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Post by silverwolf on Jun 30, 2011 3:05:33 GMT -5
I understand that there is no picture taking allowed inside the Alamo Chapel itself, at least I believe that it has and is still the case today. While I respect with all my heart the reasoning behind it, it seems that in the past, many discoveries or theories have been made by people who just happened to be glossing over a photo they took at an important historical sight, when an idea about something in the photo hits them in the brain and viola a new hypothesis emerges regarding the subject matter.
It seems evident to me that with so many people, such as those on this forum, interested in every bit and facet of the Alamo, history and Architecture, the no photo rule hinders ones ability to bring home different shots of different areas at different angles and I wonder many eagle eyed researchers who might have seen something while poring over the photo's, are hindered by such rules. Considering that so many holy sites of worship or reverence around the world, the holy land in particular, allow photography at holy site, do you feel its wrong not to allow photography inside the Chapel. I understand the harm that Flash can do to ancient walls especially those with murals and paintings, but with today's digital with indoor settings, there would be no need for a bright damaging light to take these photos.
How wonderful it would be to take these photos and bring them home to marvel at and reflect on and maybe even see something others have not. I just wanted others opinions. I will be in San Antone in Mid July and I and my 16 year old daughter will see the Alamo for the first time together, and the no photo rule really chaffs my hide as I would take photos not merely cause "I was there", but to show the beauty and invoke memories of the awesomeness of the site. To me I'm visiting a truly sacred place and see no reason why I cannot take pictures to adore and appreciate and yes study later. Am I the only one who feels this way.
I wish you all a restfull summer.
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Post by Bill Yowell on Jun 30, 2011 9:37:30 GMT -5
I certainly know how you feel, but then I also understand the sanctity of the " shrine". I was in the chapel one of my many times when I failed to remove a hat I was wearing. Being in late July in the Texas heat and bright sunshine the hat was a must for my balding head. At any rate one of the Alamo security officers politely asked me to remove my hat. Obviously I complied and removed my hat, but remember seeing all the various examples of dress and undress in the chapel that I thought were just as inappropriate in that setting. Just go into the book shop on the the grounds and you can find a number of shots of both inside and outside the chapel and other areas of the compound. I wish I was going to get to Alamo this summer, it will be one of very few summers over the last thirty eight years that I haven't made the trip.
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Post by Allen Wiener on Jun 30, 2011 10:37:11 GMT -5
I'll defer to Hiram on this, but I think there is potential damage to artifacts from continual exposure to flash cameras. Many sites I've visited around the world prohibit use of cameras; others don't. Also, I'd hate to walk in there and be subjected to a continual barrage of popping flashes; damages the experience, if nothing else.
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Post by Hiram on Jul 1, 2011 12:05:07 GMT -5
The Alamo currently has a ban on all personal electronic devices being used inside the Shrine or inside the Long Barrack.
When visitors ask why photography is not allowed, my first response is this: Photography is banned for the same reason that cellphones, and video cameras are banned, and for the same reason that we ask everyone to keep their voices low; with an average of 1,000 per hour walking through the buildings, everything that we do individually is potentially distracting and takes away from the site itself.
If half the visitors took a photograph, there would be a bright flash about every seven or eight seconds; even texting can be a distraction. If you want to see the Crockett vest up close, and someone is standing directly in front of it texting his friend about how cool it is, you can't really see anything except the back of the guy on his cellphone. Trust me, that scenario has happened more than once.
I understand the desire to record visual information; in fact when I do remind someone about the rule I always make sure that I thank them for their interest.
On the subject of research, most visitors are unaware that one of the finest libraries in Texas is a matter of feet from the Shrine. It is a research facility open to the general public and they have a huge collection of photographs of not only the Alamo, but of San Antonio in general; and yes, you can request copies of photos and documents for a nominal fee.
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Post by Seguin on Jul 1, 2011 19:07:27 GMT -5
I'll defer to Hiram on this, but I think there is potential damage to artifacts from continual exposure to flash cameras. Many sites I've visited around the world prohibit use of cameras; others don't. Also, I'd hate to walk in there and be subjected to a continual barrage of popping flashes; damages the experience, if nothing else. You´re absolutely right about the flash thing, so taking photos should of course be done without the use of flash, which is no problem nowadays. I´m sure one can come up with sound arguments against taking photos, but the flash thing is´nt one of them, since the use of flash is´nt necessary at all any longer. In Amsterdam, you can take photos inside the Rembrandt House as long as you don´t use flash. I´m not comparing the Rembrandt House to the Alamo, of course. I´m just saying there are revered historical sites which allow photos to be taken as long you don´t use flash. What the Alamo could do, was to photograph everything inside the church and the Long Barrack, and produce some photo books which could be purchased in the gift shop. That should solve the photo question, plus bring in some extra money for the preservation of the Alamo. |
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Post by ranger2518 on Jul 4, 2011 19:51:22 GMT -5
A no-flash rule would be unenforceable for the simple fact that too many people have no idea at all how to operate their cameras, much less how to adjust them for decent low-light photographs. I couldn't count the number of times I've taken photographs for people who leave the flash on even in broad daylight because they admittedly do not know how to turn it on and off as needed.
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Post by silverwolf on Jul 6, 2011 12:26:04 GMT -5
The Alamo currently has a ban on all personal electronic devices being used inside the Shrine or inside the Long Barrack.
On the subject of research, most visitors are unaware that one of the finest libraries in Texas is a matter of feet from the Shrine. It is a research facility open to the general public and they have a huge collection of photographs of not only the Alamo, but of San Antonio in general; and yes, you can request copies of photos and documents for a nominal fee. Thank You! You are correct, I didn't know there was such a facility so close at hand. Good to know.  |
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Post by Seguin on Jul 6, 2011 19:10:55 GMT -5
A no-flash rule would be unenforceable for the simple fact that too many people have no idea at all how to operate their cameras, much less how to adjust them for decent low-light photographs. I couldn't count the number of times I've taken photographs for people who leave the flash on even in broad daylight because they admittedly do not know how to turn it on and off as needed. Good point! I must admit I did´nt take people´s camera skills, or rather lack there off, into consideration. I still think producing some photo books of the Alamo interiors for the gift shop would be a good idea. The visitors would be able to get photos of all the interesting displays inside the Alamo, and it would generate a bit of extra income for the gift shop, which could be used to help cover the expenses for the preservation of the place. It´s a win-win situation. |
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Post by Wade Dillon on Jul 11, 2011 15:44:20 GMT -5
I still think producing some photo books of the Alamo interiors for the gift shop would be a good idea. The visitors would be able to get photos of all the interesting displays inside the Alamo, and it would generate a bit of extra income for the gift shop, which could be used to help cover the expenses for the preservation of the place. It´s a win-win situation. There is already a book inside of the Alamo giftshop with photos of the Alamo interior which was written by Steve Ortman, fellow history interpreter at the Alamo. Though, I believe another print of that book is on its way. |
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Post by pff on Feb 22, 2013 17:26:33 GMT -5
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Post by sloanrodgers on Mar 17, 2013 17:46:18 GMT -5
I've taken a few mental pictures of the interior ruins, but they're ruined by modern items and crowds of people.  |
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