In response to significant community pushback, the George Eastman Museum appears to be reevaluating a policy it announced last week requiring paid reservations costing hundreds of dollars per hour for photo shoots on museum grounds.
“We hear you,” reads a June 8 post on the museum’s Facebook page. “Photographers have helped tell the story of the George Eastman Museum for generations, and they value the role they play in our community.
“To support continued dialogue, we will be hosting listening sessions with photographers and community stakeholders.
“We look forward to hearing perspectives, gathering feedback, and sharing what we learn along the way.”
The original announcement by George Eastman Museum
On June 1, the museum at 900 East Ave. stated that professional photography of individuals, couples or groups on museum grounds is only permitted with prepaid reservations of $400 per hour.
It said the same fee applies for non-professional photo shoots of high school prom-goers, graduates, newly engaged couples, etc.
The museum noted that its property, which includes three historic gardens, is not a public park and that demand for its use as a backdrop for special-occasion photography “has grown dramatically.”
The policy change was necessary because on some days, “hundreds of people come to our grounds to take photographs for senior pictures, proms and balls, graduations, engagements, and other special events. Further, many professional photographers who have not made prior arrangements are disrupting visitors’ enjoyment of the property.”
Shooting inside the Colonial Revival mansion requires a pre-paid reservation of $600 per hour.
Pushback on social media
On social media, public reaction was swift and overwhelmingly negative. Commenters wrote that the fees are unreasonably high and pointed out that George Eastman’s life’s work made photography — once a pastime only of elites — affordable for everyday people.
A museum representative said the museum is pulling together plans for the listening sessions and has been in touch with some members of the local photography community.
Meanwhile, museum visitors are welcome to take personal snapshots on the property at no cost, as long as they don’t require setups that disrupt other visitors’ experiences.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers the grocery business and consumer-focused grocery news, as well as retail development, openings and closings. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: A new $400 photo fee sparked outrage. Now the museum says, ‘We hear you’
Reporting by Marcia Greenwood, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Marcia Greenwood, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
