On a whim, I decided to stop by National Cathedral at lunchtime the other day. I lucked into a great parking spot, and the cathedral was open this time. (It was closed for events the last two times I tried.) I took a few shots like these:
Then all of a sudden, an announcement: the cathedral organist was giving a demonstration in the choir. I’ve been wanting to hear that particular instrument for years. Never seem to make the concerts somehow. I was actually in the choir, so just had to sit on one of the benches. He played three pieces, one by Bach, and they were all beautiful. What timing.
After the music, I walked into an adjoining room, and thought I was seeing things.
I’ve blogged about the stained-glass effect before, here. But these were spectra caused by the noonday sun hitting prisms somewhere. I promise you, I haven’t altered the color a bit. I actually thought about de-saturating them to tone down the brightness, then changed my mind. Why mess with nature?
I think they look like little rainbow fires.
Nothing like a limestone rainbow. A really nice lunch hour overall, don’t you think?
{ms. pearl}
Pearls & Prose 
I was already totally amazed by the first shot but the rainbows are magical.
It’s wonderful when you can hear a concert in a church. The sound is often so beautiful.
The sound was amazing in that space, Caroline. I’m sure the acoustics are first-rate.
I’m blown away by the rainbows – TOTALLY fabulous !
Thanks, Susan! I really got lucky.
Really great shots, Ms. Pearl!! You know I love these types of shoots! Great lighting and the prisms…Fantastic!! then a concert…BONUS!! I cannot imagine the sound of the organ in a building like this one. It must have been amazing!! Great job!
Hey, great to see you here! Thanks so much. I’ll get over to your blog soon.
Those are some money shots. 🙂
I know from experience that photography inside a church can be difficult. There always seem to be so many different lighting issues. But you seemed to nail it! What a lovely series.
Thanks, Jacquelin. I had some pretty bad shots too. The stained glass windows were a real headache without a tripod, but I hate carrying one around.
These are wonderful, I am planning a trip to DC in two weeks, and the National Cathedral is on list of places that I visit and see. Thank you for showing the beautiful images, and the rainbow flares.
You’re welcome, and thanks for stopping by! I think you will enjoy National Cathedral a lot. It’s especially beautiful at dusk. Have a wonderful time!
GREAT shots!
Thank you, and welcome to the blog!
Fabulous photos! I love the first one…I’m a sucker for columns 🙂 The prizm photos are amazing!
I love columns too! So, are you enjoying your freedom? 🙂
I love the rainbows. And I love that you called them “rainbow fires!”
I appreciate that!
Awesome, what a great thing to happen. Have you ever heard of Harry Clarke? He has done some amazing stained glass.
No, I haven’t. Will have to Google him.
How wonderful!!
Thanks, Slim!
Wow – nice rainbow shots. I’ve never seen anything like that.
I’ve seen rainbows caused by prisms before, but not on this scale.