the arches to the vibrant colors of the leaves.
The sun’s light hit the cathedral perfectly, and the trees seemed to glow, their colors amplified by the low, angled sunlight. It was everything I had hoped for—both the sun and the landscape were in perfect harmony. The feeling of witnessing this rare, fleeting moment made the long wait worth every second.
Reflection
As the sun continued to rise and the light began to change, I stepped back from the camera to take in the view. The autumn leaves, already beginning to drop, were now illuminated in their final moments before the cold winds would claim them. I felt a deep sense of accomplishment, knowing that the planning, the patience, and the timing had all come together for this one perfect shot. As I packed up my gear and left the cathedral, I was reminded of how powerful nature’s rhythms can be, and how photography allows me to capture those fleeting moments before they disappear.
Camera Settings
Panoramic Image- 36 images bracketed and stitched
Shutter Speed – 1/100
Aperture – f/84.0
ISO – 250