The Way Up
Uploaded: January 07, 2011
Three exposure combination, looking up the parclose stairs from crypt level to nave, Washington National Cathedral.
I've long wanted to capture the broad spiral of the Yellin wrought iron handrail, in combination with the stairs and vaulting.
After many unsuccessful attempts with regular lenses over the years, it was the 10-22 wide angle lens which allowed me
to compose what I'd envisioned. Thank you to the BP community for such enthusiastic support of this image!
Grand Prize Jan. 2011 - Elements of Design; P.O.T.D. 2/5/11; 2011 Photo of the Year - PhotoGroup101;
Featured in "The BetterPhoto Guide to Photographing Light" by Jim Miotke & Kerry Drager, published April 2012.
This photo is now available as a matted print, sold through the Cathedral Store.
Exif: F Number: 8, ISO: 400, FocalLength: 10.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 7D
R. J. Laudenbacher January 07, 2011
Every thing about this is wonderful Christopher. The tones, the comp and the details all outstanding. I bet we see this one again. #1342110Cailin M. Van Eizenga January 07, 2011
Stunning! #9148044Carolyn M. Fletcher January 07, 2011
Well, you sure did nail this one! I'm loving this whole series..all in my faves! #9148059Nikki McDonald January 07, 2011
I'm with everyone else so far -- and bet we are just the first of a long list of well-wishers. You have outdone yourself, Chris, and actualized your vision. What a coup. Winner for sure and, like Carolyn, right into my favorites. #9148075Sarah A. Christian January 07, 2011
It is outstanding, Christopher! It draws me in to go up the stairs and see what is at the top! A wonderful series! Love the beginning of the handrail. #9148076Fanie Heymans January 07, 2011
WOW, Christopher!! This is a instant favorite! Absoluteley gorgeous! I would love to see this as a winner! #9148082Claudia Kuhn January 07, 2011
Wonderful comp and tones Chris. You have a gold mine in that cathedral. You must have had a tripod there? #9148111Liz blahh January 07, 2011
Superb! #9148324Jane Holestine January 07, 2011
Amazing! Beautiful tones and comp #9148341Patti Coblentz January 07, 2011
This is absolutely amazing, Chris...everything about it. Going into my favs forever...great work!! #9148385Richard B. Hallick January 07, 2011
Wonderful, stunning image. Just perfect in every way. I will be shocked if this isn't a winner. #9148427Karen E. Baumann January 07, 2011
You imaged well, Chris!! This is a stunning image, both with composition and tones. Love the details above and the bold curvature of the rail below. Well done! #9148521Donna La Mattino Pagakis January 07, 2011
Incredible imagery Chris, beautiful design! #9148640Dayna Cain January 07, 2011
On a scale of 1 to 10 this is about an 87!!! #9148732Kara L. Hendricks January 07, 2011
OHOHOHH!!!!!!!! Chris can you say W I N N E R?????? #9148778Jean E. Hildebrant January 07, 2011
I absolutely love the comp, Chris!!! Wonderfully thought out and accomplished! I agree, WINNER! #9148802Michele Peterson January 07, 2011
Another fabulous capture.... just WOW!!!! #9149219Robert Jensen January 07, 2011
All I can say is that this is going straight into my favorites! Where did you find this? #9149289Ken Smith January 07, 2011
I still want to get back to DC and hopefully you'll take me thru this locale. Beautiful lines/curves, Chris! #9149374Thomas E. Hinds January 07, 2011
Very beautiful, striking image! #9149481Datha Y. Thompson January 07, 2011
EXCELLENT Chris!! W O W :) #9149484Katarina Mansson January 07, 2011
Cool POV, excellent details, lovely tones, great comp...I love it! #9149537Usman M. Bajwa January 07, 2011
I disagree with all above, Chris. I think we will see a POTD first and then a Winner, Good luck ;-)UB. #9149541
Chris Budny January 08, 2011
Wow! Thank you all so much for your enthusiastic and kind words! I hope your predictions for this are right (I especially like yours, Usman! ;)For the questions in the comments: Claudia, yes, I used a tripod, with the longest of the 3 exposures being 2.5 seconds.
Robert - this is the primary stairwell between the two levels of Washington National Cathedral, above Georgetown in Washington, DC.
Many of you know that I'm a volunteer tour guide at this cathedral... BP members are always welcome to contact me if visiting DC, and see if we can arrange a private tour... just let me know!
