Michelle Obama tears up White House photography ban

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-33350107

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Selfie lovers will now be able to snap themselves in the US president's residence, after the White House lifted a decades-old ban on photography.

The rule was literally ripped up on Wednesday by Michelle Obama, who posted a video of herself tearing up a sign.

Visitors will now be able to use smart phones or small cameras on guided tours of the famous Washington landmark.

But serious selfie lovers beware - selfie sticks are still banned, as are larger professional style cameras.

"If you've been on a White House tour, you may have seen this sign," Mrs Obama said in the short video, holding up a sign that reads: "No photos or social media allowed. Your co-operation is appreciated."

"Well, not anymore," she said, before tearing the sign in half.

White House officials are even encouraging people to post their pictures on social using the hashtag #WhiteHouseTour.

And many of Wednesday's visitors took full advantage, tweeting pictures of the house and grounds.