Monday, October 1, 2012
Biltmore Luminaries

Another low light experimentation shot. Someone was kind enough to light a path at the Biltmore with luminaries (little candles in paper bags,) last night. This was taken with a monopod, the only light other than the full moon, was the tea lights in the luminaries and the small lights on the stairway and other similar architectural lighting. Normally this shot would have required a tripod. And even now if I was not trying to push the camera I would have used a tripod. The thing about a tripod is, not everyone likes them. Many places allow only monopods, or nothing at all.

Sunday, December 18, 2011
Christmas Carols At The Old Mission

Every year on the Saturday a week before Christmas, Saint Barbara's Parish has candle-light Christmas carols on the steps of the mission. At the end of the carols they bless the creche (nativity scene). This is one of the few times that the mission is even more beautiful than usual.

Friday, December 26, 2008
Candelight Blessing of the Creche

About a week ago (the 20th) we were lucky enough to happen by the Mission at just the right time. My wife had reminded me to go check to see if the Creche (Nativity Scene) had been set up. When we got there we saw that the animals were there, but we also saw a large parade of unlit luminaries. (lanterns made of candles in a paper bag with a little sand to hold them in place.) So after a quick trip home for an unsuccessful scouring of the Internet to try to see what the occasion was and to get my camera (D'OH! Should always have that with me!) we headed back. We were lucky enough to get there just as the congregation of the Saint Barbara Parish (The church that calls the Mission home) were starting to sing christmas carols around the steps of the mission. It turns out it was the Blessing of the Creche ceremony. Ahhh, what perfect timing my wife has!!