Thank you all very much! Fingers crossed for my new favorite cathedral image! #9149716
Nikki McDonald January 13, 2011
YES! #9161186Chris Budny January 13, 2011
Phew! A relief to see this get EP in the flurry of catch-up EP's today! ;) Fingers STILL crossed now...! #9161501Lisa J. Boulden January 14, 2011
Simply glorious!Chris Budny January 15, 2011
Oooo, Lisa... I hope you're right!! Thank you so much! #9164028Kara L. Hendricks January 17, 2011
Congratulations Chris on being this weeks 101 gallery showcase!!! #9167711Chris Budny January 17, 2011
Thank you so much, Kara!! #9168035Don Johnson January 20, 2011
Chris -- this is a stunning image! I don't use the word stunning much, but it really fits this image. Well done! #9180322Chris Budny January 20, 2011
Thank you very much, Don... your comments mean all the more, given your infrequency of 'stunning' as an adjective! #9180792Kara L. Hendricks January 24, 2011
Just stopping by once more to let you know... I LOVE this Chris... I hope it's sees some SERIOUS contest action... If I were a betting woman, I'd throw down!! #9191102Chris Budny January 24, 2011
Thank you for the vote of confidence, Kara... I'd love nothing more than to see a Contest gold medal under this ;) Maybe a nice, "higher medal" hehehe... I can dream! #9191150Anna Diederich January 31, 2011
Absolutely LOVE this! #9203873Martin J. Wells January 31, 2011
I won't be at all surprised to see this again in the finals, it is faultless. #9203888Chris Budny January 31, 2011
Thank you both! I hope you're right, Martin! :) #9203892Kara L. Hendricks February 02, 2011
Just stopping again to admire....:))) #9207987Chris Budny February 02, 2011
Well thanks, Kara...! :) #9208317Martin Cregg February 04, 2011
Chris - you know I love this photo. I particularly like the "character marks" on the handrail right at the bottom of the photo. Faltless! If I ever get my act together re the PG101 I would have voted for it there. Is this competing with my Sax Man for a January spot? :) #9212555Kara L. Hendricks February 04, 2011
HUGE congratulations Chris on winning the January Photo Favorite of the month at 101!! #9212576Patti Coblentz February 04, 2011
Impeccable and a favorite, as I've said many times...so, here is one congratulation to you that I hope will be followed with more kudos from some BP medals in the works...congrats on the 101 POTW fav, Chris :) !! #9212631Nikki McDonald February 04, 2011
Congratulations on the POTM at 101, Chris. #9213469Chris Budny February 04, 2011
Thanks so much, Martin, Kara, Patti & Nikki! Quite a thrill to get a POTM at 101! #9213532Michelle Alton February 05, 2011
This is a spectacular architectural capture Christopher! A WELL-DESERVED POTD! Congratulations! #9213962Kate Jackson February 05, 2011
Brilliant job Christopher! Congrats on the POTD! #9213963Courtenay Vanderbilt February 05, 2011
Stopped me in my tracks! Congrats on a well deserved POTD! (PS grew up in Alexandria) #9213976Josh A. Friedman February 05, 2011
This is a great shot with a very interesting perspective. Well done! Congrats on the POTD. #9213978Michael McCook February 05, 2011
Wow! Knocked me out with this image. I opened my POTD email and was expecting to do my usual glance at a rather nice photo and hit the delete button. But, Bang! this fantastic image pops up. I think you'll see one of the top honors with this one. It's magical. Big Congratulations on this great POTD. #9214008Carmody Baker February 05, 2011
Great capture. Congratulations Chris. #9214068Dominick M. Dimacale February 05, 2011
Congratulations Christopher on your Well-Deserved POTD Win, Now, we will wait for the GOLD Badge or even GP!!!!!
Dominick #9214082
Nikki McDonald February 05, 2011
This thread is going to get VERY long, Chris :) Congratulations on the POTD. #9214092Linda D. Lester February 05, 2011
Love this....Congratulations on your POTD!! #9214104Leslie McLain February 05, 2011
Congrats on a terrific POTD! #9214117Deborah Lewinson February 05, 2011
Truly a masterpiece, Chris, and a fav for me! Congratulations on your awesome POTD!Debby #9214124
Wanda Knoss February 05, 2011
Congratulations Christopher! Love this image! #9214128Karen Celella February 05, 2011
Congratulations on your fantastic POTD, Chris! Get ready for the next award! #9214138Dr Silly February 05, 2011
Congratulations Chris on this wonderful POTD. :O) #9214143Susan Jane Allen February 05, 2011
Wow! This should get the grand prize! Amazing work, Chris! #9214149Michael Umbreit February 05, 2011
Chris - Congratulations on your POTD!! - Mike #9214153Stephen S. Maguire February 05, 2011
Marvelous capture!!! Congrats on POTD. #9214163Alan L. Borror February 05, 2011
Amazing image, Christopher! Congratulations on your POTD! I am sure we will see this again. #9214166Sue L. Cullumber February 05, 2011
Christopher - this is just gorgeous. The tones and comp. are fantastic! Big congrats on your POTD! #9214167Joy Rector February 05, 2011
congrats on the POTD #9214168Kimber Wallwork-Heineman February 05, 2011
Just plain perfect! Congratulations! #9214169Ryan Murphy February 05, 2011
fantastic wide-angle, shot chris! congrats on this POTD! Hope you enjoy your 10-22mm lens as much as I do! #9214197Thomas E. Hinds February 05, 2011
Congratulations, Chris, on your POTD! Superb work! #9214200Tammy Espino February 05, 2011
Outstanding capture , congrats on your potd!:) #9214202Ken Smith February 05, 2011
Magnificant shot, Chris. Congrats to you!! #9214243Cheryl Schneider February 05, 2011
Superb! Congratulations. #9214264Richard D. Love February 05, 2011
Wow!!! The lines. The shapes. The tones. The composition. This just has it all, Chris. So well done.Rick #9214275
Carolyn M. DAlessandro February 05, 2011
Congratulations Christerpher...all I see is perfection.Bravo,well done!!! #9214282Robert Jensen February 05, 2011
Glad to see this one again - hope you had a great time with Jim. #9214296Sharon Day February 05, 2011
Great shot, Chris!! Congratulations! #9214302Cesar J. La Rosa February 05, 2011
Congratulations on this BEAUTIFUL and very well-deserved POTD, Chris!!!Kara L. Hendricks February 05, 2011
Boy Usman called this one!!! Couldn't be happier if it was me Chris!! Congrats!! #9214320Anthony L. Mancuso February 05, 2011
Awesome image Chris! Congrats on your POTD! #9214322David Phalen February 05, 2011
BIG Congrats on a spectacular POTD!! #9214325JO ANN CLEVELAND February 05, 2011
Absolute Perfection Chris, hope we see this again..Congrats on this well deserved POTD!
