Tomorrow I am about to go to my first quilt show put on by a local Guild...

I am also a photographer by hobby...

What is propper etiquette for picture taking at quilt shows?

A lot of times there will be a sign saying NO CAMERAS but if they don't, you might just ask at the door.

I would just make sure to look for signs that would tell you no pictures in some areas. Most shows allow you to take pictures, but sometimes featured people don't want you to.

I usually take my camera with me but set my camera so that it DOES NOT FLASH. I was told that repeated flash from a camera will do harm to the quilt fabric. Who knew?
Other than that I suggest you simply ask at the door. Tell them you won't be using the flash and they may let you take pictures. This has been my experiance anyway.

No touching the quilts unless gloves are provided (usually latex disposable gloves are provided), no eating or drinking around them as well as smoking, pictures only if they are allowed. Even if it is the most god-awful quilt you have ever seen, keep it to yourself. I know this goes without saying being we are adult, but there have been posts here about people's rudeness at shows and I have experienced it myself. Besides, you never know who is listening. Other than that, have a great time and enjoy yourself. If you are allowed pics, take plenty of them and show us.

have fun and hope to see some pictures that you take for all of us to enjoy

Now I have a question -

If one takes photos at a quilt show - and doesn't get specific permission from the maker or show - is it still okay to "publish" them here?

There has been so much to-do about copyrights lately that I'm getting skitterish.

There may be a DVD available for you to purchase - our last show we did a photo of every quilt. We sold ours for $5. Many of the shows in our area I've been to in the last few years have had these.

Sometimes you get so wrapped up in taking the photos that you don't take the time to appreciate the quilts. So if you purchase the DVD, you can take focus on taking snaps of the quilts that wow you the most!

It's always best to ask at the door as you enter and not just assume it's okay if you see no sign. Also, some shows will allow you to take pictures, but not allow you to "publish" them without the quilt maker's permission (publish includes internet posting).

If your a photographer by hobby,you may want to see if your local paper will publish them for you. I know until Gannet couldn't afford many freelancers, they paid me 50 bucks to put them on the web.

If you offer to burn them a disk I don't think they'd mind. I know I got in for free at the Quilt show hosted by the Craft guild, because they considered me a press person.

It would be considered news, and such is not covered by copyright and also the craft show can't stop a news person from taking pictures either, due to that.

They then need to read up on the public view rights. Because they can't really do that.

Legal photographers handbook.

I take pictures everywhere, however last year at the Houston show, the Russians and CHinese did not want pictures taken becuase they were selling them on a dvd. Otherwise, I have never had a problem. Asking it ettiquet though. Better safe than sorry. Have fun. I went to one in Stephenville today. No white gloves but they wore latex. LOL.

quilts on display are fair game for photos usually. vendors don't like photos taken of their wares.
have fun and ask if in doubt.

I always wonder, Yeah but what about the quilts you see hanging all out in the sun in big quilt shows?? And under bright lights at indoor shows??

But I agree, ask if there is any doubt and go with what the quilt owner wants.

I am going to a quilt show this morning. It is in a small community about 30 miles from me. I am really anxious to see their display. Hope to get some ideas.

...and some pictures! Pleeeease!!

This discussion brings up a question I've wondered about.

At big quilt shows (like Houston), as I am walking around to look at quilts, does someone taking pictures have any kind of priority? I felt rude if I was looking at a quilt and some one came up and wanted to photograph it. I felt like I should move out of the way even if I wasn't done studying the quilt. And it a show that big, it was a constant issue.

What do you think?

The photographer has to wait for you to move. You have as much right to be there. I tend to finish looking and then move, but not take too long. In big shows all the professional pictures are done when the show is not open to the public for that reason.

Just ask. They will let you know if pics are allowed.

From my experiences, you may find some info on that if there's a program they offer at the show.