Library: A Photography Guide
Melbourne’s State Library, with its iconic domed La Trobe Reading Room and historic architecture, is a treasure trove for photographers seeking to document cultural heritage and architectural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to its grand interiors, intricate details, or quiet study spaces, here’s how to approach shooting inside this iconic institution.
Mastering Light and Shadow in Historic Spaces
The library’s interiors blend natural and artificial light, creating dynamic contrasts that highlight its architectural features.
Natural Light in the La Trobe Reading Room:
The centerpiece of the library, the La Trobe Reading Room, features a massive glass dome that floods the space with soft, diffused natural light. To capture the room’s ethereal quality, visit during midday when sunlight streams directly through the dome. Position yourself on the upper balconies to photograph the symmetry of the hexagonal desks below, or shoot upward to emphasize the dome’s height and geometric patterns. If the light is too harsh, use a lens hood or adjust your exposure to avoid overexposed highlights.
Artificial Light in Dimly Lit Corridors:
Many of the library’s older sections, such as the heritage-listed corridors and exhibition halls, rely on warm artificial lighting. This creates a cozy, timeless atmosphere perfect for moodier shots. To balance the warm tones, set your white balance to “tungsten” or manually adjust it to counteract the yellowish hue. Use a tripod for long exposures to capture sharp details in low-light conditions, especially when photographing textured walls or ornate doorways.
Golden Hour Reflections on Marble and Glass:
During sunrise or sunset, sunlight bounces off the library’s marble floors and glass cases, creating golden reflections that add warmth to your images. Look for reflective surfaces near windows or in the main entrance hall to capture these fleeting moments. If shooting handheld, increase your ISO slightly to maintain a fast enough shutter speed, or lean against a wall for stability.
Composing Shots Around Architectural Elements
The library’s design is rich with details that offer endless compositional opportunities.
Symmetry and Perspective in the Dome:
The La Trobe Reading Room’s dome is a masterclass in symmetry. Stand directly beneath it and shoot upward to emphasize its circular shape and radial lines. For a more dramatic perspective, use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire dome while including the balconies and desks below. Alternatively, focus on a single section of the dome’s ironwork or stained glass to highlight its intricate craftsmanship.
Leading Lines in Staircases and Hallways:
The library’s staircases and corridors feature strong leading lines that guide the viewer’s eye through the frame. Position yourself at the base of a staircase and shoot upward to emphasize its height, or stand at the end of a hallway to capture its length. Look for repeating patterns, such as the rhythm of balusters or the alignment of bookshelves, to create visual harmony. If the space feels crowded, wait for a moment of quiet to photograph uninterrupted lines.
Framing with Doorways and Arches:
Use the library’s arched doorways and window frames to add depth to your compositions. For example, stand inside a doorway and frame the view of another part of the library through the arch, creating a layered effect. This technique works particularly well when photographing the reading room from adjacent hallways or when capturing views of the exterior through interior windows. Experiment with different angles to find the most compelling framing.
Capturing Human Interaction and Quiet Moments
The library is not just a monument to architecture—it’s a living space where people study, read, and reflect.
Candid Shots of Patrons in Study Areas:
To capture the library’s atmosphere, photograph patrons immersed in their work without disturbing them. Use a telephoto lens to shoot from a distance, or position yourself near study desks with a wide-angle lens to include the surrounding environment. Look for moments of concentration, such as a hand adjusting glasses or a page being turned, to convey the quiet intensity of the space. If shooting indoors, avoid using flash to maintain the natural ambiance.
Environmental Portraits in Historic Settings:
If you have permission, ask a library staff member or visitor to pose in a historically significant location, such as near a stained-glass window or in front of a bookshelf filled with antique volumes. Use natural light from windows to illuminate their face, and choose a background that complements the subject without distracting from them. Encourage your subject to interact with their surroundings, such as holding a book or leaning against a railing, to create a more authentic connection to the space.
Documenting the Library’s Quiet Rhythms:
The library’s beauty lies in its subtle details: the soft shuffle of feet on marble floors, the whisper of pages turning, or the way sunlight filters through dust motes in the air. To capture these moments, use a slow shutter speed (1/30th of a second or slower) to blur slight movements, creating a sense of tranquility. Alternatively, use a fast shutter speed (1/500th of a second or higher) to freeze a fleeting gesture, such as a hand reaching for a book or a shadow crossing a desk.
Respecting the Space and Its Patrons
Photographing inside the State Library requires sensitivity to its role as a public and historical institution.
Following Library Rules and Guidelines:
Before shooting, check the library’s photography policy, as some areas may be restricted or require permission. Avoid using tripods in crowded spaces unless absolutely necessary, and always yield to patrons and staff. If you plan to use additional lighting or equipment, notify library staff in advance to ensure compliance with regulations.
Being Mindful of Noise and Distractions:
The library is a place for study and reflection, so keep noise to a minimum when setting up your gear or moving around. Use headphones to monitor audio levels if recording video, and avoid using loud shutter sounds or continuous shooting modes that could disrupt others. If you need to communicate with a model or assistant, do so quietly or step outside the main reading areas.
Preserving the Library’s Heritage:
Handle all props and equipment with care to avoid damaging the library’s historic features, such as wooden desks, marble floors, or delicate ironwork. Do not move or rearrange furniture unless instructed to do so by staff, and avoid touching or leaning on fragile displays or artifacts. By treating the space with respect, you help ensure it remains a welcoming environment for future photographers and visitors.
By approaching your shoot with thoughtfulness and creativity, you’ll capture the State Library’s blend of history, architecture, and human activity, creating images that resonate with viewers long after they leave the building.
