Originally posted by grhazelton Not really about rarity, although at the High Museum in Atlanta yesterday to see the Tuileries exhibit with my Pentax MX I saw only one other "real" camera, some sort of Nikon DSLR. Funny thing, the Tuileries exhibit was off limits to "real" cameras, but cell phone "cameras" were okay. The guy issuing photography "permits" (really!) said that the restriction was imposed by the Louvre, he didn't know why. He though it might be related to image quality. I filled out an inquiry form, I'll let folks know what, and if, I get a response.
Funny thing, a couple years ago the High had a wonderful exhibit of classic cars. Photos were okay, but no flash. Now, when those cars arrived, either under their own power or trucked in, even if covered they would have "suffered" more light than a zillion camera flashes. Ah, well. And so it goes....
Proprietors of premises and exhibitors may restrict photography for a number of reasons:
1. Privacy of other patrons (it is private or controlled property).
2. Security (so the photos cannot be used to plot heists).
3. Potential light damage to the exhibits.
4. Irritation of flashes to other patrons.
5. Copyright - either for the items exhibited or to prevent do-it-yourself photos which reduce sales of the books in the merchandise store at the end of the exhibition.
(Probably a few others too.)