Hi Dora . . . I've been tackling this problem for years, to no real
success.  The museums that impose a "NO CAMERA" policy (under any
cirumstances) should provide the visitor with postcards or other materials
showing views of the exhibits, interiors and exteriors.  We can't afford to
do that, so we tried a "NO FLASH" policy.. this works better, but so many
cameras today have built in flashes that we sometimes have a problem with
sneak attacks.  So, what's the answer?  I know I step out on a limb by
saying this, but why not let certain galleries or specific areas within the
museum (or historic house, zoo, etc.) be designated a "safe camera" zone?
Yes, the staff has to be dilegent, but, don't they have to be on the ball
anyway?  Fun signs saying "this is a 'touch only with your eyes' zone", or
""Free Camera" Zone could be used to teach kids (and adults) about the
differences in fragile artifacts (paper, textiles) vs. hardy items that can
stand the flashing (and touching . ..  a good way to keep hands on or off
stuff).

Just a thought!


Lee Langston-Harrison
Director of Curatorial Operations
Montpelier, Home of James & Dolley Madison
540-672-0007



----------
> From: Dora Chiu <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Taking pictures in museums
> Date: Wednesday, January 20, 1999 10:17 AM
>
> I think the mentality is- "if you let them take pictures in one area
> they'll want to take pictures in other areas" which then makes the
> staff have to go the extra mile and inform visitors when and where
> they can take pictures.  Rather than going through that extra work,
> it's just easier to control the visitors by imposing a no photography
> rule.
>
> Our museum has had a dilemma with this same issue.  We are a
> children's museum with no objects.  We have imposed a no photo-taking
> and video-taping policy throughout the gallery.  Even if it's a parent
> swearing that they're only going to take a picture of their own
> children we have to stop them.  There is a fear that one day some
> stranger will go up to a child and take their picture without the
> parent's permission for a purpose other than just filing it away in a
> photo album.
>
> We have been accused of paranoia by angry parents who want photos of
> their children at the museum.
>
> Are we being paranoid?  Is there a real need to protect the child's
> image?
>
>
>
> >Hey, Museologists...
> >
> >I have long wondered about the alleged damage photo flash is supposed
> to
> >cause in museums.  I could understand that some damage to paintings
> or
> >other such art works may occur over time, but why are flash photos
> >prohibited in rooms with only stone or metal sculpture?  Surely there
> >could be no damage to these.
> >
> >Ron
> >
> >Robert T. Handy wrote:
> >>
> >> Unless it is for our promotional purposes, we do not allow anyone
> to take
> >> photographs in our exhibits.  Besides the progressive damage the
> flashes
> >> might have on artifacts, our exhibits contain material that we have
> been
> >> given permission to use.  To allow someone else to photograph those
> items
> >> would be a breach or our promise to protect the rights of the
> donor(s).
> >>
> >> ------
> >> Robert Handy
> >> Brazoria County Historical Museum
> >> 100 East Cedar
> >> Angleton, Texas  77515
> >> (409) 864-1208
> >> museum_bob
> >> [log in to unmask]
> >> http://www.bchm.org
> >>
> >> ----------
> >> From:   Verlag Dr. C. Mueller-Straten[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> >> Sent:   Saturday, January 16, 1999 9:36 AM
> >> To:     [log in to unmask]
> >> Subject:        Re: Taking pictures in museums
> >>
> >> Verlag Dr. C. Mueller-Straten, Kunzweg 23, D-81243 Muenchen,
> >> Tel/Fax: 089-839 690 43, http://WebMuseen.de/VERLAGCMS
> >> MAGAZINES AND BOOKS IN MUSEOLOGY (GERMAN/ENGLISH)+ GERMAN THESAURI
> >>
> >> I am wondering if there are any recommendations regarding picture
> taking in
> >> Museums by visitors or photographers, including aspects of
> copyrights and
> >> conservation.
> >>
> >> If this question has been treated recently, I apologize in advance.
> >>
> >> Best regards and thanks for your help
> >>
> >> Dr. Chr
>
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