I loved this interior architectural photography assignment: to capture the fabulous interior restoration of Immaculate Conception Cathedral in downtown Lake Charles!
I was contacted by a quite impressive business from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who specializes in these specialized efforts. They asked if I would photograph their recently completed work done at our downtown Lake Charles catholic church, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. I was thrilled, as I've witnessed the restoration efforts from afar being a fellow downtown neighbor.
Their shoot list was simple, though it proved to take much longer than expected to capture these images of the interior, as there was still much renovating occurring in the adjacent areas as well as outside. Because of this, there were a few times when a neon safety vested worker would walk right through the shot, unbeknownst to me for a few seconds. (It's a long stretch from the very back to the front, even in the camera!) A few local parishioners came in to pray, thinking they weren't in the camera's way, and for most of my time there, immediately next to my tripod and me on the stepladder, there was a guy installing something that took quite awhile and was very loud (ha) in the back confessional. All the while, sounds of hammering and drilling coming from the Sacresty behind the altar. Perhaps my joy of the results is somewhat tied into my love of the seemingly peaceful look of the final images! #gottalovephotography
I wanted to appropriately balance the mixed light sources, without adding any lighting of my own. Per the client's request, it was to be photographed in it's natural lighting. Thus, we had a mix of ambient temperatures coming from their brand new LED chandeliers (molded to replicated perfection!), the various spotlights throughout, as well as the sunlight coming through the stained glass.
Equipment used:
- My faithful, super sturdy tripod maxed out in it's height of about 8 feet
- Nikkor Tiltshift lens
- stepladder
- Case Air wireless tethering system connected to my iPad Pro (for shake reduction for long exposures)
I love how the finished product turned out and I was thrilled to receive wonderful feedback from our clients, Conrad Schmitt Studios!
(In business since 1889, Conrad Schmitt's portfolio is worth checking out!)
For more information on the restoration efforts and the completion of this project, including some neat information on the Latin verbiage that's now in gold on the walls and ceilings, check out this article and video clip from Theresa Schmitt with KPLC TV!
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