Social Lens No. 18: In the Cathedral

This is the continuation of the Social Lens series. I hope you enjoy it

Why 'Social Lens'?

It is called Social, because I am interested in everything related to humanity, how people live and act, what we do consciously and unconsciously, how we effect the world around us and treat one another.

Lens in this context refers to -- wait for it -- the lens of the camera I will be using to take the pictures of what I am seeing (that at least is pretty obvious...), but it also refers to my viewpoint - everything I watch and see is observed through my eyes. There isn't really a way around that of course, and as long as one is aware of that it shouldn't be much of a problem. After all, life is experienced individually and every point of view can add to the greater whole.

Being in a cathedral or other religious building evokes a special kind of sensation. Religious or not, the building, the rituals and the people have an affect on our consciousness (like any other place). In this series we want to explorer this connection and see how people behave and act and what they might be feeling.

Burning incense must be one of the oldest rituals in regards to a religious act. Smoke might symbolize the spirit or that which is not seen; we see glimpses here in the billowing smoke permeating the great hall in this cathedral. It seems to be something which we can all fundamentally connect to and seem to understand on a deeper level.

The sun, hitting the altar and the preacher illuminates the incense in its wake and casts its rays from the stained-glass windows giving the scene an almost other worldly appearance. A coincidence? Or perhaps a setting by design? How might this affect the people and their beliefs?

Is it okay to take pictures of people?

Note: If the picture(s) in this post depicts yourself or someone you know and you want it removed, please let me know and I will remove it.