Winter Solstice Safari at the Washington National Cathedral

Join Elody Crimi on a popular behind the scenes, hidden gems photo adventure and tour of the National Cathedral during this special time of year when the beautiful golden light of the Winter Solstice comes through the stained-glass windows of the South nave and shines deep, glowing colors of light onto the pillars and architecture through the Nave.

Elody is the co-author of Jewels of Light (the book on the stained-glass windows of the Cathedral) the production manager for the recently published art book: Rowan LeCompte, Master of Stained Glass, and is the photo curator in the Archives of the Cathedral. She is experienced and familiar with all the passageways and “secret” niches to sensational vantage points, not seen on a typical tour of the Cathedral.

The tour will start at the West End of the Cathedral for a brief 15-minute photo talk to discuss any technical questions you might have regarding your cameras and equipment. We will then proceed into the Nave and walk along the center aisle to take photos of the light coming through the South Nave windows (including the special “Space” window) and onto the pillars on the North side. We will then proceed to the West Balcony to take exciting images of the Nave, followed by a visit to the South Triforium corridor to take photos of the North Clerestory windows and the beautiful light splashing on the pillars. After that, we will proceed up one more level to go underneath the West Rose window – with a magnificent view of the Nave. After that, we will walk down the St. Peter (Northwest) Tower stairs back to the Nave level to see all the hidden memorial windows, including several of the “Water” windows by Brenda Belfield, along with 10 other memorial windows by Brenda, Henry Lee Willet, and Benoit Gilsoul.  We will then go back up to the Balcony level to see if we can spot the special “Christmas Angel” shining on the Apse, below the Clerestory windows of the Apse. The safari fee includes a $45 donation to the Cathedral.  Note: Handouts with tips for shooting stained glass and cathedral architecture will be provided several days prior to the workshop.

Here is what safarians are saying about the Winter Solstice Safari:

Absolutely top notch in every way. The WPS instructor – Elody Crimi – was very helpful and balanced her time to make sure she worked with everyone in the group to enable us to make the best possible photos. She is clearly knowledgeable about photography and the back story behind the Cathedral’s windows. Mark R., Burke, VA

An enthusiastic “thank you” for yesterday. Hearing the details from Elody about the windows and the artist, and of course her knowledge about photography in that setting, as well as generally, added immeasurably to the experience.   Jay S., Herndon, VA

As always, I thoroughly enjoyed this Washington Photo Safari outing. The group was small, so we all felt we had individualized attention. In addition, to have the access to the National Cathedral, and areas we would not normally have access to was more than worth the price of the class. Elody made sure all our questions were answered, and that we were aware of the best viewpoints to capture amazing photos of the light coming through the windows, and the reflected light. I’m looking forward to my next WPS class, as I have yet to be disappointed with any of their offerings! Mark E.

The safari fee includes a $50 donation to the Cathedral.