On Thu, 10 Jan 2002 14:36:08 -0500, Amy Friend <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>I would like to hear from museums that hold functions in gallery spaces and
>grapple with issues of flash photography and videotaping during these events.

Amy, let me just say that I am in no way a spokesman for my museum, but I am one of two full time photrographers on staff. We
don't shoot outside functions--the private parties etc., but we do shoot museum events and exhibt opening parties etc. inside the
galleries. Wealso do quite a bit of PR work in the exhibits during tours and open hours....we shoot these events just as any pro
would....we shoot with flash(es).... But we use them in _small_ amounts....because it's neccesary. When a visitor asks me why they
can't use their  camera with a flash, and why I can...I simply say, because it's a cumulative thing....my one flash on this day is
nothing compared to the 2000 flashes a day if every visitor snapped his camera....or something maybe not as sarcastic as this. We
do allow them to take photos, just not with a flash...frankly the galleries are so dark, that this is all but impossible. Lighting for
photography is a whole different ballgame than lighting for conservation....or even for exhibitry.  The human eye is not a piece of
 film......

So, long answer....but on a side note, I'll bet those wedding shooters love your policy restricting the visitors from shooting. The
wedding pro's worst nightmare is to lose sales of prints to the guests attending the function. I think the way to handle it would be to
say tough...either do it all or nothing. I realize that you probably can't say no to renting out the facility to functions, but you can
very well let your existing rules & guidelines stay put as part of the deal as well...after all, what about all the food & beverages
they're likely to have at a wedding?

Hope this helps,

Kent Thompson,  Photographer
North Carolina Museum of History

Opinions expressed in this message may not represent the policy of my agency

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