Carrying a camera into no-photo churches/museums/etc in Venice

Not to worry. I was in many places that don't allow photos. All let me carry my camera. In fact, when I had to check my backpack, the signs were quite explicit NOT to leave valuables (the Academia in Florence even gave out cute shopping bags for valuables).

As for the "no photograph" rule, its enforcement seemed to depend on the whim of the guard. At the Duomo in Milan, MANY visitors were taking flash photos and were not stopped. At some places (the Doge's Palace, for instance) you are allowed to take photos in some parts.

It is easy to sneak photos (I remain anonymous, right?) pretty much everywhere as long as your flash is off. I became quite brazen - and met a number of kindred spirits. The tourists who didn't know how to turn their flash off were our foes, as they tended to attract the guards' attention! I never saw anyone get into trouble for taking photos - just admonished to desist.

There was one guard (can't remember which museum) who appeared ready to evict me, until she realized my persistent use of a small dark object to my eyes was a small pair of binoculars, not a camera!

I agree that it varies greatly from place to place. Some allow pics without flash, others won't even let you take your camera out of your pocket (I have a small digital.)

The Borghese Gallery in Rome requires that you check your camera at their coat/baggage check. As far as I know, they are the only museum in Italy that does this. The rest will let you carry (but not necessarily use) your camera.

I was in Milan, Verona, Venice, Florence, Siena, and Pisa. Everywhere I went I was allowed to keep my camera in plain view. It is too big to fit in a pocket, anyway.

Even in Padua, at the Scrovegni Chapel, viewing the Giotto frescoes, I had my camera with me!

Thank you for this question, because I was wondering the same thing. I'm leaving for Milan one week from today!! This forum is the most helpful!

It is nice if we remember that we are guests and should be respectful of their rules. It only adds to our image of ugly Americans when we ignore their rules. For some reason tourists think that these requests only apply to the other tourists.

About ten years ago or so we were in a no photo zone when a group of Am teens were holding a PS film camera at their waist line under a jacket and taken pictures and kind of giggling about as they all huddled around to shield the picture taker. A few minutes later a pair of French policemen casually appeared, and the teens began to move off in front of them. Suddenly, one of the officer put his hand on the picture taker shoulder and spun his around, the other officer grabbed the camera now in his jacket pocket, opened the camera, ripped out the film, pulled the film completely out of the cassette, twisted the back off of the camera and dropped it all at the feet of the kid. They never said a word and just walked on as if it was just a regular day. I assume a video camera picked up the kid's actions. That was a serious no picture zone.

I don't think it is an Ugly American thing, I think this is just a basic respect thing for any culture. Americans, Germans, Koreans, Hungarians, Colombians it's all the same. For my opinion there is a reason that we are not asked to take photos in an area. That reason should be respected. If there is a special circumstance that you think may be allowed then ask and gain permission.

If taking rogue photographs is thought to be proper, why not walk in front of everyone in a queue or play your Ipod for all to hear in the Vatican.

Neither hurts anyone or anything, but is seen to show a lack of respect for the situation. How is photos any different?

Perhaps I am a bit strong on this. But the line of discussion resonates within me.

To the question at hand, it has been answered many times over. Gene you should have no problem with your camera.

We were in Venice for 4 days and never had a problem carrying a camera in, although I had a small digital. As somebody mentioned, the ONLY place we encountered on our two week trip that cameras literally were refused was the Borghese Gallery. I was actually a bit miffed and nervous about leaving my camera - out of my hands for the very first time - but the check point area was numbered and in a separate room where the public could not get to.

As for "politeness", I did not take pics where the signs said not to - we decided to get a book or postcards of those places instead. Besides - those are professional shots rather than my own quickies! It became very irritating to see SO many tourists giggling about getting away with taking photos for example, in the Sistine Chapel. The "guards" were a steady hum of "no photos, no photos", but unfortunately no power to do anything about it. I prefer to respect the culture and their requests.

we have just returned and never had a problem with cameras. There are too many arrogant tourists blatantly ignoring the fact that all chrurches want you to respect their amazing buildings. My digital takes a lovely photo without a flash and I always asked the attendant if present and they did not mind. Please do not take pics with a flash as it is very rude and in a place like the Sistine results in intrusive loudspeaker entreaties from the authorities.

we have just returned and never had a problem with cameras. There are too many arrogant tourists blatantly ignoring the fact that all chrurches want you to respect their amazing buildings. My digital takes a lovely photo without a flash and I always asked the attendant if present and they did not mind. Please do not take pics with a flash as it is very rude and in a place like the Sistine results in intrusive loudspeaker entreaties from the authorities.

I didn't have any problm anywhere in Italy.I went to many cities, smaller and larger.
I always had my camera around my shoulder.If you are not allowed to use thecamera or flash, you will be told by the staff.

Sometimes I wonder if the no camera rule is more designed to protect their revenue sources (sale of postcards, posters, DVD's etc.) than a cultural or religious issue. While I agree that camera flashes can be annoying and distracting to others and can cause damage to priceless woks of art, I don't see a particular problem with someone taking a shot with a DSLR with the flash turned off. Especially where the site is charging an admission fee. Just my 2 cents worth.

Be aware that every institution has its own rules; so you will find all kinds. And even info received on this page will change in time.

You have to go expecting to take your camera inside. Some will make you leave at the entrance desk; others will merely warn against flash exposure.

I always expect to have it my way, but accept whatever the rules permit. A friend has taken many non flash photos accidently in places where photos are prohibited.

He even has a photo of England's crown jewels.

The no camera rule is because the flash of your camera will, over time, ruin the great art that is in the churches and museums. Obviously your one photo will have little effect, but a hundred or a thousand flashes a day for years certainly will.

Gene,

I always travel with a dSLR these days, and so far haven't had any problems with being "turned away" at any sites. I always try to respect the rules, and if no photos are allowed, I sling the Camera under my arm and keep it between my arm and side (less likely to get grabbed that way).

However, as a previous post mentioned the Borghese Gallery in Rome is especially strict and you will have to check your Camera when you tour the Gallery. They don't allow purses, bags, strollers, backpacks or anything else! I had a small P&S Camera in the pocket of my Vest and they didn't say anything about that, but there's NO WAY I would have tried to "sneak" a photo. There were multiple CCTV Cameras in each room, and also one or more Guards in each room. They made it very clear that NO photos were allowed, and while some might get away with sneaking one or two shots I wouldn't take the chance of a humiliating "forced exit" if you were caught. In the case of the Borghese, there are lots of souvenir photos in the books in gift shop (which you will pass through when exiting the gallery).

Cheers!

Thank you, Ken, for your post about respecting the no photography requirements. I travel with a man (my much loved husband) who flouts those rules and as a result I find myself pretending I never saw him before in my life in some museums.

Norma, thank you for the kind words! My approach to the photo bans is partly due to respect for the rules, but also somewhat pragmatic - I don't want to ever experience the humiliating "forced exit"!

Cheers!