Mastering Ambient Light: Overcoming Challenges in Architectural Photography at the Modern Arts Museum of Fort Worth

It’s been quite sometime since my last blog post, but i have some exciting news to share.

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to take photographs at the Modern Arts Museum of Fort Worth. My sincere thanks to the generosity of Ms Kendal Smith Lake, incumbent Director of Communications in charge of the facility.

This project introduced a number of distinctive challenges. Unlike my usual practice of using strobes, I was restricted to employing only the existing interior ambient lighting. This limitation required me to adapt my approach and techniques to effectively utilize available resources. Addressing the color cast and its unwanted tints in photographic images is crucial, necessitating constant readjustments of the custom white balance to mitigate these undesirable exposures. This meticulous process ensures that the true colors of the scene are accurately represented.

Capturing architectural elements under these lighting conditions often posed a challenge, as the limited light could result in flat and uninspiring images. Enhancing the contrast during post-processing, and creatively using shadows and highlights, added a sense of depth and three-dimensionality to the images. Shadows created a sense of mystery and drama, while highlights drew attention to specific areas, making the overall composition more engaging and visually appealing. This approach helped to overcome flatness or lack of interest in a photo, resulting in a more compelling final image. Understanding the floor plan and identifying strategic natural light entry points also equipped me with the ability to plan my shots with precision.

While natural light possesses its own unique beauty, the existing artificial light in the museum has already offered unparalleled flexibility and control over the lighting design. I was able to sculpt light to accentuate the most remarkable aspects of the museum’s charm. Embracing the challenge, I aimed to showcase the museum’s stunning architecture in the best possible light.

The experience was both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to think creatively and adapt my usual techniques to a different set of constraints. I hope the results reflect the beauty and elegance of the museum’s architecture, capturing its essence through the interplay of natural light and shadows —


Modern Arts Museum Main Hall
Modern Arts Museum Front Desk
Jenny Holzer’s artwork, "Kind of Blue"
Engawa, covered corridor stairs
Modern Arts Museum Fort Worth
Modern Arts Museum Fort Worth
Wangechi Mutu, The Seated III, 2019
Joseph Havel Drape
Modern Arts Museum Sculpture Terrace
Sean Scully Gallery 14
Roxy Paine Conjoined
Roxy Paine Conjoined

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