Photography at a Museum: Chicago

So out of curiosity I called the Museum of Science and asked if they allowed photography. They said "yes, as long as it's not one of those big professional cameras".

Has anyone brought their SLR into a museum? Any problems?

When i went to the ROM( Royal Ontario Museum) here in Canada i was just asked not to use my Flash, Other than that i used my 30D with 70-200 2.8L

Been to many museums with an slr and a grip.
No hassels except once in a while they say no flash photography to me.
I don't take a flash with me anyway.

I think most museums let you shoot without flash their collections but not any visiting exhibits.

That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard.

pixelharmony wrote in post #5492609
So out of curiosity I called the Museum of Science and asked if they allowed photography. They said "yes, as long as it's not one of those big professional cameras".

Has anyone brought their SLR into a museum? Any problems?

Most museums are fine with photography in general though most will ban flash (annoying and/or to preserve art) and tripods (because they block traffic).

I really hate the above kind of vague photography guideline, it's a classic though from non-photographers. The person who gave that answer has no clue about equipment but I'm sure they had an image of 'too big' in mind. The problem is that you now have to figure out what they meant. Is a 1Ds too big? What about a 5D? A Rebel? G9? Elph?

I've frequently brought in my camera to the Field Museum without any problems. I've often seen people there with much larger set ups than mine (5d gripped with 70-200 2.8).
Never tried Science & Industry.

You won't have any problems. I've been there with my 70-200 and nobody batted an eye.

Been to museums in N.Y. and seen people get scolded for using the auto flash on their P & S that they didn't know how to disable. Those that don't allow it make no rules about which cameras are OK. It's the flash and the pod. I've been told that one flash is like a few day's worth of light damage to the art works.

Yea the flash makes complete sense

I was shocked when I heard that, but thanks everyone for verifying it's okay Now I can go a field trip and shoot away.

post pics!!!!!

pixelharmony wrote in post #5492609
So out of curiosity I called the Museum of Science and asked if they allowed photography. They said "yes, as long as it's not one of those big professional cameras".

Has anyone brought their SLR into a museum? Any problems?

i was in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC last Jan and they had no restrictions aside from no flash and no tripods.

You got me curious since I am making a trip to DC and some of the Smithsonian in a month or so and they allow cameras everywhere. They said there are just a few traveling exhibits that don't allow photographs. Some might be a little more restrictive though since the Smithsonian is publicly owned.

you can use your camera in MOST places in the Smithsonian (with no flash). There are a few places that do not allow for different reasons. I love taking my camera down there.

Has anyone had luck bringing in a monopod where tripods are prohibited?

Slightly off topic, but...

PictureNewOrleans wrote in post #5496956
I've been told that one flash is like a few day's worth of light damage to the art works.

You've been fed a line of crap.

They invent false reasons, rather than tell you that they don't want flash because it's so blamed annoying.