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taking pictures in a museum



 
 
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  #1  
Old October 4th 03, 10:30 PM
susan dillingham
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Default taking pictures in a museum

I am going to be using my Canon TX to take pictures of pottery and quilts in
a museum. the museum is well lit, but I am new at the 35mm SLR experience
and would appreciate any tips on what lens to use to get a good shot, what
type film (I was thinking 400ASA) and how best to get the great shot. I am
not planning to use a flash.
thanks


  #2  
Old October 6th 03, 12:57 AM
zeitgeist
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Default taking pictures in a museum



I am going to be using my Canon TX to take pictures of pottery and quilts

in
a museum. the museum is well lit, but I am new at the 35mm SLR experience
and would appreciate any tips on what lens to use to get a good shot, what
type film (I was thinking 400ASA) and how best to get the great shot. I am
not planning to use a flash.
thanks


most museums have subdued light, even a brightly lighted one wouldn't be any
brighter than say an office which is a fairly standard level. So you would
need a lens that is at least f/2 and can hand hold at least 1/15th. Keep
in mind that without special permission you are likely not allowed to use a
tripod, or even a monopod.

next question is, what is your objective? to get pictures of individual
items for your records, collection, as examples this or that kind of pot or
pattern? Or to get more creative images of particular items in relation to
the setting or other items, reacts of people to those items? for the
former, first why not just buy the postcards from the giftshop, but I'd most
likely use a slightly long lens like an f/1.8 85mm, if the former I'd most
likely use the widest lens available, an f/2 35mm at the minimum, but would
try to see what a 20mm could do.

this reply is echoed to the z-prophoto mailing list at yahoogroups.com


  #3  
Old October 6th 03, 06:08 PM
Dean Van Praotl
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Default taking pictures in a museum

I am going to be using my Canon TX to take pictures of pottery and quilts in
a museum.


We'll have to assume that you already have the blessing of the
museum's powers-that-be, otherwise you might not be permitted
to take photos, or at least won't be allowed a tripod.
  #4  
Old October 11th 03, 03:38 PM
rtmarsters
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Default taking pictures in a museum

I'm sure this is going out late for your current visit, maybe some words
for your next:

1) contact the museum well beforehand regarding this, some do allow
photography (though not in all areas), some do allow tripods (usually not
on weekends or in designated areas), many do not allow commercial use of
your shots taken there without prior permission and usually some showing
of pro credits or some such formalities.
2) when a tripod/monopod is not allowed I've been successful using a
length of string tied around the lense (close to the body) or tied to a
detachable tripod head (better) ... it should be long enough that it'll
reach your feet easily - step on the string so it has enough tension to
keep the camera steady. Not perfect, but very helpful when using slow
speeds or wanting a higher f-stop. Leaning against a wall helps too, just
give the art enough space so the guards dont worry.
3) Not using a flash is a wise choice for many reasons, the first that's
it's usually against museum policy. Second that if exhibits are behind
glass all you'll get is a shot of your own reflection. When you want a
shot of something behind glass a) shoot at an angle so reflections don't
show, b) bring an old lense cloth and clean the glass, c) if you want a
close up, put a rubber lense hood on and snuggle it up to the glass,
unless the display is disgustingly dirty the glass won't exist in the
photo.
4) As regards film, 400 and above are best. Lighting is usually poorer
than your eyes will realize. Fuji NPZ800 and Konica Centuria 800 or 1600
treat me well for print film, Provia 400 or ektachrome 1600 (EPH, handy
because you can shoot it at 800, 1600, 3200 and just check the label for
proper developing ... slide film can be very grainy at high speeds
though)

Good luck!




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in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently."
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