The Vatican

Summer has come and gone, as has vacation time.  Our trip to Italy is now well behind us, and I’m no further along in transposing my shots into a photo book.  Likewise Blog Negligence has set upon me with too little content.  Both due in large part to the unfortunate confluence of an out-of-date computer and larger image files; the whole process of reviewing and developing photos is now such a chore punctuated by waiting-for-things-to-happen that I no longer enjoy it.  But I digress.  Figured it was time do something at least with the blog.  And as it’s Sunday I figured The Vactican would be as good a choice as any.

Not being a religious sort  visiting this hallowed ground had a different effect on me.  I was simply blown away by the size of it.  The main courtyard is staggering in scope, moreso when considering it fills up with congregations of people during important Catholic events.  Completely pointless trying to capture the space with any integrity.  And I was absolutely not equipped with a wide enough lens to do it any sort of justice.

I could should have attempted a pano but, well, kinda was rushing around to get to St. Peter’s before the lineups started (more on that later).  The architecture is stunning and massive.  I loved the repeating patterns of the pillars and play of light surrounding the square, but the angles and content are infinite.

Those hard shadows were the consequence of hard sun – was hotter than Hell that day (sorry, had to be said).  After braving the heat and Hawkers of Cheap Crap while approaching the square, we endured further heat and Hawkers of Cheap Crap as we shuffled around the outer perimeter towards the famed Vatican Museum.  In addition to priceless artifacts of history the museum offered something even more precious: air conditioning.

Off to the Museum

After clearing airport-level security and getting our bearings we made our way into the museum.  I was immediately drawn to the escalator and circular ramp directing people upstairs.  In particular I liked the play of light and line on the escalator; the idea of ascension to a higher place immediately struck me.

Having shuffled the girls upstairs with a promise to be “right behind them” I had to play around with the shape of the spiral ramp that made it’s way to the museum proper.  It’s a really interesting walk; too bad everyone misses it taking the escalator.

Throughout the museum there were spectacular displays ranging from artwork to really old rocks to really old Egyptian mummies to really shredded statues…

Museum exhibits aside, even the ceilings in this place offered something of interest…

Ultimately we made our way through the museum to the exit.  And I see the staircase that is such an attraction for photographers (search Google and you’ll find a zillion of these perspectives).  I had to grab a frame from the top, middle (with some fortunate timing thanks to a fellow gawker), and bottom.  Love the light here.

Saint Pete’s

Our master plan was to conclude our visit at St. Peter’s Basilica.  Only problem was the 10,000 or so other tourists in front of us who had the same idea.  It was insane.  A lineup that wrapped around the square in raging heat.  Three words: Not Gonna Happen.  So we postponed that until the following morning, where early in the day it was a snap getting in.  As we made our way I noticed for the first time members of the Vatican Swiss Guard in their colorful plummage.  For my money, it’s kind of hard to look badass in these outfits.  A notion that would quickly become unravelled if anyone ever attempted something stupid.  Stoic dudes, to be sure.

As we enter the Basilica foyer I’m treated to some beautiful early morning backlight, shapes, and frames.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I’m a total sucker for dramatic light like this.

I think to myself, “That’s pretty cool.”  And then turn around to cross the threshold into the miracle that is called St. Peter’s Basilica.

Slackjawed.  Stymied.  Dumbfounded.  Take your pick.  The sheer scale and detail and weight of the place was mind-blowing.  Part of me also thought “…it would be awesome firing up my guitar in here!”  We slowly picked our way through the space, trying to take it in.  Turning around I see beams of morning light pouring in that stops my in my tracks.  I also laid my camera on the floor (try and find a more solid tripod than that) under one of the domes and fired off a 5-shot bracket that would later become the HDR blend below.  You can’t tell here but with the D800 the amount of detail captured is staggering.  Alyson was dismayed the day before when we missed our chance to see the Basilica with the huge crowds.  Good thing she got our butts out of bed early the following morning.  St. Peter’s was arguably the most awe inspiring sight of our trip.

One word of advice, though.  Don’t stand in the light making like an angel with the mandatory shawl given to cover bare skin (can’t have that).  Our daughter did just that, innocently, and caught the ire of a nearby priest.  This one courtesy of Alyson…

Blasphemer or not, she’s still and always will be my angel.