On Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 2:46 PM, Aude <audevivere(a)gmail.com> wrote:
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.
Maybe someone needs to create an official looking "Wikimedia Photographer"
ID card that people could download and print for the purposes of encouraging
museums, etc., to allow Wikimedians to take photographs.
-Robert Rohde