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No flash photography allowed - alternative?


5 years 5 months ago #615028 by One Creative Girl
Not to ask a dumb question, but I've searched and couldn't find a clear answer.  In a museum or church that says no flash photography allowed.  Would a Lume Cube be allowed?

It's not a flash, but a constant light source.  Would this be allowed?
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5 years 5 months ago #615039 by KCook
Not likely. But ask at the front desk to be sure.

Kelly
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
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5 years 5 months ago #615045 by effron
Crank the ISO up, way up if necessary... that 5Dm3 can handle it.
Why so serious?
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5 years 5 months ago #615046 by One Creative Girl
:thx2:

Yes, know about cranking ISO up.  Was more of a general question if a Lume Cube would fly under radar.  Seeing it's not a sudden pulse of light, it's just a constant source.  
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5 years 5 months ago #615098 by garyrhook
It doesn't matter. Thanks to one idiotic curator, every museum official thinks that flashes harm paintings. (News flash: they don't, not at all. It's been verified scientifically.)

If flash hurt paintings, babies would be blind. A flash or strobe doesn't put out enough of any kind of light to be damaging.

But you can't convince them of that. Even if the light source doesn't contain frequencies that would be harmful (UV?) you're not going to be allowed to use it. Constant, flash, whatever. There is an irrational, incorrect pecpeption that artificial lights damage paintings. Which also explains why the room lights are low.

Found this: www.wired.com/2015/08/museums-using-leds...-prettify-paintings/
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5 years 5 months ago - 5 years 5 months ago #615108 by icepics
Like Kelly said, it might be better to find out ahead of time - you could check a museum's website or call to find out about policies.

It's not just one curator somewhere, you can look at museum websites - they usually have info. on conservation of artwork. The concern is not just one person firing off a flash, it's how many times might that happen daily, weekly, or monthly, along with other light exposure over years, decades, even centuries for some artwork. This article talks about how much exposure to light is recommended for various types of artwork and restoration that's done due to light exposure over time.
www.philamuseum.org/conservation/10.html?page=2

Like Effron suggested, try using a higher ISO. Also, maybe try a larger aperture or a somewhat slower shutter speed (whatever is manageable for you handheld) to get more light into the camera. Notice where the room seems brighter, see what meter reading you get depending on which way you're facing, avoid dark corners, etc. I've done events and sports where flash was usually prohibited at event level, and I've done that with 400 speed film. It's a matter of learning how to shoot in existing and low light.

As far as babies... I've talked about having been an EI specialist and even if a flash wouldn't cause damage it could cause discomfort and that's why photographers usually bounce or diffuse flash with infants.
Sharon
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5 years 5 months ago #615128 by garyrhook

icepics wrote: Like Kelly said, it might be better to find out ahead of time - you could check a museum's website or call to find out about policies.

It's not just one curator somewhere, you can look at museum websites - they usually have info. on conservation of artwork. The concern is not just one person firing off a flash, it's how many times might that happen daily, weekly, or monthly, along with other light exposure over years, decades, even centuries for some artwork. This article talks about how much exposure to light is recommended for various types of artwork and restoration that's done due to light exposure over time.
www.philamuseum.org/conservation/10.html?page=2


I didn't say it was one curator, I said it started with one curator. Anyone who has looked into this issue knows this.

That article fails to emphasize UV light, which is the culprit. And oxygen, and airborne moisture, and temperature, and...

That short article offers no scientific basis for its recommendations. Therefore, it is suspect.

Diffuse light and baby's eyes: doesn't matter. It's still flash. If it can really damage paintings in any significant way, it would damage eyes.

And I'll see your poorly written article, and provide this one, which says otherwise:

www.arthistorynews.com/articles/2936_Doe...lly_damage_paintings
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5 years 5 months ago #615147 by ShadowWalker
Interesting, never thought about that.  But you can always try and try to be stealth and see how long you can get away with it before someone (if) someone says anything.  
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5 years 5 months ago #615249 by effron
The lesson here is how to work around these rules. If you see "what you can get away with", the next ban will include cameras and phones altogether....
Why so serious?
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5 years 5 months ago #615375 by garyrhook
Yeah... don't. Suggesting you try to get away with something is just the worst kind of advice.

It you must take photos in a museum, then you need equipment that is appropriate. A good camera, fast glass, and a monopod with feet. Like a 3 Legged Thing Trent with DOCZ.

And follow the rules so nothing gets spoiled for everyone else.
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5 years 5 months ago - 5 years 5 months ago #615505 by Office Guy
I still think you would have someone saying something.  Mainly because they'll likely just see it as a light source with your big 'professional' camera.  
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