Tips for Art Lovers: Photographing In Situ Art
[Jean Miro’s “Chicago” – Chicago, Illinois – November 2011]
In situ art is a work of art made specifically for a particular site – think of Michelangelo’s paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel or I.M. Pei’s pyramid at the Louvre museum. Artists creating in situ art consciously consider the location to create art that adds to the conversation about a particular place. When traveling, I make a point of seeking out public art installations. Photographing in situ art is oftentimes the way that I myself begin to connect with and understand a location and a culture.
The photo above is Jean Miro’s Chicago (also known as The Sun, The Moon, and One Star). I love the way that the sculpture seems to want to embrace the skyscraper across the street. Musing over this sculpture – in search of the perfect angle – was a pleasant way for me interact with the warm steel heart of the Windy City herself.
Tips/Challenge: Research in situ, public art in the next city you visit; add these sculptures, frescos, and pieces of architecture to your “must shoot” list.
- If your itinerary allows, come back to the sites at different times of the day or (if you’re fortunate to live nearby) different seasons of the year.
- Be sure to pay special attention to any photography limitations such as the need to buy a photography license (most Egyptian tombs), no flash photography (most religious building interiors) and complete photography bans (many Italian art museums and churches). If the website doesn’t mention any limitations, ask a guard for best practices so you don’t end up in trouble. I usually smile a lot and start the conversation with the following: “Hi, I’m excited to photograph this exhibit/statue/etc.. I plan to shoot without a flash – are their any limitations or licenses needed to take photos here?”
In Joy,
Melinda
