St. James Cathedral
St. James Cathedral is a grand Romanesque Revival Catholic church with twin bell towers and a striking dome, offering strong architectural lines that reward careful composition. Shoot from across the street on Ninth Avenue to capture the full symmetrical facade, or move closer to emphasize the arched entryway and ornate stonework with a wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range. Inside, the vaulted nave, gilded details, and rows of pews create natural leading lines toward the altar; a wide prime or tilt-shift lens works well here. Overcast days are ideal for exterior shots as the soft diffused light reduces harsh shadows on the stone facade. For interior photography, weekday mornings tend to be quieter, and the stained glass glows best when natural light is coming through mid-morning. Check with the cathedral before visiting, as access for photography may be restricted during services. (Seattle, Washington, United States)
