The photograph issue is a hard one--we have had similar problems.
    Your friend is right in saying that the photograher will own the
    copyright to the images.  This, of course, can all be taken care
    of with a carefully devised contract where the photographer sells
    the copyright to the museum.  In some cases, this is a difficult
    thing to negotiate--but not impossible.  Your first stop should be
    legal council.

    Good luck.

    John Handley