Art in a box

Talking about art and exhibitions, let me share another story with you.

Back in August 2007, I had a chance to visit the ARoS Art Museum in Aarhus, Denmark. This is one of the largest art museums in northern Europe: its 10 floors offer a total of 17,000 m² exhibition space. It houses a broad collection of paintings, sculptures and installations, art videos, drawings, photos and graphics.

The interior architecture of the building is quite spectacular, and to capture its visual impact on the visitors is a real challenge. That's when my fish-eye lens got out of the bag once again: the more-than-wide angle of view and creative distortion offer a good match for the spectacular design. Just compare the picture on the left, shot at a 'regular' 18mm (27mm equivalent on full-frame), with the fish-eye image on the right.

That fish-eye lens also allowed me to capture the imposing presence by some of the museum's monumental art, here for example Ron Mueck's gigantic Boy now owned by ARoS.

And sometimes architecture becomes art all by itself... This detail from the museum's curved galleries was captured by my wife, using a simple compact, no more...

Gear notes: D200, 18-200VR, 10.5/2.8; Lumix TZ1

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Pictures at an exhibition

A good friend and former colleague recently exhibited some of his pictures, together with fellow photography graduates of the Sint-Lucas Academy in Gent. The event took place at the Jan Colle gallery, a building from the 1930s originally used as a wood drying warehouse and now dedicated to showcase all forms of modern art.

As I entered the building (my very first visit there) I immediately felt thrilled by the many scenes, details and textures around me. My mind started bubbling with great picture opportunities! Of course I had my camera nearby, so after a tour of the exhibition proper (and a few beers on a sunny terrace with friends) I made another round, this time looking only for the right setting, the perfect light, the original angle...

I have to confess: I probably spent more time discovering the building than looking at the pictures that were exhibited... But I am confident that these young photographers will already understand that feeling and sympathize with me!

More pictures here.

Gear notes: D700, 17-35/2.8

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Shoot more!

Do you know that nagging feeling of frustration each time you realize you have let an occasion to go out and shoot slip by? Yeah, blame a busy work schedule, family obligations, unfavorable weather conditions... Let's be frank: sometimes we're just simply too lazy!

One way I keep myself more 'active' is to join fellow photo freaks on a 'shooting day' as often as I can. The folks at belgiumdigital.com are great in setting up such group events. Thanks to the efforts and dedication of the organizing volunteers, these trips are always interesting, inspiring and above all... fun!

We love to make fun at each other (the Nikon/Canon/etc. games, you know...). But we also swap lenses, help each other exploring new techniques, challenge each other to come back with unique and creative shots. In the end, it doesn't matter whether you lug around a big DSLR with heavy pro glass or a modest bridge or compact camera. It all comes down to the eye and the mind of the person behind the sensor! So I keep being amazed by the wide variety and often originality of the pictures we share afterwards - even though we all passed by the same spots and sights.

Oh, and did I ever mention before that I sooo like the combination of black&white and urban settings?

Keep shooting, keep sharing, and keep having fun at both!

Gear notes: D700, 28-200G

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