10 Photo Ideas in 'Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom' To Achieve that Insta-Worthy Shot
Outdoor activities are the talk of the town right now, and understandably so - since everyone simply needs a breath of fresh air from being cooped up at home or being unable to fulfil their travel woes during these trying times.
We know that most of you are also yearning for new pictures to step up your Instagram game, so why not escape to this stunning glass wonderland to capture those winning shots?
Be it during the day or night, this exhibition’s interplay of glass art, nature and light certainly makes a perfect backdrop; coupled with the artist's signature bright colours, bold forms and larger-than-life sizes.
To make the most of your photo-taking experience, here is our take on the 10 best photo ideas to check out at "Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom"!
1. Capturing both the Setting Sun and Moon
Did you know that this is the first time in history that these two magnificent artworks are displayed together in one setting?
Dale Chihuly
Moon, 1999, and Setting Sun, 2020
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
Dale Chihuly
Moon, 1999, and Setting Sun, 2020
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
What’s more, the "Moon" was last seen over two decades ago at the “Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem” exhibition in the Year 2000.
Talk about making history! Not only do you have a picturesque shot of these two juxtaposed with each other, you can also tell a meaningful story in your captions to impress your followers.
Dale Chihuly
Setting Sun, 2020
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
Credit: @adelewong on Instagram
Photography Tips
Stand directly in front of either sculptures at night, to achieve a silhouette image along with your historical shot!
2. Framing the Iconic Marina Bay Sands in Serene Garden
Dale Chihuly
Turquoise Reeds, 2020
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
Here at the Serene Garden, is where the exhibition displays the most of Dale’s Chihuly glass pieces - seven of them, in fact! And surely, this iconic building is of no surprise to most visitors here in Singapore.
Dale Chihuly
Black and Green Striped Herons and Green Grass, 2015
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
Credit: @victor_zhuo on Instagram
Thus, we recommend taking your photographs at the "Turquoise Reeds" or the "Black and Green Striped Herons and Green Grass" to best accentuate its beauty.
Dale Chihuly
Black and Green Striped Herons and Green Grass, 2015
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
Credit: @desss_l on Instagram
And trust when we say the view is extra magical at night, especially with the lights are bouncing off the glass sculptures!
Photography Tips
Wear a neutral coloured outfit to best bring out the vibrancy of the installations and surroundings!
3. Capturing Singapore’s cityscape with the spear-like Red Reeds
Not one for conventional shots? Take a moment to consider these "Red Reeds" for your Instagram feed! They are the artist’s most dramatic blown glass forms and it’s certainly not difficult to see why.
Dale Chihuly
Red Reeds, 2017
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
© 2021 Chihuly Studio. All Rights Reserved
With its striking red colour and spear-like structure, they’re a beautiful garnet contrast to the stunning modernity of Singapore’s skyline.
Be sure to walk to the end of Serene Garden (near World of Palms Entrance C), to catch a glimpse of this extraordinary piece!
Photography Tips
Use the rule of thirds and leading lines to position the sculpture and the cityscape.
4. Bringing life into the feed with these multi-coloured artworks
If you’re a big fan of incorporating a variety of colours into your Instagram feed, fret not. We have a line-up of installations that fit just that!
Dale Chihuly
Float Boat, 2014
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
Dale Chihuly
Macchia Forest (detail), 2021
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Dale Chihuly
Drawing Wall, 2021
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
From the "Float Boat and Boats" located at the Dragonfly Lake to the "Macchia Forest" and "Drawing Wall" inside the exhibition’s Indoor Gallery, their massing use of colour is bound to draw the attention of anyone who chances upon it.
Photography Tips
Strategically place yourself or your subject in the middle of the installation to evoke a vibrant and energetic feel into your shot.
5. Achieve that minimalistic feed with the Pearl and Obsidian Fiori
For those of you who prefer a minimalist aesthetic, we’ve got you covered. Gaze upon the "Pearl and Obsidian Fiori", the only monochromatic piece in this exhibition!
