This was taken last Winter when we were in Sweden. We went round a Viking museum in Stockholm because outside was cold and snowy. It was very interesting, but as is often the case, the lighting was dim and then there was brighter lights on the displays. The helmet was made of polished silver and highly reflective so I was struggling to get a good shot without being able to see myself. It was in a white surround which helped the light and fortunately on its own.
ISO 800 f8 1/160
I always have problem holding the camera still so I used my monopod for stability.
It didn’t have much colour in the original but I wanted a stark shot and thought it was perfect for mono. I’ve done very little to it, except for slight tweaking in transform to get it absolutely straight, although I think it was slightly off centre in the case.
8 comments posted
Stephen Levitas
So interesting that you chose to shoot a museum display case. I have shot a lot of them in museums around the world, and it's very hard to get a good shot. I will try next month to choose one.
In this image, I think it was a bit of trouble that it came out with so much black on the side not well-illuminated. But all the contours are clear and I like that you included all of the display case, making it into a frame border for the image. Posted: 10/03/2026 14:23:09
Diana Magor
Entered this in our monthly comp here and it got a commended, so I'm quite pleased. Posted: 10/03/2026 14:25:20
Somdutt Prasad
I've tried photographing things in museum display cases, and always found it very difficult to come away with a good shot. Reflections, crowds, lighting are all usually against you. So done well to get this.
The helmet seems to hanging in mid-air, with no support, but probably (I presume) there were some vey fine supports. Posted: 10/04/2026 13:42:58
Diana Magor
Someone else commented on the lack of support. I can't remember now what was supporting it. Maybe a rod from the back. Posted: 10/14/2026 11:56:47
Ed Ogle
A very interesting subject and a well done image. I like to take images of objects like this and place them in real world scenes. For example I might take a photo of myself and put the helmet on my head. I'll give it a try later and post the result. Posted: 10/11/2026 17:20:09
Diana Magor
WELL that's something I've never thought of doing. Might have a go myself. Posted: 10/14/2026 11:55:33
Tom McCreary
You did a really good job of photographing this museum piece. I have a really hard time with the glass reflections. This is an interesting item, but as mentioned above it floating is a distraction. At least you found something to do and photograph on a cold and snowy day. Posted: 10/19/2026 13:34:09
Norman Lemon
Diana
Think this chap was on steroids with the round face .( like me )
Well exposed with good framing of the subject .
Posted: 10/19/2026 19:58:15