jo ann c. #9214335
Nancyj E. Hovey February 05, 2011
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N SLes Rhoades February 05, 2011
Wonderful photographic eye.... and compositionDatha Y. Thompson February 05, 2011
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! On its way to the TOP!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT :) #9214369Patricia (Pat) C. Exum February 05, 2011
Congrats on your POTD, beautiful as all of your work is. Hope all is well with you. I miss DC and coming to the Cathedral to photograph! #9214374Chuck Bruton February 05, 2011
Congratulations on POTD, ChrisJulianne Bradford February 05, 2011
What a wonderful use of the 10 to 22 to acomplish this marvelous perspective Chris! A big congratulations on this well deserved POTD! #9214402Bob Cournoyer February 05, 2011
Woo Hoo! POTD... :-) #9214404Susan M. Hembree February 05, 2011
Such a great angle for this, Chris. Truly marvelous! Congrats on your POTD! #9214429Lisa J. Boulden February 05, 2011
Definitely on the way up, Christopher!Shawn Jennings February 05, 2011
Very nice work, Chris! Congratulations on your POTD! #9214438Cathy Barrows February 05, 2011
congrats on your potd...fab comp #9214444Bunny Snow February 05, 2011
Yes!Huge congratulations on your POTD, Chris. #9214458
Charlotte LaBarbera February 05, 2011
Congratulations! You've pulled us in - can't wait to see what's at the top of the stairs. Love the tones. #9214474Rita Hill February 05, 2011
A new personal favorite of mine. Excellent capture on this photo Chris! Congrats! #9214516Anne McKinnell February 05, 2011
I think this is one of my favourite photos of the day! Beautiful curves and lines, depth of field and overall composition. Very lovely tones as well. Congratulations! #9214522tony W. austin February 05, 2011
WOW WOW WOW.. what else can I say #9214523Usman M. Bajwa February 05, 2011
Nothing unexpected here, Chris.UB. #9214536
Katarina Mansson February 05, 2011
I TOLD YOU SO!!! This is just the first yellow badge at BP...I bet...excellent work! Congratulations Chris! #9214544Mitch Spence February 05, 2011
Chris, this is flat-out marvelous. All the way it goes. #9214573Nancy de Flon February 05, 2011
Absolutely brilliant, Chris--congratulations! #9214609Sheri Camarda February 05, 2011
You got it!!! Great shot! Congratulations on your POTD! #9214674Patti Coblentz February 05, 2011
Beaming brightly, as if it were my own :)) Huge congratulations on your POTD, Chris! The trek on this thread has just begun, I think :) #9214682Raymond Pauly February 05, 2011
Beautiful perspective and clarity! Congratulations! #9214697Pamela Koch February 05, 2011
Congratulations on this incredible POTD. I agree with many of the previous comments... this will be given many more awards. It is a photo to be VERY proud of. Stunning work! #9214830Lisa B. North February 05, 2011
Lucky for us you got your wide angle lens! This was worth the wait and absolutely stunning! Congrats!! #9214888Kathy Salerni February 05, 2011
Big congrats on your well deserved POTD, Chris! #9214890Marcel J. Fernandez February 05, 2011
One of the best images that I have viewed in a very long time. Congratulations!! #9214893Chris Budny February 05, 2011
I am blown away (and a little choked up, honestly) reading all these very, very kind words. Thank you, everyone, for the comments on this image, and taking the time to look.Mary K. Robison February 05, 2011
Your patience paid off big-time, Christopher ~ this is superb!!William C. Raco February 05, 2011
Great photo, ChristopherKitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna February 05, 2011
WTG on this beautiful POTD, Chris! :-) k #9215183Donna La Mattino Pagakis February 05, 2011
Congratulations on your incredible POTD Chris!! I am thrilled for you! #9215203Don Johnson February 05, 2011
Way to go Chris! #9215256Chris Budny February 05, 2011
Thank you all very much! #9215517Gail Vitikacs February 05, 2011
Wonderful! Amazing capture! #9215527Michele Peterson February 05, 2011
WOO_HOO!!! Not surprising to see this fabulous image as POTD, but definitely an exciting day for all of us who have enjoyed it and crossed our fingers for it to go far!! Congratulations, Chris, I think we are all as excited as you are! (well, close anyway!) :-) #9215614Graeme yew Chow February 05, 2011
Wonderful perspective and tone. Congratulations ! #9215628Chris Budny February 06, 2011
Thanks so much, Gail, Michele & Graeme! #9216056Tamara K. Walker February 06, 2011
Magnificent shot, congratulations! #9216236Patricia A. Casey February 06, 2011
Surely a winner.....Amanda D. Austwick February 06, 2011
Love the POV, and tones; beautiful image! CONGRATULATIONS!!! #9216694Renee Doyle February 06, 2011
Awesome pov and eod capture!! Big congratultions on a fabulous POTD Chris!!! #9216874Chris Budny February 06, 2011
Thanks so much, ladies! #9217025Stanley C. Sims February 06, 2011
Very well done Chris. Congratulations on the POTD. #9217293Chris Budny February 07, 2011
Thank you, Stanley! #9218216Clyde Smith February 07, 2011
Congratulations on your POTD. Great POV, DOF, tones and lines. #9218548Guy D. Biechele February 07, 2011
Congrats on your POTD. Really fine image! #9218835Chris Budny February 07, 2011
Thank you both! #9219405Chris Budny February 08, 2011
