Photography Policy Photo/Video Request Form

General Public

Visitors wishing to photograph works of art on exhibition are permitted to do so strictly for non-commercial or educational purposes under the following conditions:

• No flash photography is permitted. This includes light attachments on video cameras.
• Because the museum cannot grant permission for photographing works of art that are not part of its own collection, photography in all temporary exhibitions and for works on loan is prohibited.
• All lectures and tours in the galleries have precedence over photography. It is the Allen's policy that any filming or recording do not disturb the visiting public’s experience while at the Museum.
• Visitors using hand-held cameras, small video cameras, cell phones, or iPads need no special permission, but must remain at least four (4) feet away from the object.
• Visitors using a camera with a tripod or monopod must have prior approval from the Allen's Communications Manager and Registrar/Assistant Registrar and must be accompanied by a staff member at all times.
• The museum reserves the right to prohibit photography in the galleries when circumstances require it.

Press Photography and Filming Procedures

Press and individual requests for on-site visits requiring photography and/or filming should be directed to the Allen's Communications Manager. The Communications Manager assesses each request in conjunction with the appropriate museum staff member(s) and will respond directly to the applicant. Generally, requests to film in the galleries are granted strictly for non-commercial or educational purposes. Museum security officers, curators, and registrar should be given advance notice of any scheduled photography in the galleries. The following procedures must be followed:

• Food and beverages are not permitted.
• Access to museum storage areas is not permitted.
• Objects on loan to the Allen Memorial Art Museum from other institutions or from private lenders are not available for filming or photography.
• The museum does not close public spaces for filming and photography during public hours and visitors must be reasonably accommodated.
• For the safety and security of the art as well as museum patrons, the Museum reserves the right to suspend any activity deemed to be hazardous and interruptive without prior notice.
• Photographers and film crews must be accompanied at all times by the Media Relations Manager and/or a member of the museum department arranging for the photography.
• Photography equipment must be moved into and out of the museum under the supervision of Museum security staff.
• Photographers must be informed that they may not touch or move art objects.  Objects can be touched or moved only by a designated museum staff member.  Requests to rearrange or move artwork must be made in advance, and determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
• Lighting, tripods, mounted cameras, microphone booms and any cords or special equipment may be used only if its use is reviewed and authorized in advance by the appropriate museum staff.
• All equipment, such as tripods, must use rubber tips or pads to prevent damage to floors. Photographic equipment must be set up a safe distance from objects, walls, doors, and other interior architectural elements. The Allen's staff reserves the right to have relocated or removed any equipment that can jeopardize the safety of any collection object.
• Cables must run along the walls if possible and be secured with tape.
• Lights and stands must be a safe distance away from any artwork and must not obstruct any passages or exits.
• Light stands must be stable or weighed down by sandbags.
• Photographers must remain at least four (4) feet away from any object. 
• Objects displayed in cases must be filmed or photographed as installed. Due to environmental considerations, cases cannot be opened. Working from above an object or case is not permitted.
• Lighting restrictions of 20 footcandles (200 lux) must be observed at all times; floodlights may not be used. Lights must be turned off when not in use.
• No direct lighting is allowed on artworks on paper or textiles.
• All costs incurred by the museum, such as dedicated security officers, will be the responsibility of the photographer/filmmaker.

The following credit line or lines must be properly and legibly listed next to any image reproductions, or in the closing credits of the film/in the closing credits to each installment of the production in which footage produced under this agreement appears:

          Artwork credit line(s): supplied by the Allen or copyright holder

          Filmed at the Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio.

The Allen reserves the right to remove any and all organizational representatives and/or individuals conducting the filming/recording/photography, and any and all crew accompanying them on site, if they fail to comply with all of the above guidelines, procedures, and directives from the museum's staff.

The organization or individual conducting the filming, recording or photography must agree, in writing, to hold the Allen and Oberlin College harmless against any claims or expenses, of whatever nature, that result from their work at the museum. In addition, they must agree to assume financial responsibility for any damage to Allen/Oberlin College property caused by them or their agents. 

The organization or individual must agree, in writing, not to use the film, videotape, still photography, or recording made at the Allen for any purpose except that described on the original application. If other use is later contemplated, it will be permitted only with written approval from the Allen/Oberlin College. 

Upon request, the Allen may be given the opportunity to review the work prior to the final version and may require changes upon review. If, upon reviewing the work, it is deemed inconsistent with the application or detrimental to the reputation of the Allen or the artists represented, the museum reserves the right to rescind permission for images of the art and/or the Museum to be part of the project.

Upon request, two copies of the final product may be supplied gratis to the Allen within thirty (30) days of project completion. 

The Allen will provide a standard agreement that outlines these restrictions. This signed agreement must be returned before approval for any project can be given.

These guidelines are intended to enhance the experience for all visitors and are similar to those found in most museums. Those who violate the above guidelines may be asked to leave. The Allen Memorial Art Museum is a smoke-free facility.