Danger Zone

Uploaded: September 04, 2011 05:12:12

Description

The heartbreaking sight of the cathedral I cherish, surrounded by chain-link and police tape, creating a safe perimeter. Sad
but necessary with tons of loose limestone precariously balanced all along the building. Earthquake damage extends the full length of
the 510' long building; you can barely scan 3 buttresses in a row without finding masonry broken, cracked, twisted out of alignment or
missing completely. Several years of work, costing tens of millions of dollars (paid only by donations) are needed to fix it all.
Please Google the Washington National Cathedral for more info, and to help support this monumental undertaking.
09-11 Finalist - T&P

Exif: F Number: 11, Exposure Bias Value: -0.67, ExposureTime: 1/500 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 200, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 10.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 7D

Comments

Melinda F. Schneider level-classic September 04, 2011

This is the perfect documentary of the earthquake damage and pending repair. Beautiful DOF keeping the focus throughout. As sad as it is, it is good to know that this grand dame is in good hands. Very well done, Christopher! #1406100

Joy Rector September 04, 2011

great shot #9652086

Nikki McDonald level-classic September 04, 2011

You are sending an important message with this image, Chris, reminding us that natural disasters have many victims and encouraging us to do our part to help wherever and whenever we can. #9652151

Richard B. Hallick September 04, 2011

Thank you, Chris, for your continued reporting on the Cathedral. This is an important story which you are in a perfect position to document with your images. Keep up the good work. #9652239

Terry Cervi level-deluxe September 04, 2011

Thank you for keeping us posted on the status of this beautiful cathedral, Chris. I didn't realize that the damage was so extensive. A monumental undertaking for sure. #9653158

Chris Budny level-deluxe September 05, 2011

Thank you all very much. It was a reassuring sight to see the 300-ton crane arrive yesterday, which will be able to lift 4 colossal, long steel I-beams, 24" deep, to the top of the bell tower; once in place, they will hang out over the 4 sides of the tower, cantilevered, and the scaffolding for tower repairs will be assembled on those extended parts of the beams. In the 8 major and minor pinnacles of the tower, MANY tons of masonry must then be dismantled and lowered to the ground, inspected, and new pieces carved to replace damaged pieces. Then the pinnacles can be rebuilt. While the bell tower suffered the most damage in a single area, many other pinnacles at various heights lower than the bell tower, and located along the length of the building, suffered similar damage. #9653704

Lindley Johnson level-classic September 05, 2011

In your image, one can still see the beauty of the cathedral behind the protective tape. A terrific image, and interesting information - thanks for keeping us informed, Chris! #9653841

Chris Budny level-deluxe September 06, 2011

Thank you, Lindley! I spent all 3 days of the holiday weekend up there, photographing, and talking with visitors who didn't realize the building is still closed to the public. It is still a beautiful place, no matter what---and the damage could have been far, far worse, not to mention, people inside could have been injured or killed. It is astonishing to see how quickly a "simple" 45 seconds of shaking can result in the tens of millions of dollars in damages. #9655642

Leslie McLain level-classic September 14, 2011

So sad to see the cathedral damaged, Chris. Terrific capture and info. #9671737

Chris Budny level-deluxe September 15, 2011

Thank you, Leslie; it is a sad state of affairs, but one that will, in time, improve. The cathedral officially turns 104 years old at the end of this month; not quite the birthday present you want to receive!
Still, I'm looking forward to the idea that the public will get to (hopefully!) watch stone carvers at work again, carving all the many, many replacement pieces needed to complete the repairs. #9672306

Ellen Hodges September 18, 2011

Excellent and descriptive image, Chris! Glad no one was hurt, but the repairs take a long time. Know that most insurance companies don't cover earthquake either. #9678254

Chris Budny level-deluxe September 18, 2011

Thank you, Ellen. Yes, sadly, our property insurance is the 'typical' in that earthquakes are specifically listed as "not covered"---and very few folks on the east coast get quake coverage because it is simply so very rare.
Since posting this shot, alas, our new 500-feet, 500-ton capacity crane has collapsed while working on the central tower; fortunately, it missed the cathedral in the fall, and nobody was killed when it crushed 4 vehicles and took out 20 feet of a neighboring building's roof! #9678305

Laura E. Swan level-classic October 14, 2011

Having been born and raise in California (nicknamed "shakey") I am well aware of what small and large earth quakes alike can cause. My sister and I shared a room with two small beds as kids and many times our beds moved around the hardwood floors while we were in them. So sad to hear of the damage of this beautiful structure. I hope they plan to make it quake proof since insurance is useless. :(
I hope lots of folks contribute and you are surely doing your part in your neck of the woods!!! :) Public awareness is everything!

