Flash in museums

[Kosherpaparazzi]

Originally Posted by Ed Shapiro

Attached data:

PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE GALLERYVisitors may take pictures for personal use, with a hand-held camera and electronic flash, of the public spaces of the National Gallery of Canada. For copyright reasons, it is not permitted to reproduce or to sell the photographs, and to photograph works in the galleries.
Professional photographic equipment, video cameras, recording devices, tripods, lights and other such equipment are not permitted without prior approval from Gallery authorities. To use such equipment, please contact the Public Affairs department for approval, at (613) 990-1935.

Must have been written at least 5 years ago when camera phones and P&S were not of greatest quality.

[Douglas]

I know a lot of people use to say that it would take a million flashes for a million years to have an effect on artwork and such (over dramatization, but you get the idea). But Ive always agreed on not using one in these situations for different reasons. One is that im sure its not good for the color, and 2ndly for the annoyance factor. Hard to enjoy something with flashes always going off.

I am a firm beliver in the use of high speed film and a good fast lens. If you cant take the picture you want, and still want the the memory, then just plop down the $ for the postcard.

When I was in Egypt, I really wished I had brought a tri or monopod for some of the tomb shots. But in the meuseum, the 1600 spd film worked wonders. Of course I had a steadier hand back then (about 8 yrs ago)

[WayneM]

Just a few observations;

1) Policy is made for all exhibitions, and some are far more likely to be damaged than others. So policy has to be set with a mind set for the most fragile.

2) Safety is also a concern when setting policy, and it is better to error on the side of caution.

3) The enjoyment of all visitors is of concern, therefore restricting patrons actions which would annoy others is a factor, and having a flash triggered next to you can be an annoyance.

4) There is a tradition of restricting flash photography.

Wayne