There are two important first birthdays this spring – my son, Theo, and the IMA Photo Policy. As the “mother” of both, I take a lot of pride in their reaching this milestone, but as any good parent would say: “I don’t have a favorite; I love them both equally.” That said, I do have to say Theo is cuter than the Photo Policy.

As a birthday present to IMA photographers, we are giving those of you purchasing a one year pass the gift of FREE parking! Did you say FREE??? Why, yes, yes I did!!

We know that the first year had a few bumps and bruises along the way, so, we’ve listened to your feedback and are making changes that we hope will make the second year run smoothly. Many photographers noted how inexpensive the one year rate was and that they would be willing to pay a higher rate for the opportunity to use the lovely backdrop of the IMA. Crazy talk, I know, but in comparison to many other locations across Indianapolis and the country, $250 for the entire year, with virtually no restrictions on when or how many times you could be here, was a steal. A number of photographers also expressed concern when paid parking was announced this past fall that you would have to pay not only for your photo pass, but also pay to park every time you had a shoot here. With both of these points in mind, the one year fee has been increased but will have the added benefit of FREE parking.

A few highlights and things to keep in mind about the Photo Policy:

• One Year Photography Pass rate is increasing to $400.
• The pass will still cover two named photographers from a single company.
• Each additional photographer will still cost $100 to add.
• Badges will be changing to include a head shot of the pass holder.
• FREE PARKING: With the rate increase to $400, one year pass holders’ badges will now include a barcode that permits them to park for free in the pay lots. Your clients arriving in separate vehicles will still have to pay for parking, unless they are a member of the Museum or are utilizing one of the over 170 free parking spots at the Museum.
• One Day Photography Passes will remain at the rate of $50 per day.

As always, please feel free to contact the Rights and Reproductions Department if you have any questions, concerns, or would like to send a birthday present to the Photo Policy (it particularly likes chocolate).

Happy First Birthday to the Photo Policy (and Theo)!

On a recent stroll through the IMA grounds, visitor Stanley D. Abell captured the following image of his son in front of Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture.

© Stanley D. Abell, 2011

Later that day he uploaded this image, along with a few others from his time at the IMA, to his personal Facebook page. IMA staff gives a tip of the hat to this photograph and its posting online as a prime example of fair use of an image taken on the grounds and shared through social media – well done sir, well done!

In comparison to this casual moment captured and shared by Stanley D. Abell, Sara Morris details her experience as a professional photographer coming to shoot on the IMA grounds:

 Read the rest of this entry »

Next Tuesday, March 1^st, the IMA officially adopts its new Photography Policy for the entire Museum campus, including 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens, and Miller House and Garden in Columbus, Indiana. This new policy comes out of a need to further protect the works of art in the collection and avoid any potential infringements of copyright laws. As a general rule of thumb, visitors and professional photographers will be able to identify the areas/pieces that cannot be photographed by looking for this symbol:

As some of you may recall having read on the IMA’s Blog last year in Picture This by Tad Fruits, the season of “peak shutterbug activity” will quickly be upon us. We would like to take this opportunity to inform and educate those who want to bring their families, friends, or clients for their next photo shoot to the IMA grounds.

For the general visitor to the IMA very little is changing. We simply ask that you remain cognizant of your surroundings – both the artworks and other visitors. You may photograph for your private use, which includes sharing images with your family and friends through social media sites like Facebook and Flickr.

We ask that all visitors, professional photographers, and guests do not walk in any plant beds or climb upon any of the sculptures. We want the grounds to be as beautiful in October as they are in April. This request is as much for your safety as it is for the safety, longevity, and conservation of the artworks at the IMA.

 Read the rest of this entry »