Museums are places where we need to take a moment and appreciate the exhibits. However, we also want to record some of our memories and take a few photos while we’re there. Museum photography can be tricky due to multiple factors. However, you shouldn’t worry, as we are here to help you out with some useful tips that will make your museum photos worth saving. Here we go!
1. Prepare Well
Museums usually have certain rules regarding photography. Most museums don’t allow flash photography as some exhibits may be too sensitive to light. On the other hand, flashes might disturb other visitors, so the nice thing to do is to keep them turned off. Most indoor museums have dim lights, which means that you will be looking to shoot with low aperture and a little bit slower shutter speed. If the photos still turn out a little bit darker than they should, turn up the ISO.
2. Find the Right Angle
Finding the right angle will depend on the type of exhibit you’re shooting. If there are a lot of wall-hung paintings, you would want to shoot them front-faced, from the same position you would observe the artwork. Make sure to be aligned properly and to take a photo from a proper height. For three-dimensional exhibits, you should also try to find the best angle for observing it before taking a picture. For smaller artifacts, try getting as close as it is allowed.
3. Avoid Glass Reflection
Many objects in a museum are placed behind the glass that protects them. Taking photos of such artifacts can be tricky, as the glass reflection will often be visible on the images. To avoid this, you should get your camera as close to the class as possible, or even press it against the glass if it’s allowed. This way, there won’t be any reflection as you will be blocking it with your own camera. Since you’re getting very close, try using a wider lens so you can get the entire object into the frame.
4. Look Around You
Museums are not only about the things that are on display. You also get to enjoy their breathtaking architecture and overall atmosphere. Apart from shooting exhibited work, you should also find other interesting details in a museum, like the ceiling, floor, windows, or even other visitors. Capture an entire room, or try to find an interesting shot of people looking at a particular object so you can highlight its importance.
5. Be Patient
Museums can sometimes be crowded, which can make things less enjoyable for each visitor. A particular artwork can be very popular and leave you just a brief moment to capture it perfectly. If you ever saw photos of people gathering around the Mona Lisa, you know what we are talking about. The key is to be patient. If you are really keen on shooting a specific artifact, don’t satisfy yourself with what you can get at that moment. Wait for other people to move, so you can get enough space to make an ideal shot.
