BLOG

Capturing Cathedrals

Christopher Frost

Photographer from England

Capturing Cathedrals

 

 

 

Cathedrals are majestic and highly photogenic buildings, offering opportunities for practicing photography from all different angles and with all different kinds of lenses. They are central places of Christian worship and can be found in most countries across the world, and the most ancient are found in countries across Europe. When you first walk through the door of a major Cathedral, it can be hard to know where to start with your camera: no one picture can capture the vastness, intricacy, and active life of such a place. But if you give yourself time, and use your imagination, then you can discover nooks and crannies which others might miss, and capture images which convey the atmosphere and examine the details that might be hidden away in plain sight.

 


 

 

 

 

Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 EF lens, f/5.6, 1/10 sec, ISO 800, Sony a7R II camera.

Cathedrals find themselves bathed in different colours and varied shadows and light in different areas of the building, which you can see in the above picture. By shooting with an ultra wide-angle lens you can capture this unique characteristic of them - their broader story - while also presenting the viewer with the smaller details. St David’s Cathedral, Wales, UK.

 

 


 

 

 

 

Samyang XP 14mm f/2.4 lens, f/4.5, 1/15 sec, ISO 400, Canon EOS 6D camera

An ultra-wide angle lens, shooting at a dramatic angle of view, will capture lines, perspectives, and light sources, all in one shot – no typical kit lens that comes with a camera will be able to take such a broad image as this. Different times of the day will bring different shadows and colours into the building, and if your camera has good dynamic range, then you can bring down the highlights in your picture to pull out details and colours in the stained-glass windows. Llandaff Cathedral, Wales, UK.

 

 


 

 

 

 

Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 EF lens, f/4, 1/10 sec, ISO 1600, Sony a7R II camera.

Look up! Cathedrals have intricately-designed ceilings, even within the dizzying heights of their own towers. St David’s Cathedral, Wales, UK.

 



Cathedrals may be vast and impressive buildings, but they often have smaller areas and chapels which are a sanctuary for people who are coming to find a little space to be by themselves, to seek God. Sometimes ancient artefacts and memorials are kept in these smaller spaces of quiet – even in the hidden areas, there is plenty to see.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 EF lens, f/5, 1/30 sec, ISO 1600, Sony a7R II camera.

A quiet, peaceful corner. A lot of medieval churches and Cathedrals have slightly lop-sided architecture in their oldest areas. This gives them character, but makes them tricky to photograph. St David’s Cathedral, Wales, UK.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 EF lens, f/2.8, 1/30 sec, ISO 800, Sony a7R II camera.

Even in the smaller spaces, light and shadows dance across the pews and the stone floor to draw out patterns which leap out in atmospheric black and white pictures. St David’s Cathedral, Wales, UK.

 

 


The bigger picture of a Cathedral is vast - but you can always zoom in to capture the many details that make up the buildings. There are statues, tiny details in stained-glass windows, symbols, metalwork, and special woodwork – each detailed object has its own story to tell. It’s not just ultra wide-angle lenses which thrive in a Cathedral setting – short and long telephoto lenses can be very effective at finding objects of interest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samyang 85mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC lens, f/1.4, 1/80 sec, ISO 400. Canon EOS 6D camera.

The 85mm f/1.4 lens used here has isolated the beautiful details in these posts, giving plenty of background separation (and shooting at f/1.4 brings you enough light to get a sharp picture handheld - many Cathedrals do not allow photographers to use tripods, without special permission). Some parts of this Cathedral haven’t been dusted in a little while! The buildings are very costly to maintain. Llandaff Cathedral, Wales, UK.

 



 

 

 

 

Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 EF lens, f/3.5, 1/25 sec, ISO 1600, Sony a7R II camera.

…but if you own an ultra wide-angle lens with a close minimum focus distance, even they can capture smaller details, while still taking in the bigger picture. St David’s Cathedral, Wales, UK



 

Wander outside of the Cathedral building, and you will find plenty of arresting views, and parts of the building to see and pick out - especially if the weather is right. Different Cathedrals will offer different opportunities here. Again, an ultra wide-angle lens or a tilt/shift lens will be most helpful for you in shooting any large building. A wide-angle lens will be especially helpful if there are a large number of tourists in the area: you’ll be able to get close enough to the building to avoid capturing them in your shot, while still fitting in the whole building. But you can also use a telephoto lens to capture more details on the outside of the building itself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 EF lens, f/7.1, 1/250 sec, ISO 500, Sony a7R II camera.

St David’s Cathedral in Wales, UK, is a huge centre of worship  however, it’s overlooked by a fortified hill, which offers a unique opportunity to get a picture of the whole Cathedral while also capturing the surrounding countryside. Again, an ultra wide-angle lens was needed to get this picture – it was not possible to stand any further back from the Cathedral building.

 



 

 

 

 

Samyang 135mm f/2 lens, f/8, 1/800 sec, ISO 100, Canon EOS 6D camera.

Cathedrals have surprisingly detailed architecture to discover when you zoom in closely to take a look. Llandaff Cathedral, Wales, UK.


