Monticchiello – A Church Bathed in Light

by GoodMoodPhotos

At first glance, this church in Monticchiello appears austere and understated. It is only the light streaming in from the side that transforms the scene: it brings the portal, the rose window and parts of the façade out of the darkness, whilst the rest of the frame disappears almost entirely into shadow.

I was particularly fascinated by this stark contrast. The architecture is clear and monumental, yet at the same time the light seems almost fleeting – as if, for a brief moment, it were revealing precisely those elements on which the viewer’s gaze should be focused. The wide staircase leads directly to the entrance and reinforces the calm, almost solemn effect of the scene.

In black and white, the texture of the stone, the lines and the light-and-shadow contrasts stand out even more clearly. The dark border on the right-hand side and the shadows in the foreground lend the image additional depth and make the light-coloured façade appear almost as if it were emerging from the darkness.

A fine art image for anyone who appreciates historic architecture, the tranquil spots of Tuscany and expressive black-and-white photography with dramatic lighting.