Photography & Cameras in Paris Museums?
Mar 30th, 2008, 05:11 AM
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Photography & Cameras in Paris Museums?
I am leaving on May 15th for a tour of France that will include about 4 days in Paris.
What are the limitations for taking pictures indoors at the popular tourist locations?
What are the rules about bringing cameras and camera bags into different museums in Paris?(D'Orsay, Louvre')
As a serious photo hobbyist, one of the major reasons for the trip is to do a lot of photography.
I have a lot of expensive equipment - camera, lenses, accessories - literally worth thousands of $$$ - that I would prefer not to check. I worry about how secure the items will be.
ALSO - does anyone have recent info about taking photos in the museums? I think I recall that in 1997 you could take available light photos (no flash)in the Musee D'Orsay.
Your responses are appreciated.
What are the limitations for taking pictures indoors at the popular tourist locations?
What are the rules about bringing cameras and camera bags into different museums in Paris?(D'Orsay, Louvre')
As a serious photo hobbyist, one of the major reasons for the trip is to do a lot of photography.
I have a lot of expensive equipment - camera, lenses, accessories - literally worth thousands of $$$ - that I would prefer not to check. I worry about how secure the items will be.
ALSO - does anyone have recent info about taking photos in the museums? I think I recall that in 1997 you could take available light photos (no flash)in the Musee D'Orsay.
Your responses are appreciated.
Mar 30th, 2008, 05:29 AM
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I just got home from Paris a week ago and I took some fantastic picture's in the Louve. NO FLASH. So the key is to take your time and aim really good. The lighting in the Louve is camera friendly in my opinion. I have seen many pictures taken by the group I was with and they came out beautiful. Be prepared to be in the Louve for hours. I didn't get past the Passion of Christ exhbit.
Have a wonderful time in Paris Linda. PS every turn in Paris is a photo op.
Have a wonderful time in Paris Linda. PS every turn in Paris is a photo op.
Mar 30th, 2008, 05:36 AM
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Linda, I have carried an SLR and camera bag into every museum I have visited in Paris. Most places have a security guard at the entrance who will ask you to open the bag. Once they see it is a camera and, perhaps, a spare lens, they'll wave you through.
As a general rule, museums (and churches) forbid the uses of flashes. If in doubt, ask one of the many security guards you'll see throughout the room. I've noticed, though, that some visitors snap away with flash. This usually earns a rebuke, but I have also seen it ignored.
Anselm
As a general rule, museums (and churches) forbid the uses of flashes. If in doubt, ask one of the many security guards you'll see throughout the room. I've noticed, though, that some visitors snap away with flash. This usually earns a rebuke, but I have also seen it ignored.
Anselm
Mar 30th, 2008, 06:55 AM
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I took a ton of pictures in the Orsay with great results. There was plenty of light, and as long as you do not use flash, you can photograph everything and everyone.
Cluny might be more difficult, since the Unicorn Tapestries are in a darkened room to preserve them, but if you are a serious photographer, you may get good results.
The Louvre is a more mixed as the light conditions vary from gallery to gallery, but again, photos welcome without flash.
Cluny might be more difficult, since the Unicorn Tapestries are in a darkened room to preserve them, but if you are a serious photographer, you may get good results.
The Louvre is a more mixed as the light conditions vary from gallery to gallery, but again, photos welcome without flash.
Mar 30th, 2008, 07:56 AM
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As a general rule, avoid using the flash whenever taking photos of works of art. The strong light of the flash damages them, especially frescoes(!!!), tapestries/fabric and anything on paper.
Linda, according to your post you've understood well what I'm talking about, so I'm not meaning to accuse you here. I keep repeating this again and again for the rest of the world, though. As an art historian I feel really annoyed by all those tourists who feel clever if they ignore the rules and get away with it. One flash wouldn't matter that much but thousands a day definitely do. The use of the flash is forbidden for very good reasons. Because of those ignorants museums and churches have no choice but forbid photography altogether if they want to save their treasures. Please turn the flash off, people.
Linda, according to your post you've understood well what I'm talking about, so I'm not meaning to accuse you here. I keep repeating this again and again for the rest of the world, though. As an art historian I feel really annoyed by all those tourists who feel clever if they ignore the rules and get away with it. One flash wouldn't matter that much but thousands a day definitely do. The use of the flash is forbidden for very good reasons. Because of those ignorants museums and churches have no choice but forbid photography altogether if they want to save their treasures. Please turn the flash off, people.
Mar 30th, 2008, 08:09 AM
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I was in Paris this past summer and photos in Mona Lisa room were prohibited - and the policy was enforced.
This ban was not the case the previous times I've been in the Louvre.
I have just researched this issue on the DPR site and have found mixed experiences concerning the Louvre. I think that maybe the rules in the Mona Lisa room fluctuate with the season, with busier times of the year resulting in stronger prohibitions.
This ban was not the case the previous times I've been in the Louvre.
I have just researched this issue on the DPR site and have found mixed experiences concerning the Louvre. I think that maybe the rules in the Mona Lisa room fluctuate with the season, with busier times of the year resulting in stronger prohibitions.
Apr 2nd, 2008, 06:31 AM
#10
I've heard different reports. Some people say you can use a tripod outdoors, others say you need a permit. You might try searching http://photo.net/ as this has come up in the past.
Of course, the preferred camera for Paris is the Leica with a 35mm lens mounted. The idea is to prowl the city alert to the "decisive moment," or at least catching a couple or two smooching in a cafe. I think a monopod would get in the way.
Of course, the preferred camera for Paris is the Leica with a 35mm lens mounted. The idea is to prowl the city alert to the "decisive moment," or at least catching a couple or two smooching in a cafe. I think a monopod would get in the way.
