for the site may have phone numbers or the name of a foundation or group that supports
the site. The following are some examples of different types of sites and who controls
them:
• Religious Site (e.g. church, mosque, temple): depends on who owns the building.
Begin with the religious office. In Italy, the building may be controlled by one of the
various soprintendenze (e.g. Soprintendenza Archeologica di Roma; Soprintendenza
Beni Ambientali e Architettonici di Roma).
• Public Space (e.g. square, street, park): Contact the city film commission (in Italy, the
Soprintendenza di Film) for permits.
• Archaeological Site: If the site is an active dig, contact the archaeologist or institution
who is in conducting the research. In Italy, try the Soprintendenza Archeologica for
the city where the site is located.
• Museum: Press office for the museum.
• Library: It depends on who owns the library — e.g., a university, religious organization,
city, or non-profit organization.
• Residence: A private individual; foundation or cultural trust (generally a trust will
preserve buildings by a particular architect, e.g., the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation
Trust).
• Private Company (e.g. bank): Contact the public relations office or the office manager
for the company.
• Government Building (e.g. City Hall): Contact the building management office or visit
the tourism office.
• School/University Campus: Contact the public relations department or the Office of
the Architect.
• Transportation Hub (e.g. airport terminal, train station): Contact the press department
of the transportation authority, often a division of city government or an independent
public authority. Security clearance is likely a requirement for photographers,
particularly for airport terminals, and may take an extended period of time to obtain.
Besides the initial challenge of gaining access, the project staff or photographer must
study and secure required resources for a shoot: power, lighting, storage, transportation,
translators, etc.
po W Er
Power requirements are often tricky. Older buildings have a limited number of power
outlets, and they are often not conveniently located and are not grounded. Old buildings
tend to have old wiring that cannot handle the high amp requirements of electronic
equipment and lights especially (remember, watts = volts x amps). America uses 110
volts, 60 Hz. In Europe and other parts of the world, they use 220-240 volts, 50 Hz.
Many power adapters for battery chargers and computers are capable of handling both
systems, but check the label before relying on them. Different countries use different