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Museum photography
Despite the limitations mentioned in part one, you should not be discouraged about taking photographs during a museum visit. Just realize you will have to rely on available light, use slower shutter speeds and possibly higher sensitivity (ISO). You will also have to keep your camera steady whenever to take a photo.
Before entering the museum, switch your digital camera flash from auto mode to OFF. That will ensure the flash doesn't go off, not the best way to start your visit by unintentionally violating well-reasoned rules.
Digital camera settings
Sensitivity & White Balance
To get better pictures in low light, the a higher ISO number, such as 200 or 400, should be used. The downside is that there will be increased noise in photos. Noise results in less photo detail and clarity. Fortunately noise can be reduced with special software.
If necessary, change the white balance setting to match the dominant light source in a room. This prevents photos from having an orange or other color cast. If you can set white balance manually, do so. If there is a color cast, adjust it later when editing.
When you can't use a tripod
If tripods are disallowed, do whatever you can to hold the camera still to prevent camera shake. If your camera has image stabilization, turn it on. Otherwise sit, crouch or lean against wherever you're permitted in order to steady yourself.
Use the viewfinder, rather than a LCD, when shooting. It's easier to hold the camera steady when it is pressed firmly against your face. Hold it in both hands, bend your arms downward and brace both of them against the sides of your body. Sometimes you may be allowed to place your digital camera against the glass that encases an artifact. This will steady it and also help eliminate glare. Ask first, lest you set off an alarm.
Focus and exposure
If you can control how a camera focuses, shut continuous-autofocus off. Use a single area focus mode or focus manually instead so you, not the camera, controls what is in focus.
Exposure can be tricky. It will vary according to the subject, how close you are to it and the amount of light in the room. Take test photos using different exposure settings, then check the results on the LCD before taking final shots. Bracket if you can.
To avoid lens distortion, don't shoot at the widest lens angle and or stand too close to the artwork. If you want a close-up shot, step back and zoom in instead. When taking photos of shiny objects, or items under glass, shoot at an angle where reflections are minimized. Use the smallest aperture possible for increased depth of field.
Take several photos of the same subject and take a few at slightly different angles. You're likely to have more "keepers", which you'll be proud to share others.
