Mystery can often be expressed by the interplay of light and shadow. And such mystery can work symbolically as well, as in this image. I was initially drawn to this scene by the beauty of the light itself. It was flowing into this cathedral through its stained glass windows, producing a subtle rainbow-like pattern, and striking the steps that led to each of the chapels that line the side of its nave. Then I realized that it was much more than just the beauty of the light itself that was drawing my eye. It was the interplay of that light with the deep shadows, creating a pattern that mysteriously lingers at the entrance of each chapel. Light and shadow also define a series of black rectangles on the floor - each of them a gravestone. My spot meter was an essential tool here - by exposing precisely on the bright light, I was able to intensify the depth of the shadows, instead of washing them out, as I would have done if I had used standard evaluative metering.

Ultimately, the meaning of this image must be resolved by each of my viewers. As for the meaning I intend here, I hope I've been able to imply that there is beauty and meaning in death, as well as in life.