Travel in Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris-guidelines

[Les]

We will be traveling in September to Amsterdam, Brussels and then Paris. I would like to know what restrictions I might encounter when entering museums, galleries, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Giverny,etc with acamera bag. Are there sizelimitations? If it is a small backpack is it ok? I would like to take a DSLR and two or three lenses or a RF and two lenses plus film. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I do not want to be refused entry and I do not want to leave my gear at the hotel. Also, can I carry a tripod to any of these locations? Will I nned a tripod at ISO 100-200?

 

[Darkhorse]

When I was in Paris I could take a camera pretty much anywhere. Tripods were pretty frowned upon though.

 

[le vrai rdu]

We will be traveling in September to Amsterdam, Brussels and then Paris. I would like to know what restrictions I might encounter when entering museums, galleries, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Giverny,etc with acamera bag. Are there sizelimitations? If it is a small backpack is it ok? I would like to take a DSLR and two or three lenses or a RF and two lenses plus film. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I do not want to be refused entry and I do not want to leave my gear at the hotel. Also, can I carry a tripod to any of these locations? Will I nned a tripod at ISO 100-200?

no size limitation, but you will be controlled at the entrance of every museum 😉

I use to go to the louvre once everyweek, I never had any problem with the film (even pushed a 3200) going through X ray 🙂

You wont need your tripod

I never tried to go in a museum with one, but I a pretty sure you wont be able to come in the museum with 😉

If you want to see how daily paris looks like, go to the north of the town, les batignolles, barbès, porte de pantin, menilmontant etc 🙂

 

[Pablito]

Nobody likes tripods. They call attention instantly. Some places require special permits for tripods.

 

[le vrai rdu]

pictures are forbiden in railway stations too

 

[Vics]

no size limitation, but you will be controlled at the entrance of every museum 😉

I use to go to the louvre once everyweek, I never had any problem with the film (even pushed a 3200) going through X ray 🙂

You wont need your tripod

I never tried to go in a museum with one, but I a pretty sure you wont be able to come in the museum with 😉

If you want to see how daily paris looks like, go to the north of the town, les batignolles, barbès, porte de pantin, menilmontant etc 🙂

Same with me. I like the 12th arrondissement (sp?) Enjoy!
Vic.

 

[Les]

Thank you to all for all of the comments. I will leave the tripod at home for this trip, travel light and use the camera as much s possible. The 12 arrondissement will be on my list. Any additional comments will be appreciated.
Regards to all.
Les

 

[le vrai rdu]

18 and 19 eme arrondissement are nice too 🙂

metro number 2 and 11 🙂

 

[Phantomas]

In Amsterdam you can simply relax. No restrictions, no checks, no limitations. Take your camera anywhere, shoot anything you want and use only minimal common sense about gear safety. It’s really EASY.
I’m always taken aback by comments coming from other countries (esp. UK and US) about limitations and sometimes brushes with law in regards to photography in public. It’s just not very likely to happen here. On numerous occasions I’ve shot military installations in Amsterdam, in full view of the guards, who were more likely amused by why I would want to photograph a stupid wall and what’s the strange camera I’m holding and what a cute dog I have running around me. I have also shot ANY and ALL concerts I’ve been too, without any stupid passes, with only a couple loosely suggesting “no photography” and still people using their ultra-zoom SLRs.
Of course there might be separate incidents here and there, or restrictions that I simply personally never came across, but in general it’s VERY relaxed.

Oh yeah:
- Do not photograph in Red Light District!! Whores and pimps will get wicked pissed and either throw something at you or throw your camera into a canal. I do it only off the hip and while in motion.
- Do not use flash in the museums. If you do I hope the attendants attack you!
- A friend got told off while photographing IN a coffeeshop (you know, the one that sells them “weeds”). I guess not all want to be captured hitting a bong 🙂
- Use common sense but don’t be too concerned - most places are perfectly accepted to be photographed (or tolerated 🙂)

For the rest – enjoy yourself! It’s a great city to be in and plenty plenty to photograph. Interesting city, interesting streets, interesting characters. Bon voyage!

 

[briefcases]

hi

hi

thnx for the information,,,

no size limitation, but you will be controlled at the entrance of every museum 😉

I use to go to the louvre once everyweek, I never had any problem with the film (even pushed a 3200) going through X ray 🙂

You wont need your tripod

I never tried to go in a museum with one, but I a pretty sure you wont be able to come in the museum with 😉

If you want to see how daily paris looks like, go to the north of the town, les batignolles, barbès, porte de pantin, menilmontant etc 🙂

 

[Roger Hicks]

pictures are forbiden in railway stations too

Really? Is it enforced? I've taken lots, because I didn't know, and never had a problem.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Haigh]

Not too sure about this in Paris but generally tripods and flashes are out. If I am unsure I ask permission re photos: this is a good rule anyway.

 

[retnull]

Unasked-for advice: too much gear can interfere with your enjoyment of your trip, as well as your shooting. Why not go with one camera, one lens, and a happy and receptive attitude?

 

[BillBingham2]

Some places like Ann Frank House do not like pictures.

There was an exhibit at the Louvre that did not like pictures either. Sadly the Code of Hammurabi was moved to be part of the exhibit (didn't stop me).

You might think about a table top pod or something to not draw attention or take up too much space.

We (wife and two kids) were in Paris and then Amsterdam. One of the kids was sick in Amsterdam and the Doctor that came to the hotel was the same one we had about 12 years ago when we were there for six months. Different hotel and both he and my wife recognized each other at the same time.

Paris and Amsterdam are among the best, enjoy!

B2 (;->