National Trust Properties

Oh, fabulous, Paul.  Reminds me of our day at Beaulieu.

With digital photography, I think the old wisdom of using a flash indoors has gone the way of the polaroid. I agree with you, Paul.  If there's sufficient light for a good shot, the flash will ruin a picture.

Looking forward to seeing more National Trust shots.  

Thanks for the information Paul. I wonder how many of the volunteers will be aware though - some of them can be very stroppy!

I agree - I like interiors with natural light if possible too.

I never use flash in old buildings and churches. I just wait till nobody is about and take the photo. Maybe now I can post some that I have taken in National Trust Properties.

Another reason that they may not like us taking photos is,it may reduce sales of official photos. Personaly,I think that when you show your photos to people,they just may want to see the original for themselves. Drums up more income for these properties. Just a thought.

I think the flash thing is to do with the light ... most NT properties are kept fairly dark to stop the light damaging the interiors .. i have a feeling thousands of flashes going off over the year could contribute to the light damage? i may be wrong!

There is 1 or 2 stroppy volunteers in NT houses!!    but i think most are ok!!

Peter, I agree with you about photos drumming up business.

Jason, I have no doubt you are absolutely right. I worked as a security guard in the Peabody Essex museum here in Salem, as well as a tour guide for various historical buildings like The House of Seven Gables. The one thing they drummed into our heads was how damaging the light from flash bulbs were to the artifacts. That and the oils from peoples hands which is the reason we are asked not to touch anything.

Even the cathedrals vary in their photo policy.  No pics in Westminster Abbey or Salisbury, but it was fine in York Minster.  I don't think we visited any NT properties whilst we were there, but aa couple of the places we were at were English Heritage.  We bought the visitor pass for all their properties whilst we were there.  Some of the privately owned places don't allow photography while others do, like Beaulieu Palace House.

Think its a security issue, Jason, just in case someone compiles a list of items for a 'steal to order' team.

a lot of 'sites' wont let you take pictures, encouraging you to 'buy' them from the site shop.

in the 90's you couldnt take pictures on football grounds but with the use of cellphones I think that rule can no longer be policed so they gave up.

the reasons also given for not allowing some public buildings to be photographed  these days are that terrorists might use them for targeting.

If I take a picture, whilst standing in a public place, I'l will challenge anyone who tries to prevent me. its called 'freedom'.