Dale Chihuly
Pearl and Obsidian Fiori, 2014
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
© 2021 Chihuly Studio. All Rights Reserved.
With its distinctive black and white colour scheme, you’ll never have to worry about matching your #OOTD in this shot.
Not to mention, you get a pretty stunning view of the illuminating Supertrees located just behind it. Truly the best of both worlds!
6. Take a mesmerizing #reflectiongram with these floating pieces
If you're looking for a more Instagrammable spot to achieve that wow factor, head up to the highest level of the Cloud Forest - where Dale Chihuly's "Fiori Verde" (also known as Mirrored Hornets) appears to be floating gracefully above still water.
Dale Chihuly
Fiori Verde, 2016
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
Credit: @victor_zhuo on Instagram
Dale Chihuly
Fiori Verde, 2016
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
Credit: @victor_zhuo on Instagram
Just admire the flawless reflection that results from its placement - looking like something from an otherworldly dimension, don’t you think? Perfect for that trippy #reflectiongram shot.
Dale Chihuly
Blue and Purple Boat, 2006
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
Credit: @dejiki on Instagram
Likewise, the “Blue and Purple Boat” resting upon the Victoria Lily Pond also presents a similar effect!
Photography Tips
Try and capture your shot where the water is most still as this will give you the most control over how clear the reflection will turn out to be.
7. Show off your significant other with the different #Chihuly Towers
With the announcement of Phase 2 Heightened Alert measures, we must now keep in pairs for social gatherings. This creates the perfect opportunity for the ultimate photo date and adventure to hunt for all of Dale Chihuly’s Towers!
Dale Chihuly
Electric Yellow and Deep Coral Tower, 2017
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
Credit: @s.a.y.tan on Instagram
Dale Chihuly
Sea Blue and Green Tower, 2004
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
Credit: @s.a.y.tan on Instagram
Try to find all five of them and take a picture at each one to commemorate. Let us give you a hint - one of their locations will be revealed soon after, so keep reading to find out more!
8. Pose like an angel with the Ethereal White Persian Pond
Dale Chihuly’s "Ethereal White Persian Pond" are one of the most magical pieces in this exhibition, with its resemblance to an angel’s wings or something utterly divine.
Dale Chihuly
Ethereal White Persian Pond, 2018
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
Credit: @rachelwongggg on Instagram
For the wanderlust woman, we recommend rocking a cute dress and putting on some heels to complete the shot. Definitely an added bonus if you’ve got an Instagram boyfriend or husband behind the camera!
9. Imitate a miniature world with #Chihuly’s giant hanging sculptures
Ever had that dream of being tiny or smaller than everything else?
Well, now you’ll get to relive that dream by standing directly under the “Cloud Forest Persians” and “Ruby Red Chandelier” in the Cloud Forest!
Dale Chihuly
Cloud Forest Persians, 2018
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
Dale Chihuly
Ruby Red Chandelier, 2006
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
What can we say - with 10-metre glass sculptures cascading down from ceilings, we certainly live in a small world after all.
Photography Tips
Crouch down and tilt your phone towards a 45 degree angle to make the installations look bigger! If your camera comes equipped with a wide-angle lens, using it should help you achieve the same effect as well.
10. Reveal an Additional Artwork from the Exhibition
Did you know that there is in fact another of Dale Chihuly’s prized pieces displayed elsewhere, besides the exhibition grounds?
It is truly a hidden gem, in which you can be amongst the first to reveal it to your followers! And if you remember from our previous photo ideas, this is also one of the locations in your adventure hunt for #Chihuly’s Towers!
Dale Chihuly
Paintbrush Tower, 2014
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021
Now that you know how to maximize your photo-taking experience at the exhibition, don’t forget to tag us in your amazing shots @chihulyinbloom on both Instagram and Facebook - and stand a chance to get featured on our feed!
