Faith buildings

They come all in manner of shapes and sizes, for an array of worshipful purposes.

Even if you don’t hold a particular faith (I fall into that category), it’s hard not to find these buildings impressive and moving on some level.

They are invariably engaging to capture in photographs, occasionally challenging in the dim of candlelight. In some cases, you are not permitted to use your camera.

This tiny fraction of faith buildings I’ve had the pleasure of visiting encompasses six religions. Each place is arresting in its own way, while they all have a shared mystique.

Tap/click first image for gallery view

: St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, Northern Ireland – Catholicism

: Neasden Temple, London – Hinduism

: Russian Orthodox Church, Gunnersbury, London

: Greensted Church, Essex – Anglicanism

: London Central Mosque – Islam

: New West End Synagogue, London – Judaism

: Pennyburn Chapel, Derry, Northern Ireland – Catholicism

: Southwark Cathedral, London – Anglicanism

: Neasden Temple – Hinduism

: New West End Synagogue, London – Judaism

: St Patrick’s Cathedral, Derry, Northern Ireland – Catholicism

: London Central Mosque – Islam

Tags: architecture, faith, Greensted Church Essex, London Central Mosque, Neasden Hindu temple, New West End Synagogue, Pennyburn Chapel, photography, religion, Southwark Cathedral, St Patrick's Cathedral, travel

22 thoughts on “Faith buildings”

ckponderings on January 7, 2014 at 12:18 said:

Beautiful images, Mike. They cross faiths, and show that religion doesn’t matter when it comes to great architecture! :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on January 9, 2014 at 22:49 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Richard. I couldn’t have put it better myself!
  
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Andy Townend on January 7, 2014 at 11:39 said:

Beautiful and inspiring set Mike!!

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- mikeosbornphoto on January 9, 2014 at 22:51 said:
  
  Much appreciated, Andy! I’m reminded of visiting one of the cathedrals in central Belgrade – wondrous. Perhaps you have some shots in your archives.
  
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  - Andy Townend on January 10, 2014 at 22:06 said:
    
    my pleasure and i will find some shots, great idea!
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on January 10, 2014 at 22:51 said:
      
      I’d love to see them. I may have to consider a trip eastwards at some stage myself!
      
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      - Andy Townend on January 10, 2014 at 22:52 said:
        
        Let me know if you do and we could travel together!
        
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        mikeosbornphoto on January 10, 2014 at 23:00 said:
        
        Great idea! I have a couple of friends over there and of course you know it like the back of your hand :-)
        
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        Andy Townend on January 10, 2014 at 23:01 said:
        
        I feel a plan taking shape :-)
        
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        mikeosbornphoto on January 10, 2014 at 23:02 said:
        
        There is definitely something there!
        
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Alexander Lautsyus on January 5, 2014 at 20:58 said:

Beautiful set of remarkable buildings! Quality of architectural details is excellent.

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- mikeosbornphoto on January 5, 2014 at 22:10 said:
  
  Thank you kindly, Alexander. At least there is no shortage of them. And a Happy New Year to you and your family.
  
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  - Alexander Lautsyus on January 6, 2014 at 21:42 said:
    
    Thank you Mike! Looking forward to see your new work and projects.
    
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jdtphotography.co.uk on January 5, 2014 at 17:05 said:

A real joy to soak up the intensity of the images, from the colours to the richness in the detail of the architecture. I am so looking forward to your posts for the coming year. Best regards, james

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- mikeosbornphoto on January 5, 2014 at 17:19 said:
  
  James, many thanks, I’m glad to enjoyed this collection. I think it gives a sense of how intense religious architecture can be. And likewise, I look forward to your endeavours in 2014.
  
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  - jdtphotography.co.uk on January 11, 2014 at 12:30 said:
    
    Cheers Mike.
    
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maryqkaca on January 5, 2014 at 16:02 said:

This is very nice selection of different religions! Beautiful as usual! All the best in the new year Mike!

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- mikeosbornphoto on January 5, 2014 at 16:05 said:
  
  Thank you Maria – I have so many faiths and buildings to photograph still! And a very happy new year to you too. Look forward to keeping track of your work in 2014.
  
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Brinda on January 5, 2014 at 10:21 said:

Beautiful as always! Thank You! I agree each one has a history of its own, with a multitude of facets that depict the human mind…Have you tried The Sikh Temple yet?
Here’s wishing you a Creative 2014 with new inspiration and gusto for new adventures !!!

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- mikeosbornphoto on January 5, 2014 at 10:27 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Brinda. Ah, I haven’t made it there yet. Sounds like I should add it to my list (which is more than a lifetime long!) The very best wishes for a new year of inspiration to you too.
  
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  - Brinda on January 5, 2014 at 18:03 said:
    
    TY for the inspiration, much needed!! Yes, one of the things I love doing, even if time is ‘deficient’… so, to speak! :-) I just think that the fact that all these religions that have built their faith’s architectural symbols outside their countries of origin, have even more meaning, hence the energy in these buildings demand respect and contemplation… and you give that dimension to your work, whether you personally, believe or not in Almighty’s presence… How grand is that, don’t you think?
    Besides, the Sikh Gurdhwaras, there are some other of the most beautiful Indian Temples in London, itself… here’s a list to have an idea of what I mean… enjoy the different festivals by all means & please share with us, will you?
    http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/24/8-must-see-temples-in-london-united-kingdom/
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on January 5, 2014 at 18:11 said:
      
      Brinda, that’s such a good point about the “non-native” creeds and their buildings here. Certainly does add an extra dimension to it. Thank you for the Indian temples tip – it’s on my list to make some photographic visits and hopefully be able to share their synthesis :-)
      
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