An iconic image from a San Antonio mission, these stairs lead to the mission's infirmary. Built in the 1720's, this mission stands as the oldest unrestored church in the U.S., largely due the fact that it was built on solid bedrock.

Standing at the foot of these stairs - blocked by a locked wrought iron gate outside of the photo - the scene screams out with historical significance and spiritual humility. The top of the stairwell is open to the sky, flooding the passage with an ethereal light.

Canon 5D, Canon 20-35mm f/2.8L @28mm, 1/20 sec @ f/6.3, ISO equiv 400, Calumet 8000 Carbon Fiber Tripod, Gitzo G1276 Ballhead, Color Efex Pro