Friday, January 15, 2010

my trip #2, or put the camera away now

The main point of my visit to NYC was to eat see certain exhibits at certain musea (sorry, I cannot write museums).Orozco 1 Now, galleries have a responsibility for the exhibits they put on display. The temperature and lighting are just so. The spacing is designed for maximum viewing and flow.

So it is extremely annoying to have people stand in front of displays and chat on their phones or, worse … tim burtontake photos. Take photos in spite of the ‘no photography’ signs you have to walk around to get into the room of the display. In spite of the signs that are on stakes at waist level, or on the floor, or where the wall meets the ceiling. In spite of, even, the security people shouting out as you enter the room: there are no photos allowed inside this area.

Now, I found a certain thrill at seeing some of these things in person. And, yes, I did take a couple of pictures where it was allowed. But in nearly every room someone tried to get away with taking pictures when they shouldn’t have used a camera or a flash. And get away with it they ultimately did.

samurai treeReally, though I’m pleased with this, it doesn’t even come close to conveying how it felt (or looked) to be in a huge room full of these panels. Or how it was to sit and quietly contemplate each one to see the changes in c olour combinations. Just as any blurry picture taken quickly from a camera phone would only be a disappointment; a throwaway shot if taken on film. There are books to buy that may be expensive (though the one for the Tim Burton exhibit was not) or post cards that all have perfect photos if you need a souvenir. Or, here’s an idea – look it up on the internet where almost any image can be found.

So, to the woman at the Silk Road exhibit at the Hayden Planetarium, who took pictures of pretty much every display despite several warnings from the security guard – 6 times she was told to put her camera away – what possible reason could you have for such behaviour? Why should you not have been asked to leave and had your photos deleted by the guard? Now, that would be a good response to such blatant misbehaving. Just as you might have had your film ripped out of the camera if you ignored the warnings or took a picture of something considered ‘secure’.

That day may come again. Maybe the guards would like to have a little more disciplinary power, instead of just repeating themselves all day.

polaroid photogs

I liked these guys who were using a Polaroid facsimile type camera.

19 comments:

  1. Why can't you write museums? It is perfectly correct grammar.

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  2. Jim: I know it is now an accepted form, but 'museums' grates on my ears - rather like 'referendums' and 'stadiums' it is just wrong.

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  3. And addendums. That one drives me insane and I see lots of addenda in my work...

    As for people who take pictures of works of art despite warnings not to, they should be beaten with a 2x4 with six inch nails in it. Ok, that might be a bit extreme, but you get the idea.

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  4. We had this happen in Singapore when we went to see the exhibition of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Hundreds of people using their camera phones. Drove us nuts.

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  5. the world is too filled with people that are so self absorbed such as that person. they should have been ejected.

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  6. Yes, the use of cameras despite all the signs and the warnings from gallery staff is quite extraordinary. It drove me nuts in Italy last year. Occasionally I said something, in case the offenders did not know (Ha!). I found most offenders were Asian or American. The lack of respect shown in churches, too, was most offensive.

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  7. You can't write museums because you have lived in Europe (just teasing!). Seems like that was an well-worth visit in that museum.

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  8. The total lack of respect and discipline is rampant nowadays. It just plain sucks!! They should have been thrown out of the exhibit and their film confiscated. Why have the guards and the signs?? I am just saying???!!!
    The pics you shared are awesome. I would have loved to see Tim Burton's Exhibit!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  9. I'm surprised the guards didn't evict the photqgraphers. Although I have to admit to sneaking a few photos on my phone now and again. No flash, though.

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  10. It's frustrating to watch people get away with breaking the rule. Why bother making rules if if they aren't going to be enforced?

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  11. I too get upset at those people who deliberately flaunt the photography rules in museums. Their attitude seems to be that those rules are for others, that somehow they are more important and above the rules. I agree with some of the other commenters: forcibly take the cameras/phones, delete the illegal photos, and turf those people out into the street!

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  12. Jazz: that might involve blood, which I wouldn't like. humiliation should be enough, though it often isn't.

    Frogdancer: makes you wonder how much of the exhibit they actually saw and appreciated.

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  13. Char: and I heard her complaining to someone later about being told not to take photos!

    Persiflage: I admit, I did see the guard again and told him she was still at it - that's when he went ballistic and started screaming at her.

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  14. Jeannette: or I'm a frustrated Latin lover?

    SueAnn: Tim Burton drawings were pretty cool. I tried to hang near the young kids who seemed to be very familiar with his movies!

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  15. SAW: yes, I think they should have been excorted out (only to have them return, but still) but maybe that is considered too confrontational?

    Stine: obviously stronger rules need to be put in place. like being escorted out of the room and having the pictures immediately deleted.

    Pinklea: there is surely a job for you as a museum staff when you tire of teaching. of course then you'll be dealing with adults who act like five year olds.

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  16. You should have made a citizen's arrest! I really can't stand people who think they are so special that rules don't apply to them. "Who, me? I thought that meant you little peons!" Grrrr!

    Nice "legal" photos!

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  17. Susan: ooh, I thought about it, but I was a foreigner...
    thanks, more photos to follow, for anyone still interested.

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  18. How about museuae? I also get annoyed at people who talk on cell phones while looking at exhibits...

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  19. Oliag: especially when they don't move out of the way. but really, can you not do one activity at a time anymore?

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