At The Metropolitan Museum of Art

JimW

(I put these in this section because they’re candids. If they belong elsewhere, no problem.)

I started going to the Met about two years ago and quickly decided to start a long term photo project there. After researching the photography rules and the Museum’s intent with regards to photography, I began shooting the artwork for the purpose of learning about the art. Once I have a photo of a work of art in my computer, I research the art, post-process the photo, and make a print for a notebook where I can keep the info about the artist etc. I’ve got four notebooks so far and still going. This project is just one part of a larger effort to increase my knowledge and appreciation of art. Having basically ignored art appreciation for most of my life, I’ve got a long way to go.

This museum averages roughly 16,000 visitors per day, although you’d never know it. The place is well designed to handle large crowds, especially compared to The Museum of Modern Art, which feels very crowded when it’s busy.

I’m posting these to share, although I’m always interested in any and all critiques and comments. My intent with these photos is simply to photograph a place I love, showing the art and also the people enjoying the museum.

Jim


1. The Greek Sculpture Court




2. Greek Sculpture Court




3. This is a statue of Orpheus, famous for taming beasts with his music. He is playing his lira da braccio. Location is the patio from the Castle of Velez Blanco.

adbsgicom

Nice images, but #2 is really a great composition IMO. Love how the lion sculpture and the boy mirror each other's relationship to the crowd.

bdcolen

JimW wrote:

(I put these in this section because they’re candids. If they belong elsewhere, no problem.)

I started going to the Met about two years ago and quickly decided to start a long term photo project there. After researching the photography rules and the Museum’s intent with regards to photography, I began shooting the artwork for the purpose of learning about the art. Once I have a photo of a work of art in my computer, I research the art, post-process the photo, and make a print for a notebook where I can keep the info about the artist etc. I’ve got four notebooks so far and still going. This project is just one part of a larger effort to increase my knowledge and appreciation of art. Having basically ignored art appreciation for most of my life, I’ve got a long way to go.

This museum averages roughly 16,000 visitors per day, although you’d never know it. The place is well designed to handle large crowds, especially compared to The Museum of Modern Art, which feels very crowded when it’s busy.

I’m posting these to share, although I’m always interested in any and all critiques and comments. My intent with these photos is simply to photograph a place I love, showing the art and also the people enjoying the museum.

Jim

[/IMG]

Three extremely nice images - the light in one is terrific - in two its the story and composition, in three the composition - very nice!

tortillatorture

agree, really nice and the nr2 stands out for me also.
but i think my favourite is nr1, i love the light from the other room.
nice compositions and captures on all of these, great!
i dont want to pick at anything like the clothes/stuff at the floor in nr1
or that the ventilation-grill hits the shoulder on the statue in 3,
thats just very small things that dont take anything away from the pictures.=)

Angelo

photo projects are so satisfying and what more pleasant location than the MET. Bravo for your commitment

these are three beautiful shots - as BD mentioned, light and composition are terrific.

I think I love #2 - the juxtaposition of the lone boy on one side of the room against the mob of adults on the other is simply priceless.

JimW

Adbsgicom – I appreciate your comment.
BD – Thank you.
tortilla – Thanks. #1 is also my favorite. And the grill in #3 bugs me a little too.
Angelo – Yes, I agree. For me tong term projects are the most rewarding.
(That boy was reading a comic book. – grin)

alexf

Great shots, light and compo!

sara505

I love these - they all show that you put some thought into the taking of them. And, I *love* your project! What a great idea. I daresay, your total immersion in the art shows in your photos.

Richard

Very nice work, Jim. I concur with everyone else that #2 takes the prize, but I like them all.

Tina Manley

JimW wrote:

I’m posting these to share, although I’m always interested in any and all critiques and comments. My intent with these photos is simply to photograph a place I love, showing the art and also the people enjoying the museum.

Jim

I love these. It's not just about the art, it's about the people. I've never understood showing photographs of someone else's art, but in this case you are including the people and their reaction or lack of reaction to the art. It's a fantastic project.

Tina
www.tinamanley.com

saurora

Wonderful to see your work again, Jim! I was hoping you would share this project at some point. You have really developed a style that is beginning to be recognizable. Even in a new location, that #1 shot says Jim Whitaker Photography to me! Great lighting and great concept for a project.

JimW

Alex, Sara, Richard, Tina & Susan – I’m most grateful for your good vibes. Thanks.

Susan, what a joy to hear from an old friend! Well, not old, but you know, I mean a friend from before, more young than old, I mean, no wait, not old at all, totally young and cool. :D

Thanks so much for your support.

saurora

Don't trip over your words, Jim, it's quite ok....being old can be cool, too! (It's nice to know there's still a few of us around!)

rutt

Gotta love these. I said, "nice" out loud when I saw #3. This is just about my best response.

torags

Very nice work. #1 is my favorite.

Personally I'm not a fan of windows in a museum. But #3 is a nice effect with indirect natural lighting.

Sounds like a very rewarding project, one that will give you satisfaction for years to come

Good luck with it.

rteest42

God, I love the Met!
These are wonderful....
Can't decide which would be my favorite...
maybe 2??

Wishing I could skulk around there for YEARS (I really should look for some of my old negs...)
Thanks for sharing them!
Trish

JimW wrote:

(I put these in this section because they’re candids. If they belong elsewhere, no problem.)