Knowing where to be and when to be there is often the key to a special image. Most of the time the “when” is hard to know in advance. But one opportunity that occurs like clockwork every year is the phenomenon known as “The Christmas Angel” at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.
At the back of the Cathedral (opposite end from the entrance, known as the apse), high on a wall, there is a row of statues of angels spaced at regular intervals. The statues are not particularly remarkable because they are in the shadows and one would not normally notice them. But there is one statue that becomes a major attraction for a few minutes each day in the months of November and December. A stained glass window high on the opposite wall is perfectly located to allow a shaft of light strike the back wall of the nave at midmorning.
Photographed at 10:41 AM
The image above shows the light striking the wall to the (photographer’s) left of the statue, which is hardly visible.
Photographed at 11:21 AM
Thirty minutes later, the light has moved to the right and begins to illuminate the statue. By 11:20 AM the statue is fully illuminated and will remain that way for about five minutes.
Close-up photographed at 11:22 AM
After a few minutes the light begins to disappear as the sun moves out of position. See the image below.
Photographed at 11:43 AM
By 11:40 AM, the light was essentially gone.
Keep shooting….
This is lovely, Robin – and it also shows, as you discuss, the importance of timing!
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Thanks, Joan. A fellow photographer suggested we go down today and I knew it was time for the Christmas Angel so I thought it could be good. It also gave me a chance to check on the repairs from the 2011 earthquake. They seem to be making good progress; the netting in the sanctuary has been removed so there are no problems shooting inside. Still some scaffolding on the tower, however.
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Thank you for this post … it was just what I needed today!
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Thanks so much. I’m glad you liked it and thanks for visiting.
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Fantastic images, quite magical, and an important lesson in patience.
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Thanks, Laura. I’m pleased you like the images.
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I am so curious how did you find out about this? It’s amazing! Thank you!
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Thanks, Helen. As you know, I have been roaming around the city of Washington for a number of years looking for photographic opportunities. I found early on that the National Cathedral is far more tolerant of photographers with tripods than most places. During one of my visits several years ago, a docent who leads tours mentioned to me the story of the Christmas Angel and I returned as soon as possible to photograph it. Since then, I have photographed it several times, but today the clear skies looked really good for another go at it.
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Robin, this is beautiful! What a treat to see the illuminated angel. You have such amazing information about what and when to shoot, and you’re so generous in sharing your info. Thanks so much for that 🙂
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Thanks, Stacy. You are very kind. Although I already knew about the CHristmas Angel, today’s session was suggested by another photographer colleague. She has an idea for an evening shoot that sounds really good. If we figure out how to pull it off, I’ll touch base with you.
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Thanks, Robin, that would be wonderful!
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Well, we made a run at that idea I mentioned above which was to photograph the White House Christmas Tree from the top of the Washington Monument. My colleague (Michele, who was on the Iceland trip) had the idea and it would have worked had the guards let us stay another 15 minutes. Still a bit too bright to get the night twilight. Curses, foiled again by the tripod police (and we didn’t even have tripods).
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Great image Robin! Michele
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks, Michele. And thanks for setting today’s session up. It great going back to the Cathedral again. Looking forward to seeing what you captured.
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Great lesson in timing. Lovely images.
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Thanks very much.
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Beautiful photos especially the fully illuminated one. So lovely to see as I sip my tea on a chilly Sunday morning.
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Thanks very much, Patti. Glad you enjoyed it. By the way, I liked your latest post on Oak Hill Cemetery very much. Haven’t been over there yet, but it’s on my list now.
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What a great lesson. Last month we were traveling home when golden hour was fast approaching. We pulled off at the next exit and started exploring. We cam away with some of the best photos of my brief life. Timing is, indeed, everything!
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Thanks, Emilio. That was a real stroke of luck to find something like that. It doesn’t happen often, at least for me.;-)
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Absolutely gorgeous! I love the color light-play in the first 3!!!
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Thanks, Denise. The National Cathedral is full of photographic opportunities, but the best times are during the late- November to mid- January period.
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I couldn’t resist a Christmas angel, Robin! Very best wishes for the festive season and 2016 🙂 Many thanks for your visits to mine.
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Thanks, Jo. I’m glad you liked it and thanks for your visits here. It is always good to hear from you. I hope you have a happy holiday season and I look forward to seeing more of your excellent posts in the coming year.
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