Founded in 1692 by Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino, a Spanish Jesuit spreading the word of God in the “new world”, Mission San Xavier del Bac is the oldest European building in Arizona still in use today. It has been affectionately nicknamed the “White Dove of the Desert” for its striking whitewash walls and graceful beauty set against the beautiful hues of the Sonoran Desert. Protected from vandalism by the local Pima and Tohono O’odham Indians for over 200 years, even the attacking Apaches left the “White Dove” untouched. As beautiful as the outside of the mission is, the interior is equally impressive. Due to both the sanctity of the place and the fragility of the 200 year-old frescoes, photography is not permitted inside. Yet another incentive to go see this unique Arizona landmark for yourself!
Being one of the most photographed buildings in Arizona, I was faced with the challenge of finding a new and unique perspective. Drawing from its nickname, I also wanted to show the mission’s setting in the desert. I climbed to the top of the hill on the Eastern side of the mission, which lends itself to great panoramas of the mission and surrounding desert. Shooting during the “golden hour” of dusk, I noticed that the sun’s trajectory would place it right behind the mission by the time it reached the horizon. Having lived in Tucson for three years during college, and knowing that Tucson has some of the best sunsets on the planet, I was definitely going to see how this one played out. I found the perfect spot for my tripod that placed the sun directly behind the main dome of the mission for the added halo effect, waited for the colors to peak and simply did what I enjoy doing the most.
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