While on a recent visit to Seattle, I stopped by the EMP Museum. This place is a treasure trove for those into popular culture. Music, film, science fiction and more. A great sculpture in the lobby is called IF VI WAS IX. It contains more than 500 musical instruments and 30 computers. The sculpture was designer Neal Potter and developed by sound sculptor Trimpin.
I wanted a shot to capture the magnitude of this sculpture. The challenge was filling the frame. I made the decision to go low and shoot from beneath the statue. Please forgive the lowlight nature of the behind the scenes photos shot by a patient family member.
Once I got the angle I wanted, I placed the camera against a ridge in the floor plate to brace it. I also used the self-timer in the camera to trigger the shot. Once I pressed the shutter release, the camera waited two-seconds to fire the series of bracketed shots.
For such an over the top sculpture… I pushed the HDR processing. This is stronger than I usually go, but it is Rock-N-Roll after all. The 5 image bracket was opened and post-processed with Photomatix, then finished in Photoshop CC.
If you’re in the Seattle area, I’d definitely make the museum a stop. It’s a great place to visit.
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Awesome pic! The museum did not mind about taking photos?
Didn’t seem to… Didn’t bring a tripod. But they didn’t have any policies posted about photos and gave me no grief.
I love going there! I have only been there once but it such an awesome museum that I think I might take another trip there some time :)
Impressive shot and post production!
When I revisit Seattle, the EMP Museum will be on my list to view the exhibits to learn more about the gifted talent and to photograph the history of the music as it evolved.
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What camera did you use?
This was shot with an OM-D E-M1… but that shouldn’t really matter. Technique works with any camera.
That is one killer shot Richard! Perspective is everything. I’ve never been to Seattle, but from what I have seen it must be a photographer’s paradise!
Seattle almost always has soft light due to the constant presence of clouds. With that said, its got wilderness nearby and several very photogenic things to see and do. One of my favorite places.