VIEW

Go to the LIGHT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RÉNEE BESTA

TTHERE IS AN old adage in photography that goes something like this: If you are not finding something in front of you, turn around and look behind you instead. That is exactly what Rénee Besta did last spring while photographing the alter in Mission San Miguel. As she pivoted the camera on its tripod, she was delighted to discover the view you see here. “I found all of the architectural lines, everything, the frescos, the beams, the pews, all lined up, all converging, and leading to the light which was coming in through a half-opened door,” shares

Besta, who lives in Paso Robles.

The photographic technique Besta employed for this particular shot is called High Dynamic Range (HDR), which means that multiple shots are taken then layered atop one another to maximize the detail. To make this photo, Besta took a total of thirteen shots, which was made difficult by the tourists who would occasionally roam in and out.

She then spent many hours of post-production work on her computer. The result is an exquisite rendition worthy of the 217-year-old North County jewel.

Besta, who identifies herself as “spiritual rather than religious,” often finds solace in Mission San

Miguel where she can sit and reflect quietly with her thoughts. “Some people go to the beach or for a hike, but I find that this place has wonderful, wonderful energy. There have been so many people over the years coming here to pray or meditate, and all of that positive energy—and I hope this doesn’t sound too ‘out there’—gets absorbed by the building.” Besta pauses for a moment to collect her thoughts, “And in this particular photo, where everything is going toward the light; isn’t that the point? Aren’t we all, isn’t everything that is positive, looking to go to the light?” SLO LIFE