Levitated Mass Slot at the LACMA

This image was taken outside at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in the tunnel slot of the Levitated Mass. The Levitated Mass is a 340-ton boulder sculpture that sits atop a walkway tunnel. For this particular shot, I stood at the northwest end of the tunnel, right before you would reach the Levitated Mass. I recommend driving there and parking in the LACMA parking garages. The parking charges add up quickly, so you can also uber there to avoid this. The major cross streets of the museum are S. Fairfax Ave and Wilshire Blvd. and the Levitated Mass is on the north end of the museum’s 6th Street entrance. Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA

The weather in southern California is relatively mild all year, so this spot can be visited anytime.

I took this shot in the late-afternoon on a sunny day. In the middle of the day, the sun won't cast as long of shadows, so it's best to wait until late-afternoon when the lighting is more severe and your shadows create a deeper contrast.

Even though the area is busy, you should be able to capture your image without any people (other than your model) in the frame. Just be patient and wait until the crowd passes.

Be creative! The primary interest of the area is the Levitated Mass rock right next to the slot, so I was inspired to find other cool perspectives and incorporate elements like the slot’s geometric lines, palm trees and open sky. Experiment with different locations and don't be afraid to go to a more unknown spot. You'll get a one-of-a-kind photo this way.

Encourage your model do different poses to create varying shadows.

Go through the tunnel and stand under the Levitated Mass! This massive natural boulder is even more impressive when it’s seen from below, so take in the view and play around with perspective here.

Check out the Urban Lights, located just south of the Levitated Mass. There are 202 solar-powered, restored street lamps that make for a great photo op!

See what the inside of the LACMA has to offer. Take a tour of the museum, check out the newest art exhibit or browse the gift shop for unique souvenirs.

You're also close to the La Brea Tar Pits, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Petersen Automotive Museum. These museums are some of LA's most iconic landmarks, so make sure to explore the area.