VMFA Art + Architecture || Indoor Photography Practice

*** PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION CAREFULLY ***

To beat the heat let's stay in the air conditioning and practice our indoor photography. The VMFA has some incredible natural lighting due to large windows in the main hall, and there's plenty to shoot there! And if that's not enough, there is a huge section of the museum that houses part of its permanent collection that is free to the public.

If you're bringing a camera, make sure to bring a fast lens because there's no flash photography allowed. However, most modern smartphones have great cameras will do a good job of taking photos in these interior spaces. But I always recommend a DSLR or Mirrorless camera to get the best shots.

There are no tripods allowed (not sure about monopods though so if you are interested in that please feel free to contact them and ask, and post a comment on this event with anything you find out.

I've worked with the venue to let me bring a group, but they have requested the following, which you must agree to if you want to attend:

• We need to break up into 1-2 person "groups" (if you can call that a group)
• We cannot use flash or tripods
• We must not disturb or interrupt other guests
• We can photograph the artwork, architecture, and any other objects or structures
• We cannot photograph other visitors (intentionally) and no group shots/selfies

The schedule will work like this:

• 10:00 am - meet inside the front lobby, just inside the main entrance
• 10:10 - break up into groups and roam the free area, looking at art and taking photos
• 10:50 - reconvene in the lobby and choose one of three options

1. FREE - Take the 11:00 tour of the museum. This is a regular 50-minute Highlights Tour of VMFA’s permanent collection. Photography is allowed on this tour as long as you adhere to the above rules.
2. For Members (not free) - Visit one of the exhibits available to members, such as:

• Frida Kahlo exhibit - Frida: Beyond the Myth
• Photography exhibit - Nothing Gold can Stay
• (Personally I'm going to try to view both of these, however I'm not sure if you can take photos inside. If you plan attend either of these with me we will find out when we get there

3. Wander around outside and take photos of sculptures in the sculpture garden and the other architecture and artifacts on the grounds

• 11:55 - Regroup for lunch at the Best Cafe - if you've never been, it's outstanding.

I am capping attendance at 10 and will cross post to the RPMG group for a total of 16. If you RSVP here and you are a member of that group please do not RSVP there as well. Otherwise I will remove you.

If you want to bring a guest, please have them join one of the two groups and RSVP themselves. Both groups have free trial memberships so there's no cost if they only want to join one event.

If you have questions either now or during the event, please contact me via text at 804.477.4715 and tell me who you are when you text me.

I will update this event with more details if I think of anything else.