  

 

Cathedrals continue to be awake and alive at night-time, particularly when a service is taking place. After visiting a service, spend some time outside while the lights are still on, to see lights and colours dramatically shining through the windows into the night sky – with more photographic opportunities.

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Samyang 12mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS Fisheye lens, f/5.6, 2.5 secs, IS 800, Canon EOS 6D camera

Light pours out of a side chapel at night. The distortion of this fisheye lens lends a strongly dramatic touch to the unique architecture. Llandaff Cathedral, Wales, UK.

 

 

 

 

We noticed that you are accessing from United-States of America.

If you're looking for another location, please select your location.

Country/ Region
Online shop
GO
Newsletter Feedback Shop
Now

Samyang’s Guide to Achieving the Optimal Angle of View

The perfect spacing and distance are always necessary when shooting all kinds of subjects, including people, to give them a proper relationship with the beautiful space around them. So, what’s the exact distance that helps you best appreciate a work of art, or a photo?

The correct answer is the diagonal length of the full frame of a subject.

표준화각 자료 이미지
표준화각 자료 이미지

The best standpoint from which to appreciate the full view of a subject is the distance of the diagonal length of the subject frame. This wider angle is superior to standing closer at a 50 degree angle to get a more detailed view. This notion of an ideal distance or view point is also applicable in the world of photography.

For still images, keeping a distance equal to the diagonal length of the full image surface is recommended. The full frame sensor of a digital camera is 36 x 24mm and the diagonal length is 43.26mm so any distance close to this number is nearer to the ideal than the currently accepted industry standard of 50mm.

Back when film cameras were common, 45mm was the industry standard and this continued as reflex cameras needed extra space to fit a mirror. However, as mirrorless cameras become more popular again, there has been a need to return to this industry standard…which is the impetus for the Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 FE. With less distortion than a 35mm lens and wider angles than a 55mm lens, the Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 FE is a perfect lens for portraits, landscapes, architecture photography, and pictures of pets.

What is Preset Aperture Control Function?

On the Preset Aperture Control function, the aperture blade operates smoothly like a "De-clicked lens", which is advantageous for video recording.
Fujifilm cameras are engineered to control the aperture according to the minimum exposure value(F-stop), so when the camera controls the aperture, it blinks momentarily to set the proper exposure.

AF 75mm F1.8 X intentionally disconnects the communication with the camera body and the lens itself on the Preset Aperture Control function, so it is possible to smoothly adjust the exposure without flickering. ISO and shutter speed are adjusted according to the changed exposure by controlling the aperture, so the exposure value can be changed even with the 1/2 F-stop.

What is Preset Aperture Control Function?

On the Preset Aperture Control function, the aperture blade operates smoothly like a "De-clicked lens", which is advantageous for video recording.
Fujifilm cameras are engineered to control the aperture according to the minimum exposure value(F-stop), so when the camera controls the aperture, it blinks momentarily to set the proper exposure.

AF 75mm F1.8 X intentionally disconnects the communication with the camera body and the lens itself on the Preset Aperture Control function, so it is possible to smoothly adjust the exposure without flickering. ISO and shutter speed are adjusted according to the changed exposure by controlling the aperture, so the exposure value can be changed even with the 1/2 F-stop.

What is Recommended Settings for Preset Aperture Control Function?

The Preset Aperture Control function operates only when shooting video(Movie mode) and the focusing mode of the camera is set to AF mode. Please set the aperture at f/1.8 before switching the "Custom Switch" to "Mode 2. It is recommended to set the "Exposure mode" as A mode (Aperture Priority AE) or M mode (Manual Exposure).

* How to use the “Preset Aperture Control” function?

1) Camera Body Setting
      AF Mode → Video Mode ('A' or 'M' mode) → Set the Aperture @F1.8
(2) Lens Setting
      Switch your "Custom Switch” to “Mode 2(M2)"
(3) Now, you're ready to use the Preset Aperture Control function with your focus ring

What is Recommended Settings for Preset Aperture Control Function?

The Preset Aperture Control function operates only when shooting video(Movie mode) and the focusing mode of the camera is set to AF mode. Please set the aperture at f/1.8 before switching the "Custom Switch" to "Mode 2. It is recommended to set the "Exposure mode" as A mode (Aperture Priority AE) or M mode (Manual Exposure).

* How to use the “Preset Aperture Control” function?

1) Camera Body Setting
      AF Mode → Video Mode ('A' or 'M' mode) → Set the Aperture @F1.8
(2) Lens Setting
      Switch your "Custom Switch” to “Mode 2(M2)"
(3) Now, you're ready to use the Preset Aperture Control function with your focus ring

[What is Dolly Shot? How to Shoot Easily]

[What is Dolly shot?]

A dolly shot, also referred to as a tracking shot or trucking shot, is a camera movement technique used by cinematographers to track and follow a subject in motion. To achieve this, the camera is mounted on a device called a "dolly," which facilitates smooth tracking movement. The dolly can move in front of, behind, or alongside the subject, which can be a person, a location, a product, or any other object of focus in the frame. Through this, you can control the emotional distance between the subject and the viewer by highlighting the audiovisual and dramatic effects.

