Many a tourist’s heart has sunk upon visiting a revered landmark, museum or gallery only to find photography is banned. But what do these sites have against you taking a few holiday snaps?
- Camera flashes can damage paintings
Museums and galleries often do allow cameras but specifically ban flash photography. This is because exposure bright camera flashes can eventually damage valuable artworks, especially old pieces which are often kept in very specific light conditions. Interestingly, some tests have found that smartphone flashes may not cause the same level of harm, but the distinction is not proven and would be hard to monitor.
- It can change the atmosphere
If you’ve ever visited Mona Lisa in the Louvre, you may have found it hard to battle past the camera lenses and selfie sticks to see the painting itself. Similar conditions caused the Van Gough Museum in Amsterdam to ban personal photography in 2014, as it “caused tension between those wishing to photograph and those wishing to view the paintings”.
- Photography could compromise security
Buildings which house valuable items may ban photography in order to prohibit would-be thieves from photographing alarm systems. Such security concerns lead to the Tower of London banning photography of the Crown Jewels.
- You might skip the gift shop
Why would you buy a postcard of Michelangelo’s David or Egypt’s Valley of the Kings if you have taken several snaps yourself? Selling pictures, gifts and keepsakes is easier if visitors can’t take their own.
- Religious respect
London’s Westminster Abbey respectfully states its photography ban is because they, “the unique beauty and history of the Abbey are difficult to enjoy with the distractions which widespread photography would bring; and that photography would diminish the sacred and intimate atmosphere of a building which is, first and foremost, a living, working church.”
- Copyright reasons
You’d be forgiven for thinking the ban on photographing Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel is also a religious choice, but it’s actually for legal reasons. In 1980, the chapel’s painted ceilings and walls were restored with $3 million from Nippon Television Network Corporation of Japan, in return for exclusive photography and video rights.
While specific attractions enforce their own photography rules, there will be plenty of photo opportunities wherever your destination. Is your camera covered? Before you take your next trip, check the fine points of your travel insurance policy. If you need to purchase a policy, please call our travel insurance team on 01242 784000 and they will be able to find you an affordable and suitable policy for your trip.
