Chihuly: Light in the Dark

by | Aug 21, 2012 | Bridgette S | 12 comments

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I first learned about Dale Chihuly when I visited the Museum of Glass down in Tacoma, WA last summer.  My mother-in-law, who loves Chihuly, has been fascinated by his work for years so when I moved to Seattle last year she recommended we all take a family trip.

The museum is comprised of various works by a number artists in the 20 – 21st century. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits including the famous Chihuly Bridge of Glass – one which you can walk through to get to downtown Tacoma.  By the way, you can view them working in the Hot Shop live here – really cool to see them in action!

Chihuly was born in Tacoma, WA so he is highly admired in the Pacific Northwest as well as all over the world (list of installations can be found here).  This summer, Seattle opened the doors to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition adjacent to the Space Needle.  For months, I observed the development of the glass building and was eager for its completion.  I held off visiting until two weeks ago so that I could take my mother and sister who were visiting from New York City since they had also seen his sculptures at the Museum of Glass.  I knew that they’d both love it and so would my 3 year old.  We went on a sunny day so that we could enjoy the outdoor garden and relax in the sitting area.

When we first entered, the room was pitch black and I thought to myself, how would I photograph these glass sculptures in the dark without losing its color and form?  I began with two Hipstamatic combos but then soon realized that I wanted the clear effect of the Jane lens so I paired it with Blanko Noir film.  It was magic!

The following shots are all taken in the dark using the Jane lens / BlankoNoir film Hipsta combo – unedited.

After checking out my roll at my home, I was further amazed at how well the combo caught the light and colors of the sculptures – some are even transparent.  Despite the darkness from room to room, the camera managed to capture them beautifully – I just love the high contrast and vivid colors.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and if you have any other tips for shooting in the dark feel free to share them too!

> A special thank you goes out to @praiseboognish for his inspiration.  If you haven’t already seen his work I suggest you check out his gallery – you will be amazed by his artistry and creations!

> Two images from this collection are a part of my #Bsummerabstract series on Instagram.

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Bridgette

12 Comments

  1. Joanna
    Joanna on August 21, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    Hi B! Firstly, I love these glass sculptures. I haven’t heard of Chihuly before so thanks for the intro. I would love to see some of his work up close.

    Secondly, WOW! What an amazing discovery by using that Hipsta combo! With it, you have really captured the beauty and colour. I would love a set of those photos on my wall! Seriously! x

    • Bridgette
      Bridgette on August 21, 2012 at 5:29 pm

      Thanks, Joanna! Super stoked you like the images!
      Send me your address 🙂 xo

  2. Nicholas C
    Nicholas C on August 21, 2012 at 4:48 pm

    B : This is great! I was actually waiting for this series to hit the site! I grew up with Chihuly work, and still get to be inspired by him in Columbus at the museum. Job well done and excellent storytelling.

    • Bridgette
      Bridgette on August 22, 2012 at 8:05 am

      Thanks so much, Nicholas! If you ever come out to Seattle, we’ll go check it out – it’s a must see! Glad you enjoyed this piece!

  3. Ale
    Ale on August 22, 2012 at 6:12 am

    Love Love Love when you go HipstaMinimal :)))

    Amazing post B, loved this!

    Ale

    • Bridgette
      Bridgette on August 25, 2012 at 1:13 pm

      Thank you , Ale! Really happy you like this post! : ]

  4. Suzanne
    Suzanne on August 22, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    Wonderful, Bridgette! I loved photographing DC’s work while it was here in SF on exhibit.

    • Bridgette
      Bridgette on August 25, 2012 at 1:12 pm

      Thank you! If you’re ever up this way we can go together 🙂

  5. David
    David on August 22, 2012 at 11:10 pm

    This is great B..! I’ll have to check out the museum sometime.
    Magnific set you got here! And great use of hipsta!
    Glad you enjoyed the time with your siblings.

    • Bridgette
      Bridgette on August 25, 2012 at 1:14 pm

      Thanks, David! The combo worked so well – I was quite surprised 😉
      If you’re ever in town, def check it out!

  6. Rachel Marie
    Rachel Marie on August 28, 2012 at 11:15 am

    Gorgeous, B! You really captured it beautifully. I haven’t been to the museum yet, but not I really want to go… 🙂 xox

    • Bridgette
      Bridgette on August 29, 2012 at 7:50 am

      Thanks, Rachel!
      We get a small discount as residents of King County. One of the guards told me to go back at night as it’s especially beautiful once it gets darker ; ]
      Enjoy it if you go xx