In an attempt to improve our visitor’s experience of the Museum & Gardens, we are instituting a new Photography Policy. Below is a list of some of the main changes and important points in the Policy. The complete Photography Policy can be found on our website. Our main goal with this new policy is to enhance the experience of our visitors.
1. Mobile devices (phones and tablets) may now be used to take pictures in Special Exhibitions.
Why?
- We know that our visitors enjoy documenting their experiences of our Special Exhibitions. We want to encourage you to share your experience with your family and friends, and have a token of your visit.
- When we have Special Exhibitions, they are generally on loan to us from other museums or individuals. We do not own the rights to the artwork in these exhibits, and therefore cannot allow them to be reproduced. The contracts that we sign with the institutions and individuals who loan us artwork do not allow for photography within the Special Exhibition Galleries. We have been able to work into the contract an allowance for mobile device use, but not camera photography.
- Allowing mobile device use within these spaces also allows us to incorporate more interactive activities for visitors to participate in. You may be able to do a scavenger hunt, submit photos in a Photo Challenge, or access extended information about pieces of artwork in the exhibition.
2. Professional Photography Permits are now available for a single session or as an annual permit. A permit is needed for any professional or professional style photo shoot.
Why?
- Our mission is to engage and inspire through the arts, gardens, and education. We are here to give the community access to artwork, the serene environment of the Gardens, and educational opportunities. It is also our mandate to preserve these items and spaces for future generations.
- Over the past few years, we have had an increasing number of photographers and families use the Museum as a backdrop for their photos. This has lead to a significant impact on our visitors who come to experience the beauty of these spaces.
- Our goal is to still allow professional photography to take place. However, photographers will need to register for a permit with us, adhere to the rules, and make appointments for their photo sessions.
- If an individual or family is interested in having their photograph taken at the Museum, we will be able to offer a list of photographers who currently hold annual permits.
3. Changes of clothing, props, and photo equipment such as flashes, tripods, monopods, camera bags, and lights are still prohibited.
Why?
- As mentioned above, the Museum’s purpose is to provide access to artwork and gardens, while safeguarding them and the visitor’s experience of them. Setting these items up in the Gardens and Gallery spaces has a negative impact on our visitors. Similarly, restricting bathroom access due to wardrobe changes is also an inconvenience to our visitors.
4. As always, we ask that you do not climb in The Cummer Oak or disturb the flower beds in the Gardens.
Why?
- The Cummer Oak is about 200 years old, and we would like it to stay healthy for many more generations of families to enjoy.
- It takes a lot of resources to keep the Gardens looking beautiful. We appreciate your help in preserving this beauty.
It is with great frustration that I have to turn down weddings when clients tell me they are using the Cummer. I have worked several weddings with another well known photographer and she has always been allowed to put light stands up (4 to be exact) and with that the DJ brings in several tripods for his speakers and that’s still okay. Or stands for the microphone. But photographers are not allowed to bring equipment in to properly do their job and set up lighting in the reception area to capture it with beautiful light. Your staff member Cara is beyond rude and unprofessional and my client was most disappointed in your policy. Perhaps this policy should be revisited in the best interest of THE CLIENT.