E5_P6110278 by etee on Flickr

There are some amazing photographers that wander the halls of HMNS – as well as the areas surrounding the Museum in Hermann Park. When we’re lucky, they share what they capture in our HMNS Flickr pool. Each month, we highlight one of these photos here on the blog.

This month, we’re featuring a photo from Ed Truitt (known on Flickr as etee), taken during one of this summer’s Prehistoric Monsters member events – where we previewed what’s coming for our new paleontology hall (opening summer 2012!)

I loved this photo for two reasons: one, it’s almost impossible to get a photo in the planetarium, because it has to be incredibly dark in order for the projection to function properly. So in addition to being a pretty compelling image (what are they looking at?!) this photo is excellent for being rare. Also, these people are learning about dinosaurs, from one of the world’s most famed paleontologists. And that’s pretty cool.

Here’s what Ed had to say about his photo:

I actually had two things in mind when I went to the Museum this particular evening. The first was to try out a new camera I had recently acquired (how I got it is a story in and of itself.) Of course, I have never found the Museum lacking for subjects to shoot (photographically speaking), and there are enough different lighting situations it is a good place to test a new camera.

The second reason, of course, was to hear Dr. Bakker speak. As a dino-nerd from the time I was in elementary school (I still remember the day in 4th grade where I gave a 45 minute lecture to the class on dinosaurs: I was just getting warmed up with the teacher thanked me and said she really had to get on with the rest of the subjects), I remember the twin pillars of dinosaur orthodoxy: they were reptilian, and they were cold-blooded. So, the chance to hear the Great Heretic speak? Was something I just could not pass up.

Anyway, as far as the picture goes: I had been taking photos of Dr. Bakker, the slides being displayed on the ceiling, and the posters. Every so often I would go for a crowd shot. When Dr. Bakker moved to the back of the room, I decided this was a good opportunity to test the Live View function of the camera, as well as the articulated LCD screen. So, I swing the LCD out, pointed the camera over my shoulder, and got the shot. While more the result of serendipity (some might call it ‘luck’) than a planned and carefully composed image, when I saw it I really liked it, for it told a story – several, in fact.

One story I think this photo tells is how Dr. Bakker interacts with the audience. Unlike a traditional lecturer who stands at a podium and talks through a PowerPoint slide deck, he was walking up and down the aisle throughout his talk, interacting with the members. The other story I see is the fact that there is something – though exactly what, isn’t shown – that has the audience’s collective attention. Men, women, and children, there is something ‘out there’ that has them all (or most of them, anyway) enthralled.

You can also see Ed’s photos of Audrey, our new corpse flower!

Inspired? Most of the Museum’s permanent galleries are open for photography, and we’d love for you to share your shots with us on Flickr, Facebook or Twitter. Check out the HMNS photo policy for guidelines.