La Misión de San Xavier del Bac
Tucson, Arizona - July 27, 2019
A Brief History of the National Historic Landmark
The Catholic mission church was founded by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692 as it was the beginning of the church's construction in 1783, which was then completed in 1797. The church is considered as the oldest standing European structure in Arizona. The history in its original interior, statues, and mural paintings are well-kept; which brings the visitors to experience its authentic 18th Century space. It still remains as a place where masses are religiously practiced for the purpose of ministering to its parishioners.
Upon visiting the church, it would be wise to marvel at its magnificent facade
as it is commonly known as the White Dove of the desert.
It is not a surprise that the church's architecture is the focal point of the landmark and so I wanted to showcase its shape and form using the basic rule of thirds while having such an inviting atmosphere including the group of guests that morning. It gives that interaction with people reasons why they are drawn to visit the landmark time and time again; it is that spiritual connection that is welcomed by one.
You will wouldn't want to miss out on the local vendor's food and refreshments either.
I watched as the local vendors setup for business. To hear the lively conversations and the aroma of the mesquite firewood burning as the grilling starts felt like home. The complementary colors was unintentional but it worked out for the still image. The colors of the jugs reflects the heat and thirst for cold refreshments and the fortunate circumstance of cool blue colors of the tarps was quite astonishing to say the least. On the other hand, the clothing worn by the group in the photo drives focus on the mentality to take shelter under the sheds to cool-off from the sun beating down so harshly at 100+ degrees.
On the left side of the church, there is an alleyway which opens up to a nice sitting area under the shadow of the
West Tower (Baptistry). It is the second entrance/exit from the church leading into the Nave area.
This was a perfect place to freshen up at midday when it gets too crowded inside of the church. The sun peaked ever so slightly from the corner giving the porcelain white color of the facade a soft touch.
The building on the left is the room where the candles are lit and offered to the religious statuaries.
This is the same area where I shot the West Tower and on the right side leads up to the comfort stations.
I'd say that this shot is focused more on the bench where a solid drop shadow draws to your attention. It is also a locational mapping so to speak. The building in the back is somewhat featured and seen for its ceremonial use of lights. I framed the bench on the lower sixth as it centered under a tree which happens to be in between two art wall tiles.
This is a shot of the beautiful original mural paintings in the East Transept area of the church.
Notice the natural light coming in and the incandescent lights contrasting each light source highlighting areas on the walls differently. The asymmetrical color tones are indeed balancing the symmetrical framing of the shot in an unexpectedly pleasant way.
A young man finding his way out on the east wing heading towards the Grotto Hill.
I was particularly amazed in lushness of the plants around the vicinity of the church. So, the many different shades of green was pronounced against the white walls and the blue skies. Fortunately enough, the reddish colors of the cacti and bars on the windows complimented the greens very well. The textures of the greenery was a sensation overload which was distracted by the young man wearing a darker shade of green on the sidewalk.
I stumbled upon a bird's cry on the way to the Grotto Hill and it so
happens to be my first encounter with a Greater Roadrunner.
Perplexed by the sound I was hearing initially, a bird sits under a drainage cutout in the wall trying to beat the scorching heat of the day. I never had any intention of capturing such a creature under the harsh exposure of light. But, even with the unclear image on camera I imagined a perfect shot centered where the bird was. The textures on the wall and the ground contrasted the dark, but weathered-softness on the bird's feather.
The outstanding statues invites the visitors entry atop the Grotto Hill.
This composition caught my eyes while straight away. The lion statues was angled in a way that directs the eye to the cross but essentially inviting us to enter the path. The textures of the landscape and the statues are well-balanced against the clear blue skies.
On the Grotto Hill, a statue of the Virgin Mary is placed in an alcove on the rocky hill.
This is so reminiscent of my grandmother's man-made grotto alter overlooking my mom's family house in the Philippines. The Virgin Mary was a clear focal point how no matter you choose to frame against the rocky landscape. Interestingly, a blue container sits right in-front of her which draws your eyes to her even more. Notice how the shape of the framing mimics that of a triangle and it is sliced in half contrasted in an angle where it is balanced.
The hill-view east of the church overlooks open fields and mountain ranges,
where around the hill has a 360-degree loop seeing other mountains surrounding the area.
I am not quite sure which mountain range this is behind the church but the Grotto Hill supposedly has full 360 view of grounds and mountains such as, the mission, the Tucson Mountains, the Catalina Mountains, and parts of the Rincon Mountains and Mount Wrightson. I was amazed so by the gorgeous views of the mountains and the sky that it made me realize how beautiful it was to be outside and experiencing the world around us. The open space was spectacular in a sense that I wanted to you to experience with me through my lens. It is very well a standard lower sixth use of composition which maximizes the openness of the fields and the clear blue skies, direct to the point. It was indeed a well-spent day outdoors and a great way to end my tour.
