When my client reached out about an art museum photoshoot I could not have been more excited – I absolutely adore it when clients want a photoshoot location that is outside of the norm and a real reflection of their interests!
Can You Take Pictures in a Museum?
It wholly depends on the museum and their policies. The Art Institute of Chicago, where my client and I went for this museum photoshoot, does allow photography. Photographers, you need to know that they will make you check your camera bag and not let you take it inside the museum if your bag is too big. Plan on bringing a small camera bag when you go to take museum photos! Museum workers definitely paid attention to me and my client while we were working, and made sure we knew that we needed to be as discreet and quick as possible to avoid disrupting other visitors.
Museum Photos
The best part of my client’s museum photos is that in addition to the beauty of the artwork, the museum architecture itself makes a lovely backdrop! The indoor location was not without its challenges, however; the museum didn’t allow flash photography which meant that the best locations within the museum had windows or skylights which limited which rooms we went to just a little bit.
Some people might wonder how busy it was, and if the crowds were too much? While certainly there were crowds on the day we went, most people were understanding and kind that we were there for special senior portraits and stepped out of the way for us. Equally, we worked quickly to be sure that we weren’t taking too much time at any one place and preventing others from enjoying their visit. 🙂
Museum Photoshoot
For my client’s art museum photoshoot she really wanted to focus on the renaissance art as she was writing a novel about art history during her high school years. She also wanted to visit some of the more famous artwork at the museum – by Monet, Van Gogh, and other masters. As part of my preparation for these museum photos I visited beforehand to map out a route through the building so we could most efficiently use our time. These photos were part of my client’s three-hour senior portrait session with three locations and four outfits, so I needed to be sure I was using every minute effectively!
I love the framing of the above photo – it took some work to get a shot that was largely empty of other visitors!
Photoshoot in a Museum
I absolutely love the Tiffany stained glass in the atrium at the Art Institute, as well as how my client’s wardrobe complemented her surroundings! As part of the photoshoot experience with me, I offer a wardrobe consultation before the photoshoot to answer any questions and make sure your outfit works well with your location!
Here’s what my client had to say about her experience!
“I was absolutely dreading senior photos- nothing and nobody to hide behind, nothing else to take the center but me. But (Kristen) dispelled all those worries. I was a bit nervous at first, but all throughout the session, (Kristen was) so kind and encouraging that I felt myself take baby steps out of my comfort zone. (Kristen) really helped me find my confidence that day, and it remained after.”
Kristen Hazelton is an award-winning Oak Park, IL (West Chicagoland) and Livermore, CA (San Francisco East Bay Area) graduating senior, and family photographer. She occasionally photographs in San Diego, CA, Tucson, AZ, and Seattle, WA. You can inquire about your own photoshoot here!
