California Photo Scout

Inside the Crystal Cathedral

If you love architecture photography, the Crystal Cathedral is a godsend.

Reverent Robert Schuller built a giant edifice of glass and white steel to worship the simple carpenter. Schuller, a PR talent, understood how to draw worldwide attention. Enlisting celebrities and organizing media spectacles par excellence, his congregation now extends beyond the US borders.

The extravagant buildings, the splendor of materials used, and the landscaping make this church a worthy photography destination, independent of your religious persuasion. The church welcomes all visitors warmly. You can explore the grounds freely and do not have to worry about missionaries trying to involve you.

How to get there

Crystal Cathedral Map (click to enlarge)

The Crystal Cathedral is located in Garden Grove, just a few minutes from I- 5 (Santa Ana Freeway), CA-22 (Garden Grove Freeway) and CA-57 (Orange Freeway).

From the North (Los Angeles), take the City Drive exit (107C) from Highway 5, turn right onto West Chapman Avenue and after about 0.4 miles turn left onto S. Lewis Street where you will see the Cathedral parking lot. From the south, take exit 107B for Chapman Avenue.

GPS position

• 33°47’13.28″N 117°53’58.17″W

How to photograph the Crystal Cathedral in LA

Crystal Cathedral

The most exciting sight is the inside of the church (image at the top of the article). The building can seat nearly 3000 worshippers, features one of the largest organs in the US, and television screens and broadcasting equipment. Most photographers choose to shoot from the area near the main entrance, exploiting the symmetry of the church. Walk around and explore other areas as well! I found the view from the gallery even more fascinating. Like in a giant greenhouse, the weather outside reflects the mood inside, which is sunny most of the year in this area.

The expertly maintained grounds are also mesmerizing. You will find sculptures depicting scenes from the bible placed at strategic locations. Marble plaques with bible verses and the names of donors line the sidewalks, similar to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Using a wide-angle lens and getting close to the ground you can create the impression of an infinite amount of plaques.

The Prayer Spire is a later addition to the main church. A small chapel is located beneath the spire, which towers high above the otherwise flat landscape of Orange County, making the Crystal Cathedral visible from a greater distance. The spire consists of highly polished, mirrored stainless steel, which reflects the sunlight into every direction, giving your photographs a divine quality. Walk around the structure to find the best angle of photography, which changes throughout the day. Pay attention to the shadow it casts, and incorporate it in your composition if possible.

Crystal Cathedral: Visitor Welcome Center

Minimize distortion by stepping back further and zooming in more. This will keep lines straight and buildings looking more natural. Use a circular polarizing filter to remove or intensify reflections on the glass of the buildings and the water of the reflecting pool.

Best Time of the Day and Best Season

I try to avoid the greater Los Angeles area in summer, for fear of heat stroke, but I love to come here during the colder season to warm up. I took my pictures during the early afternoon, but I think that late afternoon may look better.

Time required

For a quick visit, including the grounds and the main church, one hour is sufficient. Joining a guided tour of the campus may take longer.

Equipment

• Wide-Angle Lens
• Zoom Lens
• CP Filter

Fees

The tours are free of charge.

Close Locations

• Mission San Juan Capistrano
• Newport Beach
• Huntington Beach Pier
• Laguna Beach, Treasure Island
• Seal Beach and Marine Park
• Shoreline Village
• Queen Mary
• Belmont Shore
• Crystal Cove State Park
• San Pedro
• President Nixon Library
• Disneyland

Useful Resources

• Crystal Cathedral Website
• Interesting Facts

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