[How to take a Dolly Shot simply by handheld]

Tip. If the moving distance is long, the camera may shake, so please shoot at a focal length between 35 and 100mm.
1. Stand at a distance of about 1.5 to 2 meters away from the subject.
2. Set the custom switch to MF and Mode 3 and adjust the focal length to about 100mm.
3. After focusing on the subject, set the aperture to F8~16.
4. Slowly turn the zoom ring to the left (towards the wide-angle end) while using your upper body and arms to move the camera toward your subject.
5. Dolly Shot complete!
※ When shooting from a farther distance from the subject, use a cart or gimbal for more stable shooting.

DSLR / Full Frame
1D X Mark Ⅱ
1D X
1Ds Mark Ⅲ
1Ds
5DsR
5Ds
5D Mark Ⅳ
5D Mark Ⅲ
6D Mark Ⅱ
6D
DSLR / APS-H
1D Mark Ⅲ
1D
Mirrorless / APS-C
M6
M5
M10
M3
M2
DSLR / APS-S
7D Mark Ⅱ
7D
80D
70D
60D
30D
D60
D30
77D (9000D)
760D (8000D / Rebel T6s)
1300D (Kiss X80 / Rebel T6)
1200D (Kiss X70 / Rebel T5)
200D (Kiss X9 / Rebel SL2)
800D (Kiss X9i / Rebel T7i)
700D (Kiss X9i / Rebel T7i)
100D (Kiss X7 / Rebel SL1)
650D (Kiss X6i / Rebel T4i)
600D (Kiss X5 / Rebel T3i)
550D (Kiss X4 / Rebel T2i)
500D (Kiss X3 / Rebel T1i)
1000D (Kiss F / Rebel XS)
450D (Kiss X2 / Rebel X냐)
DSLR / Full Frame
D850
D5
D810A
D4S
D810
D750
Df
D610
D4
D800
D800E
D600
D3s
D3x
D700
D3
DSLR / APS-C
D7500
D3400
D500
D5600
D7200
D5500
D3300
D7100
D5300
D5200
D7000
D300s
D300
DSLR / Full Frame
Z6
Z7
D810A
D4S
D750
D810A
DSLR / APS-C
D7200
D500
D3300
D5500
D5600
D3400
D7500

* Cameras released within 5 years from 2019 are tested.

Password reset reminder

Gildong Hong,it has been three months since your last password reset.

Forgot your password?
Please complete the form below

Send Authorization Code

Your authorization code will be sent to
Standard fees apply.

Failed

There is no ID found with that information.
Please confirm the accuracy of your information.

If you would like to create a new account, please click the below link.

Join now

Forgot your ID?
Please complete the form below

Please see the information below.

One ID found

If you would like to create a new account, please click the below link.

Join now

Failed

There is no ID found with that information.
Please confirm the accuracy of your information.

If you would like to create a new account, please click the below link.

Join now

Confirmation email sent

This is the last step to create your account.
Please follow the link sent to your email address.


Authorize account

이메일 발송 완료

고객님 메일로 임시비밀번호가 발송되었습니다.


확인

Change ID

Please enter your new email address.
Please log in with your new email address.

Current email address :
New email address :
Change email address

Change email address
Cancel

Error message

You do not have permission to access this server.
Please contact the administrator.

Go to home

Email authorization

Dear client,
Your registered email address on
Samyang Optics website is hongildong@naver.com.
Please click below to finalize your authorization to Samyang Optics.

Go to home

Didn’t join Samyang Optics?
Another user may have mistakenly entered your email address.
If you have not joined Samyang Optics, please use the link to report the mistake.

Please protect my email address.

- Samyang Optics Administrator -

Note : Please do not reply to this email as the address is a send-only account.
Please contact us with any questions via the following website. Go to website >

Protect email

There is an account created with your email address as below.
To discontinue using this account,
please click on the “block account” button.

hongildong@naver.com

Block account

Account authentication

Congratulations!
Your account has been verified.
Meet the various services of Samyang Optics!

Sign in
Go main

Find ID

There is no account matching your information.

Find ID

Confirm ID

Your ID is bebe***

Confirm

Confirm ID

There is no password matching your information.
Please check if your information is accurate.

Confirm

Find password

The reset password email has been sent to your
email address.

hongildong@naver.com

Follow the instructions in the email to reset your password.
If the email is not in your inbox, please check your spam mailbox.

Confirm

Can’t find the email?

Resend authorization mail

Find password

There is no password matching your information.
Please check if your information is accurate.

Confirm

sms test

USB Driver DOWNLOAD
ⓒDaniel Gangur

Sign Up for
Samyang Newsletter

Be the first to know about new product
announcement, global events and news!

By subscribing, you agree to the terms and conditions of use of the site and the use of personal information. Newsletter will be sent until unsubscribed.
Don't show this popup today

Samyang Optics,
with 50 years of history,
begins a new journey as
LK SAMYANG

Don't show this popup today
WE HAVE MOVED!

NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive new product alerts
and inspiring contents created with Samyang lens

Do not open this window for today
/upload/magazine/pro/1588686233.jpg