Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 180, ƒ/8, 1/200
This past week, I had an assignment at the Explorations in Antiquity Center in LaGrange, Georgia. So I could experience ancient biblical life and times without going to Israel.
This place is one of the ways I learn best–Experiential Learning. Experiential learning is the process of learning through experience, more specifically defined as “learning through reflection on doing.” Experiential learning is distinct from rote or didactic learning, in which the learner plays a comparatively passive role.
The first photo shows a replica of the tomb in which Jesus Christ was placed after his crucifixion.
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| Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 100, ƒ/5.6, 1/125–off-camera flash using the Neewer TT850 flash & Neewer 433MHz Wireless 16 Channel Flash Remote Trigger |
The docent and tour guide helped us see the cross on which Christ was most likely crucified, rather than the Roman-designed cross, which is much worn today and in churches. They went into considerable detail to help you understand why this was such a horrible way to die.
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| Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 2500, ƒ/7.1, 1/100 |
They have authentic goat-hair tents, like those nomadic shepherds have lived in for thousands of years. Here you sit and listen as the docent helps explain what you are seeing and experiencing.
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| Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 100, ƒ/5.6, 1/160 |
This photo shows a replica of the city’s main gate. Here, you learn about the gate Jesus would have come through on a donkey. What happened around this gate gives you perspective.
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| Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 220, ƒ/7.1, 1/200 |
The group is sitting in the Garden of Gethsemane replica, learning about the Olive Tree and the Olive press. Here is a great blog post that explains the symbolism of the olive tree and how Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane was like being pressed.
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| Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 400, ƒ/18, 1/200 |
They have the press that they first use when working with olives. It was good to see an expert in Biblical History speak and help us understand the significance of the Mount of Olives and the celebration of Holy Week.
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| Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 9000, ƒ/2.8, 1/100 |
You can experience a Jerusalem-style Biblical Meal, similar to the Last Supper. I recommend visiting the center for an experiential learning journey. For photographers, it makes for a fun location to shoot.
The Explorations in Antiquity Center is not affiliated with any particular denominational tradition, so the conferences should be meaningful and sensitive to people from diverse backgrounds.
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| Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 2000, ƒ/4.8, 1/100–off-camera flash using the Neewer TT850 flash & Neewer 433MHz Wireless 16 Channel Flash Remote Trigger. The MagMod with the grid is used to keep light off the screen. |
Here is an explanation of the MagMod I used to keep the flash off the screen in the photo above. https://player.vimeo.com/video/108148640