Capturing the Warmth of The Dessoff Choirs’ "Welcome Yule: Sing Lullaby"
As the winter chill sets in, I found myself stepping into the welcoming embrace of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn for an event that promised a respite from the cold: The Dessoff Choirs' "Welcome Yule: Sing Lullaby." My task as a photographer was to capture the essence of this enchanting concert, held on December 3, 2023, which proved to be a challenge and a delight, given the venue's unique lighting—or lack thereof.
First Impressions
My first visit to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was unforgettable. The church, with its striking architecture, provided a solemn backdrop for the day's event. The Dessoff Choirs, a chorus with a century of history singing into the present with pieces by composers who spanned the ages, tonight under the baton of Malcolm J. Merriweather, are known for their vibrant performances, and this concert was no exception
The Photographer's Dilemma
The event's lighting was a challenging. As the evening progressed, the interior of St. Paul's turned even darker, leaving me to rely on the soft glow of candles held by the audience. It was a dance of shutter speeds, ISOs, and apertures, as I worked to immortalize moments without the intrusion of motion blur—a feat that caught the attention of the audience, as one inquisitive soul inquired about my technique post-concert.
Through the Lens
In photography, light is everything, and in its scarcity, every frame becomes precious. The concert, with its blend of traditional carols and pieces by Vicente Lusitano, Herbert Howells, R. Nathaniel Dett, Florence Price, and Adolphus Hailstork, was a panorama of concentration, skill, and festive cheer. Each photograph aimed to convey the choir’s harmony and the venue’s solemnity, a testament to the choir's reputation for groundbreaking performances.
A Visual Story
The images on my website aren't just about the technicalities of photography; they are about the warmth of the Yuletide, the resonance of history, and the intimacy of a community united in song. As you browse through the gallery, you're invited to experience "Welcome Yule: Sing Lullaby" not just as a viewer but as a participant, holding a candle in the collective celebration of the season.
For anyone interested in the depth of the evening's repertoire or in following the journey of The Dessoff Choirs, I invite you to explore further by visiting their website. And for anybody planning their own event, I invite you to get in touch with me to talk about your photography needs by filling out this contact form.
