Filming and Still Photography

In most cases, a permit is not necessary for casual visitor activities. There are some circumstances when a permit is needed for still photography and filming.

NPS Photo / Niki Ryan

 

When filming and photography activities occur in national parks, they must be consistent with the protection of park resources and avoid conflict with public use and enjoyment of the park.

 

 

Filming

 

Do I need a permit to film?

Commercial Filming

"Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props.

Federal law requires a permit for all commercial filming, no matter the size of the crew or the type of equipment. This includes individuals or small groups that don’t use much equipment, but generate revenue by posting footage on websites, such as YouTube and TikTok. The primary focus of the NPS, however, is on commercial filming that has the potential to impact park resources and visitors beyond what occurs from normal visitor use of park areas. Examples of this type of filming are productions that use substantial equipment such as sets and lighting, productions with crews that exceed 5 people, and filming in closed areas, wilderness areas, or in locations that would create conflicts with other visitors or harm sensitive resources.

Those interested in commercial filming activities on land managed by Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park are encouraged to contact the park directly for more information about filming in the park and to discuss how to minimize potential impacts to visitors and sensitive park resources.

Non-Commercial Filming
Lyndon B. Johnson NHP may require a permit for non-commercial filming if necessary to manage the activity, to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. Examples of non-commercial filming include, but are not limited to, filming for tourism bureaus, convention and visitor bureaus, student filming, and filming for personal use and enjoyment. If you have questions about whether a non-commercial film project requires a permit, please contact the park in advance.

All filmers, no matter the size, must comply with all rules that apply in park areas, just like other visitors.

In most cases, a permit is not necessary for visitors filming for personal enjoyment.

 

Are filmers required to pay fees to film in parks?

Lyndon B. Johnson NHP will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for commercial filming permits.

Cost Recovery Charge
This will include an application fee of $100 and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by Lyndon B. Johnson NHP in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application. Contact the park for more information.

Location Fee
In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a location fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following commercial filming fee schedule:

• 1–2 people, camera & tripod only - $0/day
• 1–10 people - $150/day
• 11–30 people - $250/day
• 31–49 people - $500/day
• Over 50 people - $750/day

Permits issued for non-commercial filming may be subject to cost recovery charges, including an application fee, but a separate location fee will not be charged.

 

Still Photography

When is a permit needed?

Still photographers require a permit only when:

1. the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
2. the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
3. a park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

A “model” means a person or object that serves as the subject for still photography for the purpose of promoting the sale or use of a product or service. Models include, but are not limited to, individuals, animals, or inanimate objects, such as vehicles, boats, articles of clothing, and food and beverage products. Portrait subjects, such as wedding parties and high school graduates, are not considered models.

 

How do I apply for a permit?

You should submit a completed application along with the application fee as far in advance of your planned date as possible. In addition, you should request a meeting with park staff if your proposed activity is unusual or complex. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner. Contact the park with permit questions.

 

Application Forms

Download application forms and instructions. Return completed forms to the Park Headquarters in Johnson City or mail them to:

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Special Park Uses Coordinator
P.O. Box 329
Johnson City, TX 78636

 

10-931 Still Photography Application - short form
10-932 Still Photography Application - long form

 

What fees will I have to pay?

Lyndon B. Johnson NHP will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits.

Cost Recovery Charge
This will include an application fee of $100 and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by Lyndon B. Johnson NHP in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the size and complexity of your permit. Contact the park for more information.

Location Fee
In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a location fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following still photography fee schedule:

• 1–10 people - $50/day
• 11–30 people - $150/day
• Over 30 people - $250/day

 

Are there other permit requirements?

You may be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.