My experience is that it can't hurt to ask. They might not want everybody to take pictures, but mentioning why you want photographs and having something to identify you with Wikimedia helps. They may treat you like the press, and grant permission. I tried this twice and it worked.
- When I was in Japan last summer (after Wikimania), I spent time in Nagasaki. The Atomic Bomb museum there normally does not allow photography, but I asked and mentioned about Wikipedia. I had my Wikimania badge which helped me appear legitimate with my request. I filled out a form, they granted permission (similar to a member of the press) and gave me an armband signifying that. The museum in Hiroshima allows anyone to photograph (but no flash). - I was able to use the same approach again last September when they held public, no appointment necessary tours at the Pentagon. Normally, photography on military installations is not permitted. I came with my camera, prepared to be turned away. A DOD public relations representative was there. I mentioned about getting photographs for Wikipedia and presented my Wikimania badge. He was very helpful and allowed me, along with a FOX News videographer, to stay around and photograph.
When photographing, do keep in mind copyright issues, freedom of panorama, etc. which pertain to us. We also need a good way of batch uploading photographs afterwards. I had problems with the various software tools, and still have some to upload. -Aude
On 3/27/08, David Gerard dgerard@gmail.com wrote:
Should have sent this here too :-)
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: David Gerard dgerard@gmail.com Date: 27 Mar 2008 19:18 Subject: Museums that allow photography, e.g. V&A To: wikimediauk-l@wikimedia.org
I went to the V&A last week and took photos of everything I could, which I really should upload some time sooner rather than later. In fact, I want a better camera for low light just to do the V&A.
Their photo policy is "feel free", just don't use a flash and don't be a nuisance. There are a limited number of exhibitions they ask for no photography in (there's the Design in China one at the moment, for example), but mostly you can take pics of anything.
So - apart from those of you with cameras that are good in low light photographing every damn thing to be found in the entire V&A ...
Do we have a list of photographer-friendly museums?
(the biggie) How do we thank V&A for their openness? And how do we
do it in such a way as to encourage *other* museums to open their collections up to free content photography? I'm thinking talking to them and working out a joint press release.
Has anyone here gone hogwild with a camera in UK museums? Do please tell!
- d.
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