United Methodist Church of Batavia
This historic 1887 church is a striking example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, built from rough local boulders that give the exterior a rugged, textural quality unlike most stone churches you will encounter. The irregular fieldstone walls photograph beautifully when sidelit, so aim for morning or late afternoon when raking light brings out the depth and variation in the stonework. Get close with a wide angle lens to emphasize the massive boulder construction against the arched windows and doorways, or step back across the street to capture the full facade with surrounding trees framing the tower. Detail shots of the stonework itself reward a macro or short telephoto lens. Overcast days also work well here, as soft diffused light reveals color and texture in the boulders without harsh shadows. Street parking is available nearby and the building is easily accessible from the sidewalk. (Batavia, Illinois, United States)
