I was in the Navy and 9 months into a Mediterranean cruise when I had the opportunity to visit Vatican City as part of a USO tour.  In the Vatican Museum, there is exquisite art at every turn.  When I turned in a hallway and looked up - I saw this stained glass window.  The late morning sun was perfectly behind the Madonna's halo.  For a sailor long away from home, this stopped me in my tracks.

The two main photographic elements for this image were preparation and a strength of purpose.  As part of a tour group, I was not able to pause very long at any one location.  Knowing that, I began the tour prepared - camera on the tripod, electronic flash attached, batteries fully charged.  The "strength of purpose" was the ability to make sure I captured this image.   I let the tour group walk on ahead - I was willing to become completely separated - but I knew I was going to get this photo.  I caught up to my tour group in the next room (I was hardly missed) - and I will always be reminded of that uplifting feeling every time I see this photo.  Be prepared - both with your camera equipment and your determination to capture that image which holds special meaning to you.