Museum photography does not always begin inside the galleries. Sometimes the first photos are taken before the visit really starts: the entrance, the sign, the street outside, the staircase, the courtyard, the ticket hall, or the view of the building from a distance.
These images can be more important than they first seem. They capture the feeling of arrival. A museum building can feel grand, quiet, hidden, modern, historic, intimidating, friendly, or completely unexpected before you see a single object.
I also think these photos help tell the full story of a museum visit. Collection photos show what you saw, but arrival photos show where the experience began. They remind you of the weather, the city, the neighbourhood, and the atmosphere around the museum.
Some museum buildings are almost part of the exhibition themselves. Others are simple from the outside but create a strong contrast once you enter.
Do you usually photograph the museum entrance or building before going inside, or do you mostly start taking photos once you reach the galleries?