Just received this comment from a friend in Paris:

Have you noticed how many people take photos in museums now? I kept being asked to stop looking at the art so someone could take a snap of Aunt Jennie in front of The Dinner at Cana. Urgh!!

Blimey, if someone dared say that to me in a museum, I'd would turn round and tell them that photography is not allowed (in my snootiest Queen's English) - even if it wasn't true.

The Japanese do it often. YOu can take pictures--just no flash.

When we visited the Sistine Chapel, it was announced as you were descending the steps to the chapel that no photography of any kind was allowed. Yet when we entered the chapel many folks were snapping away, flash and no flash. Our guide, who was an art student, told people to stop. But that's when you get that glazeed look of not understanding...

It escapes me why people cannot follow the rules of any museum or church. As if these snapshot photographs can capture the essense of the art anyway.

Sorry to rant, but this irks me to no end!

I am an avid photographer and would never think of asking someone to move in a museum so that I could take a picture. If someone asked me to move, I'd politely say that I will when I am finished with my encounter with the particular objet d'art!

So, uh, your wife like photography, eh? Is your wife a goer? Nudge-nudge, wink-wink.