ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Local photographers are pushing back against the George Eastman Museum’s new policy requiring a $400 hourly fee for professional photo shoots on the grounds. The museum recently announced the policy change, which photographers say stems from an altercation involving a prom party.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE: George Eastman Museum now requires paid reservation for special event photos
Several photographers told News10NBC they learned about the incident through social media groups about a week before the official announcement. “I’m in a few different groups on Facebook and we kind of had an idea that something was going to happen about a week before the announcement finally came through with Eastman House,” said Logan Dingfield, a wedding and lifestyle photographer for Between the Grove.
Dingfield said photographers who witnessed the dispute saw an altercation between management and a prom party. Regular photographers doing engagement or family sessions also saw what happened, she said.
“That’s like when things kind of went south and they said that there was going to be some new rules put into place,” Dingfield said. The museum’s new policy requires any paid photography on museum property to have a pre-approved paid reservation.
One hour outside costs $400, while one hour inside the mansion costs $600.
Portrait photographer Erin Cummings said she thought the announcement was a parody at first.
“I thought it was like a parody news story at first, just because $400 an hour is quite a bit,” Cummings said. Both photographers said they understand the museum needs to protect its grounds but believe the fee is too high. The museum has become a popular location for proms, engagements, graduations and other events, drawing hundreds of people.
“I know a lot of people are not against a fee being in place,” Dingfield said. “But four to 500 simply just is not something that most people can find obtainable at this point, especially with how inflation is going and everything like that.”
Dingfield suggested a fee of $75 to $100 per hour would be more reasonable. She said other local venues like Warner Castle, Sunken Gardens and Lamberton Conservatory charge fees that are not outrageous. Before the policy change, photographers could contact the museum’s director of events to reserve times for shoots at no charge, as long as they didn’t use lighting or large setups.
Dingfield said she always called ahead to check availability. “So long as you don’t have lighting and you don’t have like any crazy setup that would classify as an event like type deal, you’re fine to go on the grounds at this time, on this date, et cetera, without any charge,” Dingfield said.
Cummings said the George Eastman Museum is her most requested location because it’s lovely and the photography museum has been photographer-friendly.
“This is a total 180 from, I think, what most people have impressions of this museum,” Cummings said. She said the policy essentially tells the community to stay out. “I don’t see anybody that I’ve ever worked with being willing to or able to pay $400 for one hour of photography on the grounds alone,” Cummings said.
“So it just seems like it’s essentially telling the community, stay out, we don’t want you.” Both photographers said they have shoots scheduled at the museum.
Dingfield said several clients had the location in their wedding itinerary, while Cummings said she does many senior photos there in the summer.
“This is usually at least one of the locations, I think, for most of them,” Cummings said. “So, you know, we’ll have to adjust and, you know, if nothing changes, I don’t see many of us coming here again.” The policy allows unpaid photography during museum hours as long as it doesn’t disrupt other visitors.
However, prom photography and other special events require paid reservations. Photographers expressed confusion about how the policy will be enforced.
Dingfield said photographers have had a symbiotic relationship with the museum, sharing each other’s work on social media.
“I feel like they have posted many photographers and videographers and different works and stuff from our community on their page,” Dingfield said.
Cummings said she thinks the father of popular photography would be sad about the choice. “I think the father of popular photography would be a little sad about this choice,” Cummings said.
The George Eastman Museum said in a statement that while it has been considering updates to its photography policy for some time, a recent situation highlighted the need to move forward with formalizing changes.
The museum said it is delighted to continue welcoming guests who wish to share the beauty of the property through casual photography. Reservations can be made by contacting the Special Events office at 585-327-4888. The museum will not take reservations via email.
You can view both photographers gallerys on their websites below.
Erin Cummings: Erin Cummings Photography | Rochester NY Portrait Photographer | Seniors, Families, Sports & Headshots
Logan Dingfield: Wedding Photography & Videography | Between the Grove
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