Thank you very much Brian! I still feel I have a lot to learn on B/W and monotones (this one is not truly B/W, just very heavily desaturated, and I think, a sepia layer at some point.) I'm glad you like it! #9220232Martin Cregg February 10, 2011
Chris - Congratulations on the POTD and Finalist awards. This is a brilliant photo. #9225083Patti Coblentz February 10, 2011
Almost to the top of the ladder where the gold awaits this awesome image, Chris...congratulations on your magnificent finalist!!! #9225144Michelle L. Frick February 10, 2011
Congratulations Chris!!! No surprise to see this one and hoping it goes all the way for you! Incredible composition and tones!! #9225179Mitch Spence February 10, 2011
It's an "of course" here, Chris. Go, go, go. #9225182Donna La Mattino Pagakis February 10, 2011
Congratulations on your excellent finalist Chris!!! I'm so happy for you! #9225308Maxine C. Schnitzer February 10, 2011
This is fantastic Chris! I'm sure we'll see this again in the next round. Congratulations!!! #9225393Sarah A. Christian February 10, 2011
WTG, Chris!!! Going up, up up just like the stairs! Congrats on your finalist image - well deserved! #9225845Jeana Clark February 10, 2011
~J~ #9225897
Nancy (Peaches) Harker February 10, 2011
Nikki McDonald February 10, 2011
On its way. Congratulations on the finalist and good luck in the next round. #9227443Merna L. Nobile February 10, 2011
Black and White, Bright Colors, Full Frame or Cropped, it does not matter. You’re a winner! CONGRATULATIONS, Merna #9227470Tammy Espino February 10, 2011
Congrats on your finalist!! :) #9227666Erin Appelbaum February 10, 2011
Looks like the Grand Prize to me. Outstanding image. Peter #9227829Usman M. Bajwa February 10, 2011
Looks all set for some more Golden decoration. CONGRATZ and hoping its the BIG one this time, Chris. Good luck!UB. #9228563
Karen Celella February 10, 2011
Congratulations on your fabulous finalist, Christopher. #9228881Kara L. Hendricks February 10, 2011
Woohooo!!!!!! I told you so!!!... Only I said.. GOLD... It's nice in silver... But DOUBLE GOLD will be better!!!!HUGE congrats on this one and your others Chris!! #9229388
ALLEN O. HOWARD February 10, 2011
An incredible finalist. Congratulations! #9229639Michele Peterson February 10, 2011
We wouldn't have expected anything less on this one, and hoping for more!! Congratulations on all THREE of your finalists!! Each one is amazing. :-) #9229906Naomi Weiser February 10, 2011
congrat, its a great image! #9229915Katarina Mansson February 11, 2011
No surprise here...I predict 1st or grand prize next...Congratulations on your finalist ... until then! #9230266
Chris Budny February 11, 2011
You all know how to make a guy's day! Thank you so much! #9230541Don Johnson February 11, 2011
Congratulations Chris. I knew this was a winner the moment I saw it! #9231182Guy D. Biechele February 11, 2011
Gorgeous well deserved finalist!! Congratulations. #9231456Renee Doyle February 11, 2011
I'm betting another Gold badge for this beauty Chris!!! Congratulations! #9232994Robert Jensen February 11, 2011
I knew this was a winner the second I saw it - keep 'em coming. #9233054Chris Budny February 11, 2011
Thanks so much folks... fingers crossed! #9233178Leslie McLain February 11, 2011
Congrats on your terrific finalist, Chris. A winner for sure. #9233256Amanda D. Austwick February 11, 2011
Congrats Chris! I see a possible Gold soon! #9233301Donna La Mattino Pagakis February 11, 2011
Wow, this is just awesome Chris. I am so happy for you! Congratulations on your GRAND PRIZE WIN!!! #9233541Renee Doyle February 11, 2011
What did I just say!!!! HUGE congrats to you Chris on this awesome and so deserving Grand Prize Winner!!!! WTG!! #9233554Shawn Jennings February 11, 2011
WTG Chris!!! Congratulations on this well deserved Grand Prize Winner!!! #9233558Usman M. Bajwa February 11, 2011
Whew.... ! WTG Chris. HUGE CONGRATZ on your GP win. And a double gold too, what a way to totally dominate the competition with such a wonderful shot. So very happy for you. Keep up the great work!!!UB. #9233568
Bob Cournoyer February 11, 2011
You may uncross your fingers now, Chris! #9233606Nikki McDonald February 11, 2011
Goody goody! Congratulations on the big win, Chris. #9233623Linda D. Lester February 11, 2011
This is way to awesome....great work!Datha Y. Thompson February 11, 2011
WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!! I am soooooooo HAPPY for you Chris!!! Excellent GPW!!!!! WTG :) #9233664Datha Y. Thompson February 11, 2011
WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!! I am soooooooo HAPPY for you Chris!!! Excellent GPW!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS :) #9233674David Phalen February 11, 2011
Told ya!! An amazing image!! HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on a great GRAND PRIZE WINNER!!!! #9233689Robert Mann February 11, 2011
Big, huge, wonderful congrats on your Grand Prize, Christopher! #9233695Michelle Alton February 11, 2011
Incredible image Christopher. Congratulations on this spectacular GP win! Awesome work! #9233696Terry Cervi February 11, 2011
Congratulations on your stunning Grand Prize win, Christopher! #9233702Kara L. Hendricks February 11, 2011
DOUBLE GOLD.....DOUBLE GOLD... Who said it???Man.. I am dancing for you!!! We all knew it was GP material...!!!
HUGE congratulations Chris!!!!!!
