Project Sagrada Familia: new angles

Antoni Gaudi's Basilica de la Sagrada Familia - although still not completed - is already an impressive architectural achievement. This iconic monument in the heart of Barcelona has been photographed by millions of visitors from all kinds of angles. So, I wondered: are there still unique angles or compositions left? It has always been my belief there are new angles and compositions "out there". I took to the internet and googled hundreds of photos of Gaudi's famous basilica to 1) familiarize myself with these known angles and compositions (many of these were shot in symmetrical composition) and 2) to refrain myself from shooting from the same angle or use the same composition. So, in a way Google was my guide to how NOT to shoot the Sagrada.

HCC_9023x99_blog
Gaudi is known for his organic and free-flowing architectural style. The trees outside the basilica were perfect "organic elements" to fill a large part of the image frame and the main tree functions as a "leading line" to draw the viewer's attention to Gaudi's construction. But wait… the tree itself, its size and silhouette shape, looks quite interesting too. It is as if the tree and Gaudi are competing for attention.

IMG_20200104_142652k2_blog
It was so crowded at this spot (where visitors looked at a model of the Sagrada Familia in a glass box) that I had to shoot this very quickly with my smartphone. Good thing it had a 16mm wide angle lens. The people and the reflections on the glass box gave this photo an interesting "dimension".

HCC_8822BW9999_blog
Breaking the rules of symmetry

HCC_8831h6_blog
Staircases that look like the spiral of a nautilus shell, tight buds of flowers in roof ornamentation, and spider webs, stalactites, honeycombs, starfish, mushrooms, beetle wings… so organic, unique and surreal… so Gaudi!

HCC_8874h3_blog
Did you see the intestines on the ceiling?

HCC_8719h3_blog
Love the design of these stained-glass windows

HCC_8950h9_blog
The late afternoon sunlight gave this statue of Saint George (the patron saint of Catalonia) a warm appearance, the angle of the incoming light gave this statue a stronger three-dimensional look.

DSCF2612h6_blog
Okay, I did shoot a symmetrical photo… just to show that the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia looks great from any angle!