Sometimes the most meaningful photographs come from unexpected requests. When someone asked us to capture Christ Church while we were staying near Saint Simons Island, Georgia, I had no idea we were about to discover such a profound piece of American history through my lens.

Research revealed a story that began in 1736 with James Oglethorpe and Charles Wesley, weaving through centuries of American history, from colonial times through the Civil War and beyond. Each historical detail only heightened my anticipation to photograph this sacred space.

Arriving at Christ Church, we found construction work near the pastor's house, but fortune favored us – the historic church itself stood undisturbed, ready for its infrared portrait. Through my specialized lens, the scene transformed into something otherworldly. The Spanish moss-draped trees glowed with ethereal radiance, their leaves painting the sky in surreal hues while the church stood as a steadfast anchor of reality within this dreamlike landscape.

Two distinct perspectives emerged from our visit:

"Spiritual Splendor: A Churchyard Sunset" The first capture bathes the historic structure in warm, ethereal light, with the Spanish moss creating nature's own lacework against the sky. The infrared technique transforms the familiar Georgian landscape into something almost mystical, highlighting the intersection of natural and spiritual beauty.

"Blue Church" The second perspective presents the church in a different light, where deep shadows and golden sky create a compelling contrast. The infrared technique renders the trees in mesmerizing blue tones, offering a unique interpretation of this sacred space.

What strikes me most about photographing historic churches is how infrared photography seems to capture not just the physical structure, but something of the spiritual essence of these places. The technique reveals hidden light, much like how these sacred spaces reveal hidden histories and stories of faith.