Did I say.. WOOHOO!?!?! #9233710
Phyllis H. Burchett February 11, 2011
BIG Congratulations on this stunning Grand Prize Winner!!! #9233735ALLEN O. HOWARD February 11, 2011
B*R*A*V*O!!! #9233736anonymous February 11, 2011
Huge congratulations Christopher on your Outstanding Grand Prize Win! #9233744Melissa McCabe February 11, 2011
Congrats on this well-deserved win (and on your new lens!) -mm #9233753Patti Coblentz February 11, 2011
Overwhelmed w/excitement for you, Chris...huge congratulations on your GRAND PRIZE win..fantastic!!! #9233772Jean E. Hildebrant February 11, 2011
OH MY! How exciting for you Chris!! I know this is a special image to you and with good reason! Loved it the first moment I saw it! Huge congrat's to you!!! #9233800Tammy Espino February 11, 2011
Congrats on the big win, Chris! :) #9233815Agnes Fegan February 11, 2011
How exciting for you...congratulations!!! #9233825Nancy (Peaches) Harker February 11, 2011
Patrick Rouzes February 11, 2011
Congratulations on your GP Winner, Christopher! WTG, indeed! #9233863Susan M. Hembree February 11, 2011
Who would have ever guessed? LOL! This is just amazing & well deserved, Chris, beyond words. Congratulations on the GP win! #9233869Brian #9233874
Nancyj E. Hovey February 11, 2011
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N SBarbara Socor February 11, 2011
A brilliantly conceived and executed shot....Superior in all respects! Congrats on this stunning Grand Prize win! #9233907Rona L. Schwarz February 11, 2011
WOW! All the accolades are certainly so well-deserved, Chris! Somehow I missed it on all its earlier prize-winning journeys...it is simply indescribable, brilliant, and certainly the best B&W image I have yet seen at BP! It's so complex and well-executed. Kudos to your vision to your technical expertise, and to your artistry. Many fine congratulations on this superlative Grand Prize Winner! #9234011Violeta Harrington February 11, 2011
Perfection in every way. Congratulations for the Grand Prize win! #9234036Cesar J. La Rosa February 11, 2011
A very well-deserved Grand Prize, indeed!!! I'm so happy to see this WONDERFUL photograph as the BIG WINNER, Chris!!! Congratulations, my friend!!!Michele Peterson February 11, 2011
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!Dominick M. Dimacale February 11, 2011
Did I saw GP Chris? WoW, congratulations On this Super Fantabulous award ! ! ! !Dominick #9234174
Monika Sapek February 11, 2011
Exceptional tones and composition! So well seen and done! Huge congratulations on your fantastic Grand Prize Winner, Christopher!Karen E. Baumann February 11, 2011
AWESOME, Chris!!!! This is great news! So excited for you... Hope you print and hang it some place where you can be reminded of the journey... a fine achievement!!! Congratulations! #9234209Bojan Bencic February 11, 2011
Congratulatins on your amazing win, Christopher. Fantastic photo. #9234231Katarina Mansson February 11, 2011
This was its´ destiny from the start! HUGE congratulations on this well-deserved and OUTSTANDING GP Chris! #9234232Debra R. Harder February 11, 2011
This is a great image, Chris!! Huge congratulations on your GRAND PRIZE WINNER!! WTG!! Deb #9234251Lynne Morris February 12, 2011
WTG Chris, Huge Congratulations on your Grand Prize Win, so well deserved, this is awesome. #9234449Marilyn Cornwell February 12, 2011
Congratulations, Chris! This is an inspiring and wonderful image! #9234520Gail Sullivan February 12, 2011
Christopher ...an outstanding GP winner...congrats! #9234563Alan L. Borror February 12, 2011
Congratulations on a truly outstanding image! #9234609Donna W. Neal February 12, 2011
Loved this from the moment I saw it, Outstanding work and well deserved GRAND PRIZE WINNER!!! CONGRATULATIONSJessica Jenney February 12, 2011
Congratulations, Chris on your stunning Grand Prize Win! #9234694Claudia Kuhn February 12, 2011
Woo Hoo Chris!! Congratulations on your Grand Prize winner!!! Way to go! #9234764Courtenay Vanderbilt February 12, 2011
Not surprised at all..this is a perfect phiSpiral! Congratulations! #9234788Cathy Barrows February 12, 2011
Congrats on your GP win...love this one #9234902Melissa G. Meiselman February 12, 2011
Huge congratulations, Christopher on this dazzling and most deserved grand prize winner!! #9234935Wanda Knoss February 12, 2011
Congratulations on this wonderful win!! #9235024Ken Smith February 12, 2011
Man, you nailed this one, Chris...and 54 people have Fav'd it...outstanding and congrats!! #9235030Emile Abbott February 12, 2011
Huge congratulation on your fantastic grand prize winner. #9235092Lindley Johnson February 12, 2011
Outstanding work, Chris! It's fantastic in every way - big congratulations on your wonderful Grand Prize Winner! #9235172Erin Appelbaum February 12, 2011
Well deserved Christopher. I knew this would be Grand Prize. Congrats. Peter #9235209Mary Beth Aiello February 12, 2011
Absolutely spectacular, Chris. I'm so happy for you. Huge huge congrats on this outstanding and wonderful GRAND PRIZE winner. #9235232R. J. Laudenbacher February 12, 2011
I knew this was greatness from the moment I saw it Christopher and I am so happy to see it with this Grand Prize Win. Congratulations. #9235239R. J. Laudenbacher February 12, 2011
I knew this was greatness from the moment I saw it Christopher and I am so happy to see it with this Grand Prize Win. Congratulations. #9235243Lydia Williams February 12, 2011
Gorgeous Chris...So happy for you and your grand prize winner..Well deserved! #9235274Kimber Wallwork-Heineman February 12, 2011
I knew it! I knew it! Congratulations and it is certainly the one I would have picked as well! #9235277Lisa J. Boulden February 12, 2011
Truly a GREAT image, Christopher!Mitch Spence February 12, 2011
This is perfection, Chris, and I am delighted to see this extraordinary image as the Grand Prize winner. #9235452Nadine A. Lewis February 12, 2011
