> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Behind The Photograph: Fingers of Light at Ripon Cathedral - URL: https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/behind-the-photograph-3/ - Published: 2026-08-19T21:27:06.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-19T21:27:06.000Z - Description: I was so focused on getting the shot that I didn't feel the red hot radiator pipe beneath my shin until after the exposure. - Author: Andy Marshall - Tags: art, photography, architectural photography, advocacy of photography, Behind The Photograph, Photography and Practicality, Photography and Preparation, Photography and Process I took a series of photographs of the nave at Ripon from the clerestory. It wasn't an easy climb - with the tripod and gear scraping along the spiral stair walls. I had a limited amount of time - the light shafts were dissipating. We'd prepped by releasing incense in various places, first thing in the morning, before the cathedral was open. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2023/01/11B63D6D-862E-4B6E-A398-25EDC84FD599.jpg) It was lovely seeing people walk in afterwards and look up to the light shafts with awe. It wasn't an act of God, but a carefully planned bit of magic between myself and the cathedral's Joe Priestley. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2023/01/IMG_1059.jpeg) Joe lights the incense before the cathedral opens I didn't realise how limited my movements would be whilst taking this shot. I was strapped to the safety wire and once I pressed the shutter button I had to stay still for around 30 seconds of exposure (I bracketed these shots - taking a series of underexposed and overexposed shots). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2023/01/BBA92EA9-D913-4E00-82D7-A7754C7019C4.jpg) I was so focused on getting the shot that I didn't feel the red hot radiator pipe beneath my shin until after the exposure. I thought nothing of it - until later - I noticed a large blister on my leg. I still have the Ripon scar to this day - but I think it was worth it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2023/01/Ripon-Cathedral-25.jpg) It's hard to explain how fatiguing it is working towards a key photograph. The physical and mental activity. After each day of work at Ripon, my reward was a cup of tea and a biscuit in the cathedral utility room. And what a room it is - surrounded by medieval wall paintings that aren't available for the public to see. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2023/01/20210819_144812.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2023/01/Ripon-Cathedral-31.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2023/01/Ripon-Cathedral-42.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2023/01/Ripon-Cathedral-44.jpg) Readers of the Genius Loci Digest ## What stays with readers > “ > > That aura, those echoes - the muted light is transporting. What a space to feel rooted in history. I'd love to make that journey myself; you've stirred the opera lover and architectural dreamer in me. > > @sonatasips via X > “ > > Genius Loci has rapidly become the highlight of my Friday morning mailboxes, Andy! > > David via Linkedin > “ > > In reading & seeing Andy's work I always struggle to know which is more impactful - his writing or photos. In truth, the two combined are greater than their parts, he allows you to explore the importance of place and time from the comfort of home. > > Peter from Bluesky > “ > > Andy your work is becoming wonderful, remarkable. A so-called breakdown has been milled into its constituent parts, becoming profound construction: through perception, architecture, the lens and the pen. > > Stephen via Email 1 2 3 4 ← Ⅱ → ![The vaulted nave of York Minster glowing with filtered light](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2025/07/GjFbo3aXoAAgtYU.jpeg) York Minster - light through the nave01 / 04 ![Ancient carved stones and timber roof at Durham Cathedral's Open Treasure](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/production/photos/rt4ccpqm0nalr9e9vv5oxo8invcfxar6wbvq/original.jpg) Durham Cathedral - Open Treasure02 / 04 ![A family approaching the restored cloister at Exeter Cathedral](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2025/06/Clews-Exeter-April-2025-134.jpg) Exeter Cathedral - new life beside the old03 / 04 ![The Iron Bridge reflected in calm water at dusk](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/production/photos/aii66p605mkuajmgvjdqnt9325o42kjghcac/original.jpg) The Iron Bridge - reflected at dusk04 / 04 From the heritage portfolio Three Ways to Come With Me ## Choose how to join, share or support Andy Marshall's work [ ↗ Join Free Travel with me each Friday Receive the free weekly Genius Loci Digest in your inbox - photography, place-writing and overlooked stories from the road. 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