Filming and Photography

Pictures or videos taken by the visiting public documenting their visit generally, do not require a permit. Photography and filming that is not categorized as general visitor use may require a permit if certain conditions are met. When in doubt, contact the permit coordinator prior to going to the park to shoot photos or video that are not casual visitor use.

Filming

In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:

• Occurs in areas open to the public;

• Uses hand-carried equipment only;

• Does not require exclusive use of a site;

• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and

• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.

Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.

All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.

When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.

Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.

Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

Still Photography

In most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography only when:

• the activity takes place in an area closed to the public; or

• the activity uses a model, set, or prop; or

• the National Park Service 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, if the image will not be used to promote or sell a product or service.

Applying For a Permit

1. Download the permit application form.

2. Email the completed application form to [e-mail]. A complete application includes full name, contact information, social security or tax identification number, and signature. An incomplete application will not be processed.

3. The Park’s special use coordinator reviews your application to verify if it is complete. Then you will receive a notification to submit the $160 non-refundable application fee through Pay.gov.

4. Once the nonrefundable payment is received the park’s special use coordinator will contact the applicant to discuss additional requirements and terms of the permit. Permits may be subjected to additional cost recovery.

After reviewing the completed application, the park’s special use coordinator will contact the applicant to discuss additional requirements and terms of the permit.

Permit Fees

Federal law requires the National Park Service to recover its administrative costs for filming and still photography activities that require a permit. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring the permitted activities. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of the permitted activities.

In addition, Federal law also requires the National Park Service to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for filming and for still photography requires a permit. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography.

Filming

• 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

Still Photography

• 1–10 people - $50/day

• 11–30 people - $150/day

• Over 30 people - $250/day

 

Fees for Non-commercial Filming

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.

 

Permit Requirements

Filming and photography permits will contain terms and conditions that are necessary to protect park resources and visitors. They will specify the location and time of the activity and the number of personnel and equipment that may be used. The permits also may require you 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 also may be required to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.

 

Photography Workshops

If you are planning a photography workshop as part of a business, you may need a commercial use authorization.