How to Get Stunning Art Museums Photos Without Getting Out of Hand
One of the best things about visiting art museums is the opportunity to see works that move and inspire you, and it makes sense to take a picture. But many museums have rules that limit photography, and the last thing you want to do is kick out or spoil the art for the sake of photography.
Obey museum rules
Art museums are eager to share their wonderful collections with the public, but that doesn’t mean visitors have to go against the museum’s rules. It is actually beneficial for museums to let you photograph their art, especially if you end up sharing your images on social media, essentially doing free word of mouth marketing for the museum. So if a museum restricts camera use, they probably have good reasons. Some examples of why a museum might not allow photography, certain settings (like flash), or restrict photography to certain collections:
- Protecting Delicate Works : While there is still debate over whether the outbreak is damaging sensitive art and other historical material, some museums may be mistaken in being careful not to allow the use of a flash.
- Create the best experience for all visitors : Someone’s flash fires every few seconds while you try to view a painting or other work of art, annoying and creating a bad experience for visitors. The museum may limit flash photography and tripod use (so people don’t trip over) to make the visit more enjoyable for everyone.
- They have no copyright : As The New York Times notes, copyright laws can be complex and photographs of works of art can be viewed as reproductions. ArtNews mentions that a museum cannot own the copyright for every piece of work exhibited, especially if the collection is leased to another institution.
- Reduces insurance risk : Some people go to great lengths to get the perfect shot, which can result in injury or damage to artwork or museum property. By prohibiting photography, museums remove the motivation for such risky behavior.
- Encourages Shopping : If you can’t take a photo of your own to print and hang at home, you’re more likely to buy a poster or other merchandise to remember your favorite piece of art from your visit.
If you are photographing for a project, Ben Guest, a professional freelance photographer with extensive experience in fine art photography, suggests asking the museum if they would make an exception for your project. You can try to contact you ahead of time or ask for a day off, which is more risky, but it works if you can’t find contact information on the museum’s website or on Facebook and Twitter.
Respect other visitors
You already know that you are probably not the only person in the museum, so be aware of other visitors when trying to take a photo. If a large crowd is watching a piece of art at the same time as you, or you’re trying to capture a popular piece, be patient. Step back and wait for the crowd to move on, using this time to think about how you want to set up your shot.
Be careful when using a flash, tripod, or relatively loud camera to limit how much you interfere with other people’s perception of the art. You also need to remember how much space you take up, especially if you have equipment such as a tripod or a large camera bag. Even if you are in a public place, some people may find it uncomfortable to be included (accidentally or not) in your photo, so try to exclude people from the frame as much as possible.
Finally, be prepared to (quietly) speak up if you bump into someone, walk into their private space, or want to ask them to step back to take a photo. Here are some examples of phrases you can try:
- “Sorry, I didn’t mean to run into you.”
- “Hi, sorry to bother you. Could you take a couple of steps this way so I can quickly take a picture? “
- “Sorry, I love this picture and I want to take a quick shot. Do you mind if I stand by your side? “
- “Sorry to interrupt, I want to take a quick shot, but I don’t want to accidentally include you in the frame. Could you step over there for a second?
Of course, you can also come up with your own to suit the situation and your own style. If the person understands and fulfills your request, be sure to thank them warmly before moving on.
Do not rush
If your goal is to take great photos, schedule a visit so you have plenty of time to find work you like. You will also need enough time to think about different angles and find the ones that you like. The guest explains how to do it:
First, take the time to look at a 3D object (i.e. not flat art) from various (possible) angles (especially if it’s a sculpture). Busts and sculptures of figures (people or animals), like humans, often have a “good side” but can also have several “good sides”. Try to shoot from eye level (for example, below if the subject is on a table), especially if it is a bust / human sculpture (imagine that you are shooting a sculpture in the form of a human body, as if you were shooting a real person: i.e. you see people’s faces are level with their eyes, and they can look more impressive at certain angles). With abstract sculptures, look at an object from every possible angle (including low and high) and find what you like in the shapes you see. If it’s posted in an interesting place – maybe think about how you could include it as well.
For paintings and other pieces of art that hang on the wall, Guest recommends a different approach:
When shooting wall-mounted flat art (such as paintings / illustrations) with the camera’s built-in flash, do not shoot completely straight if there is flash reflection (most of the time) – move slightly left or right to shoot (angle enough) so that the flash does not bounce (if in doubt, take multiple shots at different angles until you no longer see the reflection). The same goes for everything behind the glass / plexiglass. Do not use flash unless authorized. If you don’t use flash, most modern digital SLRs will have higher ISO settings (for low light). Adjust ISO settings up until you get a reasonable exposure. If your camera has a “white balance” option, use it to achieve a more neutral color temperature balance, especially in mixed lighting conditions. If you don’t want to use higher ISO settings on a digital SLR (and tripods are allowed), instead take a slower shutter speed on a tripod – again, you’ll also need a cable release, or use the self-portrait setting (for the time delay before shutter is released to stabilize the camera) …
For adventure lovers or seasoned amateur photographers, the Guest invites you to try a room or gallery with a wide exposure to capture both the artwork and the feeling of being in a museum.
If you plan to take a lot of photos, or want to take pictures with less risk of having to stay away from other visitors, plan to visit the museum during off-peak hours. You can search for them on Google or ask at the museum ahead of time, or you can generally aim for when they open, lunchtime, or closer to closing time.