OUTSTANDING and well deserved, Christopher!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! <>< #9235496Julianne Bradford February 12, 2011
A huge congratulations Chris on this magnificent Grand Prize winner! I can't wait to learn from the master :-) WTG! #9235565Michael Umbreit February 12, 2011
Chris - Huge congratulations on your big win!! - Mike #9235653Don Johnson February 12, 2011
Congratulations Chris! This is a stunning image! I told you you were the best photographer at BetterPhoto! #9235668Mick Burkey February 12, 2011
WTG, Chris!! HUGE Congratulations. You've come a long way, my friend, and here's the proof. A beautiful image well deserving of the Grand Prize. #9235693Kay Beausoleil February 12, 2011
Wow, this is superb, Chris. Hearty congratulations on your Grand Prize win!!! #9235709Rita Hill February 12, 2011
Wow, how exciting for you. Congratulations and well deserved. Love this image. #9235717Susan Jane Allen February 12, 2011
WOW! I only just noticed this, Chris! Huge congratulations to you! I certainly agree with their choice this time! #9235729Ryan Murphy February 12, 2011
Congrats on the incredible journey this well-deserving image has been on! #9235759Richard B. Hallick February 12, 2011
Just outstanding. Congratulations #9235765Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna February 12, 2011
WTG on your GRAND prize win, Chris! :-) k #9235902Mariann Kovats February 12, 2011
Gorgeous capture, congrats on your Grand Prize win! #9235982Karen Celella February 12, 2011
It doesn't get any better than GRAND PRIZE, Chris! Huge congratulations to you for this very well deserved, awesome winner! CHEERS! #9235998Denny E. Barnes February 12, 2011
The Grand Prize is for the best and the best this is!!! Congratulations, Chris on your outstanding and so very beautiful Grand Prize Win!!! Fantastic image!!! #9236322JO ANN CLEVELAND February 12, 2011
Grand Prize and very well deserved Chris, so happy for you!jo ann c. #9236335
Chris Budny February 12, 2011
Please accept my heartfelt thanks for all your kind words on this image. I went to bed just minutes before the winners were announced last night, and my neighbors this morning were probably wondering what to make of my shrieks and hollering at 6:30am when I finally learned about this. I then had to dash out to the cathedral (today was a tour duty day for me) and I'm just now getting home.I'm so happy with this! I've been a BP member for 64 months, and have learned so much here. Every month I pretty much drool over the Seconds, Firsts and Grand Prize images selected, always admiring them and wishing I could create images that good. To finally have an image of mine included in the ranks of other Grand Prize winners I have long looked up to, coveted and respected, is a bit overwhelming today---but so very thrilling and exciting!
Thank you again, for all the support and encouragement!! And if any BPers make it to DC sometime, look me up and I'll be happy to share a cathedral tour with you! #9236410
Charlotte LaBarbera February 12, 2011
Thank YOU for your response and for the honesty and humility with which you have expressed your gratitude. I can tell from the many posts I have read concerning your work that you are well-liked and well-respected as a person as well as a photographer.CONGRATULATIONS! Love everything about the image. It stays with you long after you have turned away from it. #9236427
Jeana Clark February 12, 2011
WELL DONE!!!!!!!
~J~ #9236438
Gail Vitikacs February 12, 2011
Chris, well done and I so hope you are enjoying this moment! Big Congratulations...so happy for you! #9236445Joseph T. Pilonero February 12, 2011
Ausome perspective, Christopher! I am in DC area often and have not even gone to the Washington National Cathedral. I love the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. I guess I'll have to see the spot where you took this fab shot. Congrtulations on the huge win! Keep shooting. TED #9236559Philippe Vieux-Jeanton February 12, 2011
Brilliant Grand Prize! Big Congratulations Christopher!!! #9236626Tamara K. Walker February 12, 2011
SUPERB! CONGRATULATIONS! #9236660Rolando Rosito February 12, 2011
Big congratulations Christopher!! very deserving Grand Prize Winner!! #9236704Angie M. Davis February 12, 2011
Congrats Christopher! This is just stunning! Love everything about it! #9236742Dr Silly February 12, 2011
BIG CONGRATULATIONS Chris on this GRAND Prize Win. :O) #9236794Sharon Sawyer February 12, 2011
Chris, HUGE congratulations on your outstanding & well deserved POTD & Grand Prize Win!!! #9236947James Reininger February 12, 2011
I am waiting from Frankenstein or Dracula to appear. Stuning image. Great job lighting. #9236969Chris Budny February 13, 2011
Thank you all, very much; I'm still beaming today---such a treat!! #9237598Robert Jensen February 13, 2011
I am so happy this was selected - I am still amazed at the quality of your images, because you haven't been shooting very long, yet your images look like they were taken by a seasoned professional. Keep up the great work, and I can't wait to come out there and meet you some day. #9237604Patricia A. Casey February 13, 2011
Christopher,Guy D. Biechele February 13, 2011
Fantastic!!! Congratulations on your Grand Prize win. Exceptional image. Well deserved! #9237615Lois Adomite February 13, 2011
Perfection, huge congratulations on this win. #9237959Vicki Hunt February 13, 2011
This is beautiful. I love this cathedral as many do. I will look for this view when I go back this year....A huge congratulations! #9238525Chris Budny February 13, 2011
Many thanks, folks! Such a treat to read all these great comments from everyone! #9238553Laura E. Swan February 13, 2011
ON YOUR EXCELLENT GRAND PRIZE WINNER!
The Viewer Gets Completely pulled in with the line of the railing. WOW! This is an amazing image, Chris!
