Between Heaven and Earth: The Windows of Cologne Cathedral

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Saturday, October 16, 2010 | flickr photos

I love traveling to new places. Observing, exploring, experiencing the unknown. I always try my hardest to arrive with an open-mind, without preconceived notions; listen as the scenes in front of me tell their stories. The following photos of Cologne Cathedral are a reflection of the way I approach photography. They attest both to my fascination with attempting to understand the world around me as well as my preoccupation of documenting the realities as I see them.

Windows are portals that allow us to observe ulterior spaces and light is what illuminates this world. In Photo 1, taken midway up from the tower, a window permits a gorgeous view of the railway bridge leading across the Rhine River to the eastern parts of Cologne, offering a silent contemplation unto the city of man. Photo 2 was taken as I descended the spiral staircase leading down from the highest point. Another window, this time a view unto the magnificent lines and curves man artistically combined to build the cathedral. A mirror effect shines light upon a mysterious space, hidden from view. Ironically, in Photo 3, blocking the light is an ornately decorated structure constructed by man in an attempt to reach, understand and connect with the unknown. It was only when I entered into the cathedral nave that I was finally able to observe the visible beams of light in all their magnanimity passing through the great stained-glass windows, striking at the crossing, the heart of the cathedral. I stood there, completely awestruck. So this is its purpose.

For me then, this scholarship represents not only a window of opportunity to visit, experience and understand a new place, a new culture but also gain invaluable photography techniques which will allow me to better document my point of view.