2018-08-06

Hello friends, when friends go out, the main destination we often go to is the museum. Some people feel good about going because they get to learn about the history, culture, and art of that city. But some people feel that going to a museum is too boring. There's nothing interesting to take pictures of, just pictures and models everywhere. But not many people know that going to see different exhibitions is what will give friends a new experience in tourism. Plus, you can take a lot of good pictures back home because the structure and design of the exhibition are beautiful and unique. If friends know which angle or time is best to take pictures, we'll get a lot of beautiful pictures to take home. For example, the exhibition of "Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors" by Aunt Yayoi, who likes to make art exhibitions using polka dots as a component. Or the festival display inside the glass room with beautiful lights and colors. Everyone wants to go see it and take pictures at least once. So, if friends are well prepared and know the secrets of taking pictures, I guarantee that going to the museum this time will not disappoint. Let's see what the secrets are.

The less equipment you bring, the better.

Visiting Museums with Photography Equipment: A Guide to Respectful Exploration

For photography enthusiasts eager to capture the wonders of museums, it's crucial to remember that these spaces are often confined and filled with fellow visitors. Bringing an extensive array of equipment can inadvertently disrupt others or even damage exhibits. Therefore, it's advisable to limit your gear to one or two lenses for your main camera. Consider opting for compact lenses like a 35mm or 24-70mm instead of bulky options like a 300mm.

Before embarking on your photographic museum adventure, thoroughly review the institution's guidelines regarding photography. Some museums may restrict photography in certain areas or prohibit the use of flash on artworks. By familiarizing yourself with these regulations, you can avoid any unpleasant encounters with museum staff.

Photo by Alicia Steels on Unsplash

2) Observe people

To enhance the visual appeal of museum photographs beyond capturing the artwork itself, consider incorporating the reactions of visitors engaging with the art. Their presence adds a dynamic element to the composition, enriching the narrative and conveying the impact of the artwork on viewers.

Photo by Ryan Stefan on Unsplash

3. Architectural Photography

The museum itself can sometimes have interesting architecture that is worth photographing, in addition to the artwork or exhibits. Therefore, before visiting a museum, it is a good idea to research the design of the building to see if there are any interesting features that would make for good photographs. You can take pictures of the museum from outside, across the street, or even walk around the building to find interesting architectural angles.

Photo by Claudio Testa on Unsplash.

4) Observe light and shadow.

Art exhibitions often feature beautiful lighting and shadow effects, achieved through large windows that allow natural light to enter or strategically placed ceiling lights that enhance the artwork. To capture stunning photographs, pay close attention to the lighting and shadows within the exhibition space and adjust your composition accordingly. This will ensure that your photographs are visually appealing and do justice to the artwork on display.

Photo by Ryan Stefan on Unsplash

5) The artwork is not the focal point of the image.

While visiting museums, individuals often seek inspiration from the displayed artwork. However, capturing photographs of these artworks can result in repetitive images that resemble those taken by other visitors. To enhance the visual appeal of museum photographs, consider incorporating surrounding elements or environmental details into the composition. By carefully arranging these elements, you can create more captivating and unique images.

Photo by Václav Pluhař on Unsplash

Previously, I felt that I had always taken photos of museums incorrectly. From now on, I will not do so anymore. If you have tried taking photos of museums, please share them with us. And if you are planning to visit a museum abroad, we recommend that you do not forget to purchase travel insurance. You can easily compare travel insurance here.