Cusco is a fascinating town in Peru located near Machu Picchu, and is often where travelers acclimate to the high altitudes before heading off to the famous ruins. There are many old buildings built by the conquistadors, often using stones originally cut out by the Incan, scattered throughout the town. One of the more ornate and beautiful buildings is the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, or Cusco Cathedral for short. While we were out walking one evening, I wanted to stop and get an interesting shot of the church lit up. While walking up the steps to the church, I noticed that there were two Quechuan women sitting on the steps. This was taken on my Sputnik, when it was still working properly, on Fuji Provia 100f.
Tag Archives: church
Botanical Gardens, Oaxaca, Mexico
I recently went on a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. Such a lovely place to visit, and I can see why it is such a popular destination. This was my first out-of-the-country trip since Covid hit in 2020. I brought along my ‘other’ Sputnik, the one that I usually would leave at home as a backup. My main Sputnik never could focus properly after two attempts of repair, and started to eat film for breakfast. So, needless to say, I was pleased with the overall quality of the pictures I got with the other camera. I just feel that I could have exposed a little better, too bright for my taste. Maybe I need some ND filters next time? This is the backside of the church of Santo Domingo, located in the botanical gardens in the heart of Oaxaca. Nice place to visit if you are ever there. Shot on my Sputnik, on Fuji Provia 100f. 
Mazamitla, Mexico
Mazamitla is located in the south-central area of Jalisco, south of Lake Chapala. Mazamitla is in the pine woods, more than 7000 feet up, clean air, cooler temperatures, a beautiful setting. San Cristobal Parish Church is an architectural wonder, blessed, for some reason, with an exterior that stirs thoughts of a Chinese pagoda. As usual, it appears freshly painted, white trimmed in red. There were flowers at the entrance. History says the clock in the tower has trouble keeping time. This image was taken with the spud Tech Pan film reversal process. How I miss Mexico!!!
Saints Cyril and Methodius Church
Description Taken on a tripod with the TL 120. These painted churches are in small towns about 1-1 1/2 hour drive from my house. They are quaint and pretty. For this image I had to stick my tripod through a gated partition as you are not allowed inside this particular church. My TL 120 just barely fit through the gate and composing was not easy as I could not see through the viewfinder. The churches still hold services weekly.
About the Image Inside, each is decorated in a profusion of color, with nearly every surface covered in bright paint. German and Czechs immigrants fleeing the Austrian Empire celebrated religious freedom found here in Texas by decorating humble Texas churches with gaudy and glorious interiors. Most of today’s remaining painted churches are second or third church buildings, some destroyed by fire, others, by hurricanes. Of the some 20 painted churches in Texas, 15 are listed on the National Register of historic sites. Saints Cyril and Methodius Church in Dubina, Texas: This sweet little painted church is pretty in pink, with delicate stencils throughout. The banister and newel details are painted faux-finished marble.