British Museum drop-in

Hello all. I dropped into the British Museum on the way home today on a whim and grabbed some images. Having been there a couple of times now with the camera, the main issue is that it is very dark inside (especially in the evening as the sun goes down), so I find myself needing high ISO (800 on a good day - 1600 mostly today - even 3200), and a big aperture - 2.8 to 5.6 (if I'm feeling especially steady handed). All of these were taken with the DFA 100mm on my K-7. most objects are shot through glass as well. Grateful if anyone has any 'top tips' for shooting in these sorts of conditions:.

Statue head - wish I'd noted who it was a statue of - presumably a Greek or Roman Goddess



This is a sword blade but I rather liked the metallic structure



A chunk of masonry from York Minster - currently on loan



A couple of the Lewis Chessmen. I think these are proper treasure and just about my favourite things in the museum. Kudos to the museum for displaying them well. Not the greatest picture technically (big aperture, low DOF :shock but the fellow at the front looking over his shoulder at the big bishop behind him is magic (in my opinion - just look at his face...) anyway:



Hope you like them -any C&C (especially hints and tips for dark buildings full of glass cases) appreciated

Regards

Mat W

Nice set. Very difficult in there hey.....Love the last one, the cheeky face ...Brilliant

As Emma observes: great place, but hard to get good shots. There's problems with white balance as well as low light levels.

I'd go back and get another shot of the chessmen (I too love them) this time sharp. The masonry is good and well lit. The first two need a bit of a contrast boost, I think.

Regards,

A.

Thanks Emma and Andrew. I'll definitely be going back to try another shot of the chessmen - I just couldn't resist posting it as I thought the front chap's face was a picture. I'll try boosting the contrast on the top two as well - it's great to get an independent view as I sometimes stare at pictures and can't quite put my finger on what is lacking...

Regards

Mat W