Tag: Detroit Institute of Arts

Star Wars and The Power of Costume

On August 6, 2018

Star Wars and the Power of Costume is the newest exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts and it is drawing quite a crowd. The exhibit features some of the most recognizable costumes from the epic film saga such as Chewbacca (above), Darth Vader, and Queen Amidala (below). The exhibit focuses on the creative process behind the design of the costumes and what it took to make George Lucas’ vision a reality. Most of the costumes were from the prequels and the most recent films, but there were a few remaining costumes from the original trilogy on display. Not surprisingly, this exhibit is popular. I thought the lines for the Monet exhibit were long, but the lines for this exhibit are longer.

I am in no means a Star Wars fan. I saw the first film probably 15 years ago and had no interest to see any of the sequels/prequels. This exhibit really made me want to give the franchise another chance. Getting an up close view of these fascinating works of art and their stories truly intrigued me. I also enjoyed the audio tour that included anecdotes from people who worked on the films as well as DIA curators. It really added an extra layer to a very interesting art exhibit. There is also an audio tour for children (or adults) that teaches them how to be a Jedi.

Star Wars and the Power of Costume is on exhibit at the DIA until September 30. Tickets for the exhibit sell out fast so it is recommended that you purchase them online beforehand. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page, follow me on Instagram, and Flickr! You can purchase prints on Etsy and Fine Art America. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page. For information about our new Guided Photography Tours, visit GuidedPhoto.com.

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Learning From Classic Art

By Ashleigh

On April 9, 2018

In Michigan, Photo Tips

For my husband’s birthday we were given a membership to the Detroit Institute of Arts. Since then, we have taken three trips to the museum and it is very interesting to look at these famous works of art through the eyes of a photographer. So often, as photographers we have heard these rules about composition (rule of thirds anyone?) and lighting (no harsh shadows, EVER!) but when you look at paintings that are hanging on the wall in a famous museum, you see that if you break these rules, that is OK!

Yes, there are paintings that depict magic hour and dramatic sunsets, but more of them show blue skies, puffy clouds, and mid-day shadows. I have even seen some portraits with a shadow on the subject’s face. You post a photo like that in a photography group on Facebook, and watch out, you are going to hear about it! What is my point? Don’t get bogged down by all of these photography “rules” . Do visit an art museum and study the works of art. Discover what it is that makes them good enough to be hanging in a museum. Most importantly, get out there and shoot! Don’t let these “rules” make you lose your inspiration!

If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page, follow me on Instagram, and Flickr! You can purchase prints on Etsy and Fine Art America. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page. For information about our new Guided Photography Tours, visit GuidedPhoto.com.

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Detroit Institute of Arts

By Ashleigh

On January 9, 2017

In Michigan, Uncategorized

This past week, I enjoyed the end of my winter break with a trip to a staple of Detroit culture, the DIA. The DIA’s collection is said to be among the top in the country. The building that houses the museum is, in my opinion, is as beautiful as many of the pieces inside. The historic Detroit Institute of Arts building opened in 1927 and is often referred to as a “temple of art”. One of my favorite parts of the museum is what is known as Rivera Court, which is home to a 27 panel fresco celebrating the industry of Detroit. The 360 degree masterpiece was completed in 1933 and was considered by Rivera to be his most successful work (DIA). I love that we have something with such rich cultural and historical value in my home state.

About the Photo:
While visiting the museum, I figured I wouldn’t be taking many photos so I decided to leave my camera behind. Luckily, with my phone, I always have a camera on me because if I couldn’t snap a picture of this mural, I would’ve been very disappointed. This was shot with the native iOS camera app, but edited in Lightroom Mobile. I wasn’t standing very centered to the mural when I took this picture, so I did a bit of cropping to make that less obvious.

Camera Gear:
iPhone 7 – iOs camera app, handheld

Date Taken:
January 4, 2017

Thanks for stopping by! If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page, follow me on Instagram, and Flickr! To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page. To plan your visit to the DIA, visit DIA.org.