A museum’s architecture is critically important in creating context as well as establishing a sense of place and time. The building’s historical and cultural significance along with how a visitor experiences its artwork and exhibits are all things I must consider as an architectural photographer.
The Building as Subject Matter
An important aspect of my career has been working with museums and their architects to showcase the beauty and effort put into everything from the building to displays and exhibits. It is important not to forget about the building when you photograph museums - exhibits plus a building's interior and exterior architecture comprise the whole and are an important part of a visitor’s experience.
Showcasing New Builds and Displays
Whether you’re building your set pieces in-house or with coordination from other organizations, make sure to showcase them as they relate to the museum pieces themselves. Capturing how the architect incorporated the display into the subject matter itself (such as below with the WW2 tank’s custom-built displays) is vital for exceptional photos.
Interior Rooms and Architecture
The interior architecture of museums can provide terrific subject matter, such as the variable height floors of the Discovery Museum in Acton. Also remember that museums often have many lighting styles and temperatures that provide unique and engaging subject matter and result in eye catching photographs.
What You Need from Your Architectural Photographer
For museums, builders or architects who only have space for a few images on their website, capturing art or an exhibit that runs through multiple rooms (such as at the Danforth Art Museum in Framingham) can be a challenge. Expertise with sophisticated digital manipulation and the know-how for extended set-up and staging during off-hours is key to making these shots work.
Being able to capture the interplay between building, exhibit, staging and intent is the key to success in the museum environment. The constraints always present in indoor photography are magnified in a museum environment where lighting, space, perspective and subject matter can present significant challenges. I find shooting museums fun, but more importantly, I have the experience and skillset to capture the unique essence behind each one. If you’re in the Boston area or greater New England, I hope you’ll reach out to me at Shupe Studios.