In Durham Cathedral, with a camera

While the Bears were here a couple of weeks ago, GirlBear and I visited the Cathedral - my first time since the ban on photography was lifted. Don't expect the last word on the subject, or a carefully composed portfolio: as I said, first attempt, combined with enjoying GirlBer's company. But it would be a shame not to record the event.

Starting with a view of my favourite window. I don't know why: it's the Royal Air Force memorial window, and I wouldn't normally bond with a military memorial. It isn't ancient (unveiled in April 1948, according to someone on Flickr), the work of Hugh Easton. There's a Flickr group dedicated to his work, and a number of very familiar themes can be discerned. While there are some appealing details, I don't see anything that measures up to "mine".

What is it that appeals to me so very strongly? The combination of realism and not-realism, perhaps, those glorious art deco wings and the RAF uniform, not to mention the skyline of Durham (standing in for Jerusalem). For whatever reason, I'm very happy for it to be my first photograph under the new dispensation.

( More pictures, more stained glass: )