Can taking digital photos damage art?

Galleries would have you believe that a camera flash damages paintings.


Asked by: John McDonald, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Without a flash, there's definitely no harm you can do, unless you inadvertently knock a priceless vase over with your camera.

As for flash photography, some galleries claim that the cumulative effect of camera flashes can fade historic materials and fabrics.

While prolonged daylight is known to damage delicate materials, I find it hard to believe the same would apply to the flashes from cameras.

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