-Laura Swan #9238637
Anna Diederich February 13, 2011
I LOVED this the first time I saw it! Huge congrats on y our well deserving grand prize win! #9238714Chris Budny February 14, 2011
Thank you both, Anna & Laura! #9239608Mark Seiter February 14, 2011
Congratulations on your grand prize win Christopher.....this is an awesome image and it was interesting to read that this was something you envisioned and then you finally went out and shot it once you got the right lens....very persistent.....nice job #9239729Chris Budny February 14, 2011
Thank you Mark. I'm revisiting several old favorite locations around the cathedral, to see what they offer to me with wide-angle now. I may never take that lens off the camera again ;) #9240490Patricia (Pat) C. Exum February 14, 2011
Chris, Congratulations on your Grand Prize! #9240593Patricia (Pat) C. Exum February 14, 2011
Chris, Congratulations on your Grand Prize! #9240594Debra Booth February 14, 2011
Congratulations on your well-deserved win, Christopher! What a fabulous image. #9240732Chris Budny February 15, 2011
Thanks so much, Debra & Pat! #9241662Mary K. Robison February 15, 2011
Christopher, when this fantastic capture was selected as a POTD, I fully agreed with the bp judges.Gina Cormier February 15, 2011
Congrats on this spectacular image!!!!! #9242168Chris Budny February 15, 2011
Thank you, Gina & Mary--I appreciate it! #9242931Theresa Marie Jones February 15, 2011
Now that's thinking outside the box! Your image helps us see the world around us in exciting new ways! I love the way my eye goes to the focal point and down the steps and back up the rail. Very well composed!Chris Budny February 16, 2011
Thank you very much, Theresa! #9244024Clyde Smith February 18, 2011
Conratulations on a stunning Win Chistopher! #9249325Chris Budny February 19, 2011
Thank you, Clyde! #9250022Usman M. Bajwa February 20, 2011
CONGRATZ. again Chris, now on the Grand Prize win at PG101!!!UB. #9252461
Katarina Mansson February 20, 2011
The winning never ends (and it shouldn´t!!!) with this one - congratulations again Chris! #9252472Sarah A. Christian February 20, 2011
Congratulations, Chris, for being selected as POTM!Dr Silly February 21, 2011
Congratulations Chris on your Favorite photo of the month win at PG101. The wins just keep on rolling on. :O) #9252529David Phalen February 21, 2011
BIG Congrats on the 101 POTM!! #9253059Chris Budny February 21, 2011
Thanks so much, PG101! I'm enjoying an embarrassment of riches on this image! #9253538Deborah Lewinson February 21, 2011
A brilliant image, Chris, so deserving of the Grand Prize!Hearty congratulations on your magnificent win!
Debby #9254147
Susan Fox February 21, 2011
A huge congratulations on your fabulously wonderful grand prize image!!! #9254421David M. Montero February 22, 2011
Congratulations Christopher. Great shot. #9255685Chris Budny February 22, 2011
Thank you very much, Dave, Susan & Deborah! #9256656Bill Houghton February 26, 2011
This is an outstanding winner. Congratulations. Bill #9263539Chris Budny February 26, 2011
Thank you, Bill! Just got some test prints (8x12) and I'm thrilled... gonna try out a larger format next. #9263633Marisol Pastor February 27, 2011
An outstanding image! Congratulations on a well deserved win! #9263900Chris Budny February 27, 2011
Thanks so much, Marisol! #9263986Susana Ms Heide February 27, 2011
A belated but heartfelt congrats on this huge success for you Chris!!! This image has received nothing but RAVE reviews ever since you shared it with us!!! When I look at it I feel like I could almost grasp on to the railing and walk up the stairs, because your angle makes the image seem dimensional! WOW!!! WAY TO GO Chris!!!!! #9264756Chris Budny February 27, 2011
Thank you very much, Susana! #9265125Martin J. Wells March 01, 2011
Chris, I just saw that you are the grand prize winner. Fantastic news and many congratulations (albeit a bit late)!!The comments say it all, this is a truly outstanding image.
regards, martin #9267804
Chris Budny March 01, 2011
Thank you, Martin; I appreciate it! #9267926Cathy M. Britcliffe March 01, 2011
Congratulations on your Grand Prize win, Christopher!Cathy :) #9268113
Chris Budny March 01, 2011
Thank you, Cathy! #9268679Nancy (Peaches) Harker March 11, 2011
HUGE Congrats on your AWESOME POTD #9285731Chris Budny March 11, 2011
Thank you, Nancy! #9286342Paula Showen March 16, 2011
This is an outstanding composition! It's a perfect piece for B&W. Congratulations (even though I'm a bit late) on this gorgeous work! #9294716Chris Budny March 16, 2011
Many thanks, Paula... You'll never be late---I'm still on cloud nine! #9294793Jill Battaglia July 06, 2011
I'll just add my congrats and my two cents to say how outstanding this is!! :-) #9510773Chris Budny July 06, 2011
Thanks so much! #9510884Carlton Ward August 29, 2011
The 3 exposures made for very even tones and the POV is fantstic - Congrats Chris :) #9641702Chris Budny August 30, 2011
Thank you, Carlton; HDR was definitely the way to go with the contrasty lighting and shadows. #9642160Nadia Paul September 23, 2011
What a stunning image this is Christopher - congrats on your GP win and POTD - so well deserved! #9686550Chris Budny September 25, 2011
Thank you very much, Nadia! I love this image, and have a huge print of it hanging at home now! #9691911Alex T. Mizuno October 15, 2011
Belated congratulations on your Grand Prize and POTD Chris! Your POV is really inspiring. I was impressed again when you visited SF. Your view of architecture is quite unique and fresh. I can learn a lot from your work. #9737318Chris Budny October 15, 2011
I think we could trade off---You've got some spectacular shots I'd love to call my own. Thanks! #9737527Jill Odice October 24, 2011
Wow, this was worthg waiting to get so perfectly and it obviously paid off :-) Congrats!!! #9759144Chris Budny October 24, 2011
Thanks so much!! #9759669Anna M. Halasz November 08, 2011
