While in London recently May, I came across a Punch and Judy Fair held at St Paul's Church (the Actors' Church) in Covent Gardens. Many people attended with their puppets but the one that stood out in my eye was a sermon delivered by Punch himself, in the church. I was amazed nothing like this ever happened to me before in any church. In taking this photo I managed to at least get a photo of Punch and his handler quite close at 177mm with the church cross to the left of Punch. Lighting was dark so I had to compromise the settings, slower shutter speed with lens fully open F4. Many people were in front of me but I managed to get a small proportion of the pulpit.
Camera Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ150, Focal length equivalent 177mm 35mm equivalent, 1/100, F4, ISO 400
Process with Topaz AI Photo, FSViewer.
2 comments posted
Jen Fawkes
Hi Ron, OMG this brings back some memories - not sure how many people will remember Punch and Judy (and whether they would be considered politically correct these days!). My eye goes straight to the main subject and I love the connection with the puppet. Your main subject is sharp, your setting are great and I do like the fact you have included aspects of the church, to determine the location (I actually found that quite funny). I can see the lighting was a challenge and I think you did really well. You might try changing the white balance a bit to reduce the yellowness but with so many lighting sources it probably wouldn't make much difference. Posted: 10/14/2026 04:13:04
Leslie Larson
I also remember Punch and Judy, altho we didn't have TV, so I never saw the British show. I think you did better than okay with your settings. I agree you could take a bit of the yellow indoor-lighting tinge off. I love the interaction and the idea it was a sermon in a church. Posted: 10/14/2026 11:06:40
