November 7, 2023

Lightscape 2023 @ BBG

Events, Grow as a photographer

Enter a Heading


I had a unique opportunity to experience Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in the winter of 2022. Working as a guide several nights for the eight week run of the exhibition I discovered unique vantage points and techniques to make memorable images for myself and encouraged many visitors to look at the BBG in new ways. When I could I helped visitors take home images of themselves they would have missed, and I explored many vantage points with my camera that most visitors missed.


For the 2023 run I would like to help others see all that can be seen and discover the many sides of this complex collection of art. How this might work is still being explored, but if you're interested drop me an email.

Smart phones ruled the nights


Through the power of computational photography that recent model iPhones and Android phones produce with a little bit of guidance it is possible for almost anyone to capture the best of Lightscape. I pushed myself to go beyond the common images and I'd like to do the same for others at the 2023 Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.


Traditional cameras just can't make the same images, though they do have the advantages of better optics, and interchangeable lenses. This year I hope to have the opportunity to investigate how to get the most out of DSLR and mirrorless cameras as well. Anyone with a recent model iPhone or Android can make striking images of this engaging event. Up your game on social media, or discover your eye for images on a guided walk through the exhibition.


There is more than one Lightscape to experience, so participants might be motivated to return to the show multiple times over the run. In the rain it was very different from a dry night. Busy nights, and not so busy nights, presented different opportunities to make images. Early in the evening with the twilight looked different from late at night. And the Moon, Jupiter, Mars, and Venus put on a show as they moved across the sky each night the clouds cooperated.


The tips I shared with visitors last year are among the topics we can cover before and during the walk through Lightscape this year. Look behind you, look for locations where some light source lights you up for a selfie or group photo, experiment with the camera settings and turn off night mode and adjust exposures. Edit your photos to bring out the shadows and tame the highlights. Experiment with time lapse sequences. And more.