Photographing Abandoned Prairie Churches

Of all the abandoned prairie structures that remain to be photographed, perhaps the prairie churches are most beautiful. In fact, of the many towns on the prairies that have disappeared or mostly disappeared, it's interesting that many of the churches remain.

In fact, many of these prairie churches remain in relatively good condition even when the town is gone. It's almost as if some great force is intervening to keep the interest alive. 


And its now wonder, these small wooden buildings were often the refuge of the pioneers against challenges we could not even begin to image.

I am reminded of Psalm 46:1-3 when I think about these beautiful places and the considerable challenges of life at the time. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with surging."

I imagine that the early residents would have clung to this Psalm closely.

Photographing Abandoned Churches

I recently photographed St. Michael's Catholic Church near Bashaw, Alberta. My intention was to create a timelapse and I documented it and posted it on YouTube.

I am recommending this to you. I provide composition tips to help you get beautiful exterior church photographs. And if you don't need tips, well its well worth checking out!


Abandoned Church Timelapse

I recently visited a number of churches as part of timelapse project I was working on for YouTube.  Make sure you check it out! There are a number of churches featured throughout this short timelapse film!


Hopefully, this will inspire you to visit these prairie icons before they disappear. They won't be around for that many years longer!


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