# 6: Museum Permits & Photography

                                       Image by Megan Rexazin Conde from Pixabay

# 6: Photo & Video Permit

No commercial photography can be done without a permit ( A written warrant or license granted by one having authority.) approved by museum staff. You aren't allowed to make any money from these photo shoots. Do not upload them to your website. This goes for video as well. These rules can apply to any museum not just a fine art one.

Fill out the online form a few weeks before your trip and get extra time if approved. Know your permit limits and do not go beyond them, like including all images of Nike shoes, for example. Museums will not want to be associated with any brand taken in your photos on their property. Plan ahead especially if you are from out of town.

Taking pictures with your family and friends is fine to later show your Grandmother is fine.

What is a permit?

Legal Definition (Dictionary.com)

: a written warrant or license granted by one having authority.

What is Commerce? And what does No Commercial Photography really mean.

: the exchange or buying and selling of goods, commodities, property, or services, especially on a large scale and involving transportation from place to place:

occupied with or engaged in commerce or work intended for commerce.

https://noma.org/visit/photo-permit/

And what does No Commercial Photography really mean.

An example of this is from the New Orleans Museum of Art.

 (See below for NOMA’s definition of commercial photography)

Check the museum’s website or call about there photography policy. It should be under the about section. Here is an example of some questions that might be on a photography permit.

Why do I need a (commercial) permit?

If you will make money from your photography, be it on social media, a business website, etc. You will need to get a permit. This paperwork lets security and other museum staff know a few important answers. Here are some examples of the questions you will be asked to answer.

What is your name, and how many people are with you?

How long will you be at the museum?

What type of photo shoot is this? Wedding Pictures? Magazine?

Where and how will you use the photos, you took today in the future? Think of any way it will be used. (Always ask for extra time so you don’t rush, and models can change clothes.)

What type of gear will you bring? How many cameras? Will you use a tripod?

Some museums still follow old-school rules, which is fine. Most will let you take pictures, though. Examples of an old-school rule: Some museums still enforce the no-photography rule. One example is the MENIL COLLECTION in Houston, Texas.  Most have changed this since the rise of the smartphone. Other smaller museums will not allow photos in some cases to protect the collection and draw in return visitors.

Make sure the flash is turned off. (Yes, no flash.) Some cameras have a museum mode.

If you just want photos to share online with friends and have a memento of the trip you are fine.

Why flash can’t be used? In short, it will damage the artwork.

“But my phone turns on auto flash.” Please turn it off.

“I don’t know how to turn off the flash.” Staff or a family member will be happy to help.

“I brought a Polaroid camera?” Still no flash.

                                 Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay

Why and how the flash will damage artwork?

Older works of art

In short, light exposure will damage the artwork directly or, at the very least, reflect light and distract visitors. Older works of art, such as paintings, works on paper (drawings and maps), and books, will be significantly damaged.

Modern Art; Behind the glass or in a case: photography with a flash is still not ok. It is just a general rule of thumb.

I was told I could take pictures without a flash. How do I get the best photos?

See if your phone or camera has a museum setting. I learned from a visitor that some photography cameras have a setting specifically for museums. This particular setting on the camera will take into account the museum’s lighting. When taking photographs of this setting, it automatically adjusts for the best photo possible. I do not know what camera models come with the settings; you have to do your research. In a pinch, if you need to, your smartphone can take pretty good photos, too.