Love IT ! ~A~ #9792683Chris Budny November 09, 2011
Thank you very much! #9792985Summer A. Kozisek November 14, 2011
This image is spectacular, great composition, HDR work, and b&w presentation. Congratulations on your well deserved gold!! #9805048Chris Budny November 15, 2011
Thank you so much, Summer! #9805313Rudi Reiner November 18, 2011
What a great POV! Congratulations! #9816321Chris Budny November 18, 2011
Thank you, Rudi! #9816330ALLEN O. HOWARD November 22, 2011
Magnificent. There are not enough wonderful adjectives to describe this image! #9825171Chris Budny November 22, 2011
Thank you very much, Allen! #9826044Antonio Amen December 02, 2011
Everything is perfect in this picture, well done.Chris Budny December 02, 2011
Thank you very much, Antonio! #9843727Gayle Johnson January 13, 2012
This is definitely one of my all time favorites. Classic. Congratulations! #9918273Chris Budny January 15, 2012
Thank you very much, Gayle! #9921450Reynaldo D. Reyes February 28, 2012
So beautiful indeed Chris and your work is very inspirational. Congratulations! #10011326Chris Budny February 28, 2012
Many thanks, Reynaldo--I appreciate that! #10011592Jill Odice March 03, 2012
Congrats on the many awards this awesome image has received! All well deserved! #10019499Chris Budny March 03, 2012
Thank you very much, Jill! #10020221Stephen Zacker March 28, 2012
Fantastic perspective. Congratulations #10062928Chris Budny March 28, 2012
Thank you, Stephen! #10063380Gary Enloe April 06, 2012
This is fantastic Christopher. Outstanding POVA big CONGRATS on being a winner
Well deserved! #10077952
Chris Budny April 06, 2012
Thank you so much, Gary! #10078150Katherine Kuhn April 12, 2012
Beautiful composition and tones! #10087318Chris Budny April 12, 2012
Thank you very much, Katherine! #10087341Dayna Cain April 27, 2012
I see I'm not the only one that comes back to look at this beauty again and again. This is just perfection Chris. I am still in awe of this image. #10111555Chris Budny April 27, 2012
Thank you very much, Dayna! I love it just as much... I have a framed print of it right here at my office desk! #10111570Michael S. Baker May 02, 2012
Hi Christopher; I was at this very spot a few weeks ago and thought of your image here. I tried to reproduce it (imitation is the best form of flattery, they say). I couldn't get a similar shot. This is a great image-- really nice work here! #10118276Chris Budny May 02, 2012
Thank you very much! Glad you made it in; if you get back, look me up (usually only there on Saturdays.)Shelly A. Van Camp May 15, 2012
What a beautiful image and POV, Chris! Congrats on the POTD!! #10138066Chris Budny May 15, 2012
Thank you, Shelly! #10138072Carol Eade May 17, 2012
Gorgeous work! #10140717Chris Budny May 18, 2012
Thank you, Carol! #10141100Yulianto Soeroso June 05, 2012
dreaming #10170002Chris Budny June 06, 2012
Thanks, Yulisanto! #10170324JO ANN CLEVELAND July 13, 2012
Sooo kool Chris..I just visited Linda's gallery and she has posted this with your guidance...she nailed it too!Wonderful gallery...
jo ann c. #10227889
Chris Budny July 13, 2012
Thanks! #10228505Dayna Cain September 05, 2012
It's takes my breath away every time I look at it. #10309414Chris Budny September 05, 2012
I'm so glad! I still love it, nearly 2 years later! Maybe because I tried to get this kind of shot for several years, without success. #10309417frank w. degenhardt September 07, 2012
POTD and Grand Prize Winner. This picture deserves both honors. Congratulations my friend. #10312859Chris Budny September 07, 2012
Thank you very much, Frank! I still get a big kick out of this one "going to the top" a year and a half ago! #10312883Dayna Cain October 03, 2012
Yep, I'm still looking at it and still loving it. #10353920Chris Budny October 04, 2012
Well thanks, Dayna! I still look and love it too--have a big enlargement hanging right behind me, and a smaller enlargement in my office at work! ;) #10354512Chris Budny January 21, 2013
Thank you very much, Brian, for such high praise! I love this image to this day, and have a fantastic 20x30 print matted & framed right behind me as I type this. #10526845Mike F. Anderson May 19, 2013
WOW!!! Patience and perseverance. The ability to see it, envision it, execute it, and produce it. Just outstanding Christopher! #10699329Chris Budny May 20, 2013
Thanks so much, Mike; yes, it took awhile to get the right equipment, in hindsight! The ultrawide EFS10-22 has since become probably my all-time favorite lens. #10700198Harriet Feagin November 23, 2014
Christopher, This photo has inspired me to make a trip from West Texas to DC to photograph the National Cathedral. My friend lives in Chicago. We are both retired educators and travel together to photograph. We are coming to DC this March. May I contact you with questions? Your photos are the best I have seen of this national treasure. #11193955Ellen Hodges March 26, 2016
Huge Congrats on Triple Gold, Chris!!! #11452240Chris Budny March 26, 2016
Thank you, Ellen! Glad to see it has stood the test of time with Jim, too!Lydia Williams March 27, 2016
Ah Yes, I remember this awesome iage and am glad to see the All-Time EP badge! Congratulaitons, Chris!!Chris Budny March 27, 2016
Thanks so much, Lydia! Looking forward to seeing the final set of A.T.E.P.'s Jim has selected... #11452550Errick L. Cameron July 09, 2016
No surprise here. Congrsts on yet another award for this superb work. #11493986Chris Budny July 10, 2016
I certainly couldn't hope for more! Thank you, Errick! What a treat to see this make it into Jim's 20th Anniversary Winners! #11494145Leslie Carson Wolfe January 16, 2021
Absolutely beautiful image, so graceful and compelling. Definitely makes me want to explore those stairs and hallways! Congratulations on your well-deserved awards, Chris! #11867571Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.
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