Nice to see you visiting my gallery. Halloween month is a spooky time in my gallery! Hope you will come back to see my "normal" work...if you can call it that! Lol...

Wonderful image and reporting, Chris!
-Laura :) #9734729

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 14, 2011

Thanks, Laura! We're definitely not accustomed to quakes out here... So it remains truly astonishing how much damage was done in so short a time period! #9735153

Gail Vitikacs level-classic October 14, 2011

Remarkable...this is indeed sad Chris...I know how much you love this place... #9735682

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 15, 2011

Progress is being made... the central tower, with the most dangerous loose stonework, is being stabilzed, after scaffolding was installed up there (which was after the 500-foot crane collapsed!) And an opening date has been set -- Nov. 12. So things will slowly return to normal, yet the safety fence, the debris netting inside---those things will be with us for quite awhile longer... #9736238

Tammy Espino October 18, 2011

Congrats on your wonderful finalist :) #9743663

Richard B. Hallick October 18, 2011

Congratulations on having this moving image selected as a September finalist. Such well-deserved recognition not only for your artistry, but also for your passionate advocacy for the National Cathedral. #9743666

Patti Coblentz October 18, 2011

I am so pleased to see this image with a finalist, Chris! Congratulations! I agree with Richard wholeheartedly. #9743885

Claudine Grove level-classic October 18, 2011

Congrats on your finalist badge. #9743985

Leslie McLain level-classic October 18, 2011

Congrats on a very unique finalist, Chris. I understand that you had an image picked for the book, too. So congrats on that as well. I haven't had a chance to see the book yet. Ordered it from Amazon and looking forward to seeing who else is in there. #9744283

Gail Vitikacs level-classic October 18, 2011

Big Congrats on your finalist! Best of luck Chris! #9744384

Lindley Johnson level-classic October 18, 2011

Congratulations on your wonderful finalist, Chris! #9745183

Usman M. Bajwa level-classic October 18, 2011

Huge CONGRATZ, Chris!!!

UB. #9745271

Naomi Weiser October 18, 2011

congrats! #9745578

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 19, 2011

Thank you all very much! #9746048

Katarina Mansson October 19, 2011

Great POV and storyteller. Congratulations on your finalist Chris! #9746051

Melinda F. Schneider level-classic October 19, 2011

A dramatic storytelling shot; I love the focus throughout. Super work; Congratulations, Chris! #9746236

Heather Loewenhardt level-classic October 19, 2011

Congrats on this awesome finalist Chris. Love the POV. Good luck! #9746408

Christine Czernin level-classic October 19, 2011

Congratulations on your finalist, Chris.
A worthy finalist and a worthy theme. #9747193

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 19, 2011

Thank you all! #9747917

Susan Fox October 19, 2011

Congratulations on your finalist! #9748020

JO ANN CLEVELAND October 19, 2011

Outstanding finalist...congratulations Christopher!

jo ann c. #9748608

Michele Peterson level-classic October 19, 2011

Congratulations on this getting a finalist, Chris!! #9748622

Laura E. Swan level-classic October 19, 2011

Photobucket to my new friend Chris! How wonderful that this went to FINALIST. GOOD! MORE EXPOSURE!!!

Fine job here. :))) !!!

-Laura :D #9748853

Renee Doyle October 19, 2011

WTG Chris!!! Congratulations!!! #9749090

Rona L. Schwarz October 19, 2011

So sad to see this, Chris. As such a passionate advocate for this magnificent building, it must be heart wrenching to witness this first-hand. But I'm glad to see that such a worthy finalist will continue to document this important story and publicize the need for donations and support. Keep up the good work and keep us posted! Oh, and Congratulations - it really is a fine piece of photography! #9749494

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 20, 2011

Thank you all very much!
Fingers crossed that the stabilization efforts continue on schedule to allow the Nov. 12 re-opening to happen. On that day, the cathedral is due to host the installation service for the newly-elected bishop of Washington, DC. #9749774

