So I am going to the Smithsonian in two weeks. The Natural History museum actually. Does anyone have any tips or pointers for museum photography? I am sure a fast f2.8 lens would be good and I am sure I would have to use a higher than normal iso than I am used to, but other than that I am at a loss.
Museum photography
- Thread starter richnmib
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Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
Monopod my friend, monopod. But using one in conjunction with your two legs to form a tripod-like stance will be of little help. What I do is wrap one foot around and inside so the tripod foot is wedged into the arch of my foot and the length of the pole presses against my lower body somewhat. Understand you don't have to "bear hug" the thing, or squeeze the life out of it, but using a body part like this offers considerably more stability than just a pole, hanging out in front of you, supporting the camera.
Also, you want to get the front of your lens as close to the glass as you can to minimize reflections (which I promise will KILL your shots).
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Also, you want to get the front of your lens as close to the glass as you can to minimize reflections (which I promise will KILL your shots).
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I was just about to ask the same thing. Are pictures allowed in the Smithsonian? I know some museums are very strict with the picture policy.
I will also be there in 2 weeks. Sept 6-9.
nikonpup
Senior Member
THIS MAY HELP WITH GLASS DISPLAYS: LENSKIRT - Block reflections when taking pictures through glass
I HAVE NOT USED ONE BUT THE IDEA SOUNDS GOOD.
I HAVE NOT USED ONE BUT THE IDEA SOUNDS GOOD.
You can take pictures there. They do have flash restrictions in some areas and you need written permission to use a tripod. Other than that no problems.I will be in D.C. Sep 4-7. Smithsonian on the 6th. Not enough time to see everything. Oh well...
Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
Photography is allowed except where specifically noted otherwise.
However, now that I've woken up a bit, it occurs to me the use of a tripod may require special permission from the Public Affairs Office, you might want to call ahead and find out. Since you're not a commercial photographer it should be okay, but with the heightened security, better to call ahead and ask. The phone number should be found easily enough on the Smithsonian website.
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On my list of places to be sometime.
Photography
The Smithsonian permits still and video photography for noncommercial use only in its museums and exhibitions, unless otherwise posted. For safety reasons, tripods and monopods are not permitted at any time in any of the museums or gardens.
Working members of the media who need to use a tripod or monopod must obtain permission from the museum’s Public Affairs Office and must be escorted by a museum staff member while in the building or garden.
Security and Policies | Visit | Smithsonian
Photography
The Smithsonian permits still and video photography for noncommercial use only in its museums and exhibitions, unless otherwise posted. For safety reasons, tripods and monopods are not permitted at any time in any of the museums or gardens.
Working members of the media who need to use a tripod or monopod must obtain permission from the museum’s Public Affairs Office and must be escorted by a museum staff member while in the building or garden.
Security and Policies | Visit | Smithsonian
AC016
Senior Member
I would certainly use any lens that has VR, taking away the need for any "pod", three feet or otherwise. Your shutter speeds will most likely be quite low, so the VR will be a blessing. It really all depends on the lighting, but i think you could get away with the 18-55 if it has VR (i did not see it listed as part of the description). Also, with the D7100, you will be safe using higher ISO in order to get a decent shutter speed. Good luck
During my last holiday in Italy I took quite a few pictures inside various churches, with a f/2.8 OS Sigma lens on my D7100. ISO was on auto and I got any value between 400 and 3200, depending on light available. All pictures were taken handheld and got very good results in most cases. I expect you should have not problems in a museum without a tripod or monopod. Image stabilisation is essential.
f2.8 or faster; wide angle zoom lenses with VR will work too. I've used my 16-35mm f4 VR before when I visited Nagasaki Memorial Peace Park museum and it worked well. I also used a Nikon 10.5mm f2.8 fisheye and gave me an interesting perspective.
Atomic bomb a.k.a. "Fat Man"
Nikon 16-35mm @ 20mm. Ruins after the nuclear blast.
Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
I brought my D3200 with the kit lens and never had a problem. I used the flash a couple of times but I tried not to use it as much as possible to not distract people. If you're going to the one in DC I would highly recommend the Butterfly Pavillion. It's like $6-$10 to go in there and you can get really fantastic shots of the butterflies because they're totally tame and just hang out all day. Here's a few I got:
