Taking Photos

[Taggart]

I saw a chart that raised points about photography in Alexandria that I hadn't previously considered.

There are no cameras allowed at the Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa, and no flash photography at the National Museum.

There was also a general note that mentions few tombs and museums allow photography of any kind without official permission. That does make sense.

[katharina]

Originally Posted by Taggart

There was also a general note that mentions few tombs and museums allow photography of any kind without official permission. That does make sense.

I usually don't mind not being able to take pictures at certain sites when
I'm traveling... but I do always hope that they will have postcards available
to buy so I can at least have *some* kind of picture of what I saw.

[mamab]

Do you know the reasoning behind the "no photography" rules? Is it because the flash could damage the items, or that they want to earn more money selling the postcards or photos?

If I honestly thought taking pictures could damage the items, then by all means, I'd obey. But if it's JUST to make money, I think that's wrong. I'd probably STILL buy postcards even if I DID take pictures.

[Egyptian_Sharm]

i think it is only for somehow protection or copyright issue, as it is very easy now to take good pic with digital cameras and publish it. i guess more sights now are not allowing pics for this reason.


i hope i am right!!!


xxx

[tater03]

Never thought about the copyright issue but I guess you could be right on that. I just always thought it might damage the artifacts after awhile.

[Egyptian_Sharm]

only flash can do !! that is why it was allowed to use the camera at he musiem but without flash , but now they even stopped that. i guess it is related to copyrights issue.

xxx

[Taggart]

Depending on what site it was, I can imagine taking photos could be seen as not very respectful, particularly if it's a tomb.

I think different cultures have different views on this. I've been surprised that some people take pictures of family members at their funerals.

[mamab]

I never thought of the copyright issue, either. However, how can you copyright a place?

I guess it really doesn't matter what their reasoning is. If they say no pictures, it would be best to follow the rules.

[mushtaq]

I think its to make you buy the postcards from shops around the places, I like to take my own pictures.

Having been around a few sites now, I think the best ones are the open air temples and museums because you can take pictures there, unfortunetly a lot of figures have been defaced by early Christians (as I was told by the guides)

I will upload a few pictures soon to give you all some ideas of what to expect.

[FourBear]

The reason for not having flash would definitely be the fact that it can damage what you are photographing, but I'm not sure why all cameras would be disallowed outright. It's probably a way to get you to buy all those print and postcards in tourist areas.

The culture thing is also feasible. When I was in Guatemala, many Mayans will refuse to have their picture taken, since they believe it will trap their spirit. No cameras or recording devices of any kind are allowed at their ceremonies, either.