Honorable Mention at Coachella 2014

My image "Symmetrical" was awarded honorable mention at Coachella Valley Desert Camera Club International Exhibition of Photography 2015 organized by Coachella Valley Desert Camera Club, USA.

This image was taken at Botkyrka Church, Stockholm, Sweden. It is a beautiful little church that was built in 12th century. The church committee is really friendly and allowed me to be alone in the church for photography. For this particular image, I photographed from the second floor where the organ loft located. I love the perfect symmetrical structure and the line of the ceiling very much.

Church #8: Nacka Church, Stockholm

Nacka Church is located in the Nacka Municipality, which is part of Stockholm urban area in Sweden. Nacka was established as an industrial area since 16th century, although the industry has declined significantly today and being dominated by service sectors.

Nacka Church was built in 1891. The church was designed by Gustaf Wickman and it is in Gothic Revival style. Despite the church was built in 19th century, the pulpit can dated back to 1600s, which was used in the chapel before the church was built. The pulpit has four sculpted evangelical figures and a Christ figure. Interestingly, there is also a votive ships (Dutch fifty-gun ship model) from the 1500s, which was donated to the township in 1697.

If you are interested to see the VR tour of Nacka Church, please visit: http://www.360cities.net/image/nacka-church-1

Church #7: St. Clara Church, Stockholm

St. Clara Church is located in the central of Stockholm, Sweden. It was a St. Clara Convent and monestery church at the original sites in 1280s, and it was demolished in 1527. The current church building was originally built during the second half of 1500s. Since then many changes were made over the years. Currently, the church tower is the second tallest in Scandinavian Countries, with the height of 116 meters.

Inside of the church, the altarpiece was painted by Jonas Hoffman in 1766. The altarpiece is flanked by two kneeling angels, which were carved by Johan Tobias Sergel in 1904. The pulpit was probably made ​​in 1753 by Carl Harlemans drawings.

Today, in addition to worshiping, St. Clara Church is active in charity works in the downtown Stockholm, e.g. providing food and cloth to the homeless, drug addicts and refugees; supporting prostitutes, stressed and sick people with conversation and pray; as well as visiting prisons.

Church #5: Hedvig Eleonora Church, Stockholm

Hedvig Eleonora Church is located in the center of Stockholm, Sweden. It was consecrated in 1737 and it is named after the Swedish Queen Hedvig Eleonora (1636-1715), wife of King Charles X. The church is octagonal in shape, although it is classified as round church - which is quite popular design for the early Scandinavian church. The altarpiece depicted Jesus on the Cross, which was painted by Georg Engelhard Schroder and inaugurated during the All Saints Day in 1747. The pulpit was designed by Jean Eric Rehn and it was inaugurated during the Christmas in 1784.

Today, Hedvig Eleonora Church is a popular church for various events. However, like many other churches in Stockholm, Hedvig Eleonora Church is believed to be a haunted place, which is attributed to several mysterious events happened in the church.

Church #4: Adolf Fredrik Church, Stockholm

Adolf Fredrik Church is located in the center of Stockholm, Sweden. The church was named after King Adolf Fredrik. It was built between 1768-1774, replacing a wooden chapel from 1674 that was dedicated to Saint Olof.

 

The church is Neoclassicism in style, with elements of the rococo. The interior is in supported by the linked pilaster columns. The paintings in the central dome can be dated from 1899-1900, by Julius Kronberg. The two sculptures in the church was made by Johan Tobias Sergel at the time when the church was built. One is the Cartesius Monument, in which the Truth, symbolized by a globe, is liberated from the veil of Falsehood. Another sculpture is the altarpiece, which depicts Christ rising from the tomb on the Easter morning. The organ was made by organ builder Gronlund in 1966.

Today, Adolf Fredrik Church inherits its rich tradition in music, with many musical services and concerts held in the church every year. It's location in the center of Stockholm make it a tourist attraction as well.

Church #3: Lidingo Church, Stockholm

Lidingo Church is located at the southern part of Lidingo, which is an island in the inner Stockholm archipelago. The current building was completed in 1623. It is one of the oldest church in the region. The interior is beautiful. Now, let's read the church history from the picture:

- The current altar and altarpiece was added during the restoration in 1756, and it is Rococo style in design. The altarpiece is a painting depicting Jesus on the cross.

- The pulpit was made by a Swedish sculptor, Per Ljung in 1779, to replace the old pulpit from 1623. The current pulpit is Gustavian style in design.

- The Four Evangelist symbols on the chancel wall was added in 1913.

- The wall paintings are partly from 1600s, which was damaged and whitewashed, and later restored.

- The benches was replaced in 1870s and restored in 1952.

This is why I love photographing old church - seeing history in the picture...

Church #2: From the Lectern of St Johannes Church

St Johannes Church is located at the northern end of Norrmalm, Stockholm. The parish can be dated back to 1651 and the current building was inaugurated in 1890. The church is Gothic Revival in style, with graceful and spectacular design. I am particularly attracted by its ornate interior, which is absolutely breathtaking! 

Weekend morning can be good timing to visit the church. I have been visiting this church for many times, despite its excellent location and vicinity to the city center, I haven't seen big crowds in there. This picture was taken from the tall lectern next to the altar - which is a rare opportunity for such a spectacular church. Sometimes, get taller will give you a fresh set of eye in composing, particularly in architectural photography.

Other than good composition and light, the most important part about church interior photography is respect. Rule no. 1 - ask the permission to shot.

Enjoy the beauty of St Johannes Church! Happy Friday!