Rules for Photography at Coliseum, Palatine Hill, Forum

For safety reasons I doubt anything that would impede traffic or pose a tripping hazard would be prohibited. With modern cameras they aren’t that necessary, not like when I was a full time pro back in the film days.

Remember there were photographers who made a career using a small rangefinder with one or two prime lenses. It’s possible to take nice photos without a backpack full of gear.

I think DougMac meant to say "allowed" instead of "prohibited" in his 1st sentence.

Thanks for the responses . . . I've gone through the Forum and Coliseum with a handheld camera, no problems. But I was shooting photos then. This time I'm shooting video and having the stability of some type of stand is much more important.

Kent is right. Brain fart.

Jeff,

You'll probably have trouble getting a camera bag into the Colosseum, although they might allow a small bag after inspecting it. According to their website.....

"Please note: for security reasons it is strictly forbidden to enter with backpacks, camping, bulky bags and luggage/trolley. Medium and small size backpacks can be introduced and must be screened by metal detectors, as any other bag. They must be opened and visually inspected by the security. Due to new security measures it is necessary to arrive at least 30 minutes before the reservation at the ticket desk."

I suspect that Tripods or Monopods will be prohibited in an enclosed space like the Colosseum, due to the number of visitors you'll have to share the space with.

For touring Palatine Hill and the Forum, you shouldn't have any trouble although you'll have to tolerate the crowds in your videos. Both sites are somewhat spacious, so Tripods likely won't be a hindrance to others. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find any info on those sites on the web.

Hi Ken, thanks for the info and for checking the websites.

I'm afraid I'm going to have to treat the Coliseum and the Forum/Palatine Hill as two separate activities if I want to have the tripod for Forum/Palatine Hill. Especially since I plan to see other sites in that area (like Circus Maximus) that same day.

I understand that the tickets to those two sites are good for two days so I could split it up without having to buy tickets twice, I guess.

I'm grouping our daily activities by proximity and what equipment I can use - it's becoming quite the puzzle!

I think you're probably going to be right about the Coliseum though. None of the museums allow tripods, and with all the people at the Coliseum I could see the same logic being applied.

I think you're probably going to be right about the Coliseum though.
None of the museums allow tripods, and with all the people at the
Coliseum I could see the same logic being applied.

Along from tripods or very often monopods being universally banned from museums and other attractions for safety and general nuisance reasons, they're often considered professional equipment - of a type used for taking published, for-profit photos - and so require a permit to be used.

Oh, the "Photography" in your title made me think stills, not video.

Just curious, what setup will you be using? If using a tripod, does it have a fluid head?

Have I got a deal for you! The Fujis X-H1 is on sale for half price ($1300 with grip). It has IBIS. Pair it with one of the Fuji OIS lenses and you've got 5 stops image stabilization. Static shots and pans hand held look rock steady. If you need smooth camera movement, add a gimble.

yeah, I shoulda said video in the title.

I'm using a Panasonic G85 and G7 for video. I have a Nikon D5300 for stills . . . I'm afraid I may have to leave that home just because I'm hauling so much stuff. I picked up an Edelkrone SlideOne and HeadONE, which is why the tripod is so important. Really looking forward to getting some awesome slider and pan shots with those!

Love to buy the Fuji but it would get really expensive switching over to a new platform, especially with the trip expenses we'll be taking on.