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Cologne Cathedral: Pentecost Window

Posted by MadScientist (Düsseldorf, Germany) on 4 May 2011 in Art & Design and Portfolio.

More progress, or: the Pentecost Window in Cologne Cathedral which depicts the founding day of the Church. In the upper scene St Peter is receiving the keys to heaven, the small figures represent the cardinal virtues (fortitude, justice, wisdom, temperance). The Latin Church Fathers can be found at the bottom. Ludwig I's of Bavaria coat of arms and the donation inscription (from 1848) appear in the upper corners. (Source)

Ronnie 2¢ from Atlantic Shores, United Kingdom

Looking at this in the echo of your previous recollections, it is difficult to foresee how the next 4 years will offer up another step-change in image improvement - but I'm sure they will in some way or another. Perhaps it will be 3D (not much use here!), sound or a hint of incense !

4 May 2011 8:11am

@Ronnie 2¢: I think this will be a change of perspective (I'm still shooting at ground level and I need to get up), and better use of filters (to get rid of the shadows of protective grids for example).

António Pires from Lisbon, Portugal

Perfect. Well, until the next iteration.

4 May 2011 1:43pm

@António Pires: I think this iteration would include getting a better position. I'm still taking my shots at ground level. Getting on a gallery and having these windows at the same level would be a great improvement!

Curly from South Shields, United Kingdom

Another fabulous window Manfred, these are fast becoming your signature shots.

4 May 2011 3:15pm

@Curly: Thanks, Curly! If the light isn't too low or bright, getting good results is quite easy with a little software help.

Philip from South Wales, United Kingdom

A work of art if ever there was one. Wonderful.

4 May 2011 4:32pm

@Philip: Many thanks, Philip! There are still many windows in Cologne Cathedral I haven't mastered yet.

Edith from United States

this is stunning

4 May 2011 5:06pm

@Edith: Glad you like it, Edith!

Steven from Chicagoland, United States

What beautiful rich colors and imagery captured in this stained glass. Each additional window leaves me more breathless. Are you trying to suffocate me? ;-)

4 May 2011 9:01pm

@Steven: Tomorrow you're allowed to catch a breath, but there are still more windows I'm going to show soon! 8-)

Ted from South Wales, United Kingdom

stunning colours and stunning detail MS...you have to guide us through your technique as I can't get anywhere near this!

6 May 2011 8:13pm

@Ted: It needs a bit of practice, but basically I'm just doing these few things:
- Camera settings: ISO 800, f5.6, short exposure time (1/100 to 1/1000 sec)
- Look for a good position where you can take a 'screen filling' photo from a good angle. Light too bright doesn't mean you will get a good photo; try it on a cloudy day. Good angle means that you will have to find a place with a better position than extreme bottom view. Go to the opposite side of the nave and take your shot there.
- Use a tool (Gimp, PS, DxO) that allows you to correct the perspective by drawing a rectangle and then distort it. This needs some practice and lots of accuracy. Enhance contrasts, sharpen, and you're done.