Flash! White House lifts ban on cameras, selfies encouraged

July 02, 2015 10:00 IST

Say cheese!

The White House on Wednesday lifted its longstanding ban on cameras and taking photos on its public tours. The announcement revokes a 40-year-old ban.

A woman reacts to having her picture taken with Obama family dog Sunny on the first day tourists are allowed take photos tours of the White House in Washington. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

On Wednesday, First Lady Michelle Obama posted a video to her official Instagram announcing the change.

“If you’ve been on a White House tour you may have seen this sign,” the first lady says holding up a White House sign that reads ‘No photos or social media allowed’. Moments later the first lady declares “Not anymore!” as she rips up the sign excitedly.

“Visitors are now able to take photos and keep those memories for a lifetime,” the White House, and encouraged visitors to share their photos with the hashtag #WhiteHouseTour.

Visitors pose for a photograph in the crosshall during the first day that photography is allowed during White House tours. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

But there are still some rules in place.

Phones and compact still cameras with a lens no longer than 3 inches are allowed inside. The following items are also not permitted — video cameras, action camcorders, cameras with detachable lenses, tablets, tripods and monopods.

And no camera sticks, the White House said.

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