Cataldo Mission

Cataldo Mission is the oldest standing building in Idaho, a whitewashed Roman Catholic church built by Coeur d'Alene tribal members and Jesuit missionaries between 1850 and 1853, sitting on a gentle hill above the Coeur d'Alene River valley. The mission's simple, striking facade and weathered wood exterior photograph beautifully against wide open skies, and the surrounding meadow gives you room to work with foreground grasses and wildflowers depending on the season. Shoot from low on the hillside approach to emphasize the church rising above the landscape, or get close with a wide angle to capture the handmade texture of the walls and the modest bell tower. Morning light hits the front facade cleanly, making it the preferred time of day. The site is well maintained and easy to walk, with parking just steps away. A 24-70mm or wide prime lens handles most compositions here well. (Cataldo, Idaho, United States)