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Stern

© Chris Budny
Deluxe Website: chrisbudny.com

Stern

Uploaded: May 05, 2012

Description

Yesterday, the master mason Joe Alonso took me up to see the severely-damaged south portal pinnacle, up-close on the scaffolding. Some 20 tons of
carved limestone sit above the "break line" (where the entire structure rotated and cracked); all of the stonework above the break line is fine, but must
be fully dismantled, stone by stone, to access the zone of damage. Adjacent to that break line is a series of large carved, human heads. The 8 heads
are completely different from each other, and each of them is very expressive. This one was the most dramatic, perhaps. Just below his beard,
you can see the original mortar layer, now revealed when the stones shifted, which his "column" of stone was once attached to.

Exif: F Number: 5.6, Exposure Bias Value: -0.33, ExposureTime: 1/640 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 200, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 12.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 7D

Comments

Terry A. Stoa May 05, 2012

Great opportunity and this is a very nice reward for your efforts. Thanks for sharing it with us, Chris. #1460980

Nikki McDonald level-classic May 05, 2012

Oh my. And the textures are just wonderful, too, Chris. Thanks. #10124185

Bob Cournoyer level-classic May 05, 2012

Yup, great texture and impecable (sp?) comp as usual... :-) #10124999

Zita A. Strother level-addict May 05, 2012

Texture really rules! Love you choice of B&W as well as exposure choice. #10125071

Chris Budny level-deluxe May 06, 2012

Thanks, folks! This section of the building dates to the early 1960's, and so the limestone has been exposed and weathered for 50 years or so; it has such a terrific texture! The 8 heads in this series were one of the earliest carving jobs given to Vincent Palumbo, who went on to became the cathedral's master carver in 1978. #10125960

Lindley Johnson level-classic May 06, 2012

I love all of your images from the cathedral, Chris, but I love the stories you tell just as much. You share with us the beautiful details of the building, but also the damage from the earthquake, and the ongoing restoration efforts. I've learned a lot from your posts! Excellent detail, composition and tones in this one, as usual, Chris. #10126635

Chris Budny level-deluxe May 06, 2012

Thank you so much, Lindley! I'm glad you enjoy my little bits of narrative "tour guide" at BP, as well as the images themselves :) #10126918

Carol Flisak level-classic May 07, 2012

Wonderful image, Chris... excelent comp and details! What a great opportunity to see these up close. I too appreciate your explanations. #10127404

Chris Budny level-deluxe May 07, 2012

Thanks, Carol; I appreciate it! #10127407

Dayna Cain level-classic May 07, 2012

This image is so clear and so textured I feel like I'm standing right in front of it. Amazing work, Chris. #10127864

Chris Budny level-deluxe May 07, 2012

Thanks, Dayna! The texture on this older stone is just terrific. #10128116

Kara L. Hendricks May 15, 2012

I love these pics.. so much character in their faces... reminds me of the talking stone pillars in "The Labyrinth" you ever watch that? #10138075

Chris Budny level-deluxe May 15, 2012

Thanks, Kara... I think I saw that movie--that's the one with David Bowie? Been a long time though---can't recall the pillars! #10138077

Kara L. Hendricks May 15, 2012

Yeah, David Bowie.. It's a classic! The pillars talked while they were in this certain area of the labyrinth, telling them to go back, to not go any further..:) #10138151

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