Debra R. Harder October 20, 2011

This is a FABULOUS image, Chris! Love your POV!!!! Huge congratulations on your BRILLIANT finalist! Deb #9750456

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 21, 2011

Thank you, Debra! #9752243

David M. Montero October 23, 2011

Congratulations on your finalist selection Christopher! #9756989

Ellen Hodges October 24, 2011

Huge congrats, Chris on this fab story telling finalist!!! Huge congrats on being included in the new BP book, too!!! #9758239

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 24, 2011

Thank you both, Dave & Ellen! #9758315

Merna L. Nobile October 25, 2011

May your heart catch the joy of the moment and soar!
I am so happy for you!
CONGRATULATIONS, Merna


#9762567

Amanda J. Tanner level-classic October 30, 2011

Beautiful work Christopher and a Huge Congratulations on this outstanding Finalist! #9772005

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 30, 2011

Thank you both, Merna & Amanda! #9772048

Donna La Mattino Pagakis November 05, 2011

I liked this image from the moment I saw it at PG 101. A super finalist Chris, congratulations!! #9786063

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 05, 2011

Thank you, Donna! #9786168

Stefania Barbier level-classic November 17, 2011

a wonderful finalist, congratulations!!! #9811850

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 17, 2011

Thank you, Stefania; I'm happy to report the cathedral was finally able to re-open to the public this week, after 80 days closed! #9812115

Karen Slagle November 18, 2011

Congrats on your outstanding finalist, Christopher. What a gorgeous place. #9816244

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 18, 2011

Thank you, Karen; an older finalist, but a favorite nonetheless! #9816281

Katherine Kuhn November 18, 2011

Outstanding capture of the narrative of the Cathedral! #9816607

Don Johnson level-classic November 18, 2011

Wonderful, although heart breaking shot. #9816791

Amanda D. Austwick level-classic November 18, 2011

WOW Chris, what a great sad story you have shared in your images and narrative. You have so many gorgeous images of this cathedral in your work, and it is sad to see it tied off, yet I see it is open to the public again!!! #9816799

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 18, 2011

Thank you very much folks... I can't wait to get back in (tomorrow) and start giving tours again! Been too long...! #9817100

Jill Odice level-classic November 19, 2011

You have taken a scene most folks would walk away from without taking a shot and turned it into a winner!Congrats on your finalist and for thinking outside the box :-) #9818751

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 19, 2011

Thanks, Jill... I wanted to capture the history of the moment... the first forced closure in the cathedral's 104 year history... #9819382

Alex T. Mizuno November 19, 2011

Congratulations on your Finalist Chris! Contrast between the beautiful church building and the yellow tapes sends a strong message. #9819836

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 20, 2011

Thanks, Alex... Thankfully, this fencing and yellow tape is gone now. #9820293

Yulianto Soeroso December 06, 2011

lovely shot #9851755

Chris Budny level-deluxe December 07, 2011

Thank you, Yulianto! Thankfully, the fencing and police tape is gone from the front of the building now! #9852028

Merna L. Nobile December 07, 2011

Congratulations!
You’re the kind of person who makes the world a better, brighter place…You worked hard for this, you made it happen, and you have a right to be proud. So enjoy these satisfying moments; you deserve every one! Merna
#9853229

Julianne Bradford December 14, 2011

I'm so glad this beautiful cathedral is open again and we can look forward to more of your beautiful images of it Chris! #9867325

Larry Smith December 15, 2011

Congratulations Chris and great message with the camera and words #9868001

Chris Budny level-deluxe December 15, 2011

Thank you, folks! #9868101

R. J. Laudenbacher level-classic December 15, 2011

A story well told Chris. Congrats on your finalist and best of luck to you in the next round. #9868790

Chris Budny level-deluxe December 15, 2011

Thanks, RJ! This is an older Finalist, though, so it is not in the current running. So glad this fence and police tape is now gone from the cathedral! #9868797

Phyllis A. Houghton January 24, 2012

I am so glad the tape and fence are gone. I went there when I was 10. A magnificent cathedral. #9942639

Stefania Barbier level-classic January 25, 2012

great pov, congratulations on your beautiful finalist!!! #9943375

Chris Budny level-deluxe January 25, 2012

Thank you Stefania! Phyllis, I'm glad too! (Although the fence still remains around the other 3 sides of the building, and will remain there for a few years, as the long repair work on the central tower continues.) #9943992

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