Lines of Instagram-crazed art lovers circled the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden this spring for the hottest ticket in Washington D.C. Toting cameras and phones, the record-breaking 160,000 visitors arrived for the mesmerizing polka dot paintings and trippy installation rooms of the much-hyped “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors” exhibition.
National
Geographic Your Shot photo
community brought a just few of those fans of the Japanese artist, for a photo
walk before the museum opened to the crowds. For those who missed the event,
take a look at some of these top pointers for stellar travel photography in
museums. These five tips will help bring your museum photos to a new level, no
matter where you go.
All set to
have a photo adventure through a local museum? Before grabbing every camera and
lens that you own, think about how much of that gear you actually want to
carry. Try packing only one lens, maybe two, including something small like a
35mm or 24-70mm. No need for that bulky 300mm on this trip. Be sure to check
for any photography restrictions of the museum before getting started. Most
museums have a no flash policy when photographing artwork. You don’t want to be
asked to leave because you wanted to brighten up the art with a camera flash.
Sometimes
the buildings that house the artwork can be interesting works of art
themselves. Before stepping inside the museum, study the design of the
building. Find an interesting perspective and try to capture the personality of
the structure. This might involve getting low on the ground or photographing
from across the street. Try to work the entire location until you make an
photograph you are happy with.
WATCH THE
LIGHT
Art
exhibitions always have that perfect setting with some beautiful light. Whether
large windows with natural light flowing through, or just the overhead lighting
provided by the museum itself, pay attention. Watch how the light falls onto
the artwork, then compose some nice exposures.
DON’T
PHOTOGRAPH THE ART
Sure,
everyone goes to museums for inspiration or to be wowed by amazing artwork.
Don’t just photograph the paintings or sculptures. Find something interesting
going on in the room and add it to the frame, you can google search for an
image of the Mona Lisa, create something that is all your own.
