Invitation to Photographers: Discover Inspiration at the Baltimore Museum of Art

Join HCPG as we find inspiration at the BMA.

Photographers can learn from art galleries by studying composition, light, and color, analyzing an artist's unique voice and intent, and drawing inspiration from historical context and creative experimentation. Visiting galleries encourages photographers to think more deliberately about their own work, moving beyond luck and relying more on technical and creative skill to tell a story or evoke emotion.

BMA Photography Policy:
Non-flash photography is allowed in collection galleries and sculpture gardens for personal, non-commercial use, except where noted.

They discourage tripods and may require camera bags or totes to be stored, so think one camera, one lens.

Please note: Free general admission does not include access to Amy Sherald: American Sublime.

What to study:
Composition and design

• Study how subjects are arranged: Analyze how artists use lines, shapes, and patterns to create a compelling image.
• Learn about perspective: Observe how different perspectives are used and how they impact the viewer's perception of the scene.
• Analyze framing: Look at how the artist separates the subject from the background, a technique photographers can apply to their own work.

Light and color

• Analyze light sources: Observe how light is used to create mood, define form, and separate subjects.
• Study color theory: Pay attention to the use of color palettes, from bold and vibrant to soft and muted, to understand how they affect the overall feeling of a piece.
• Learn techniques from classic painters: Study how painters masterfully used light and shadow, a skill that directly translates to photography.

Artist's intent and context

• Identify an artist's unique voice: Understand what makes an artist's work distinct and how they communicate their unique perspective.
• Explore the historical context: Learn how the time period, culture, and historical events influenced the artist's work, providing a deeper understanding of the art and its message.
• Understand the "why": Consider what the artist was trying to achieve or communicate with the work, which can help a photographer define their own purpose and message.

Creative and technical development

• Develop creative inspiration: Gain new ideas and develop your visual imagination by seeing how other artists have tackled similar creative problems.
• Practice critical thinking: Go beyond simply finding something pleasing to the eye and start to analyze the techniques and decisions behind the artwork.
• Embrace experimentation: Learn from how artists historically broke rules and experimented with new techniques, which encourages photographers to push their own boundaries.

Assignment:
Pick 3 pieces of art that you enjoy. For each one think about the composition, lighting. What emotion do you think the artist was trying to convey? What was the story?

Rain or Shine. No cost for general admission.