Filming & Photography Permits

Filming

Permits are issued for filming and associated sound recording to ensure protection of resources and to prevent significant disruption of normal visitor uses. Permits are required for access to areas normally closed to the visiting public.

Generally, permits are not required for:

• Visitors using cameras and/or recording devices for their own personal use.

• Still photography when it doesn't involve props, models, professional crews or set dressings.

• Sound technicians, and film or video news crews at breaking news events. In these cases, the superintendent will still be required to protect park resources and the rights and safety of visitors. News media wishing access for entertainment or scheduled purposes may require a permit.

• National Park Service filming or photography, Department of the Interior Audiovisual Center filming or filming/photography done pursuant to a cooperative agreement or contract.

 

Photography

Still photography activities require a permit ONLY if it:

• Involves the use of a model, set, or prop; or
• Requires entry into a closed area.

The need to issue a still photography permit is not evaluated based on the perceived commercial or professional status of the photographer. For the purposes of 43 CFR 5.2, portrait subjects such as wedding parties and graduation photos are not considered models.

In general, a photography permit is not required for:

• Visitors taking pictures intended for their personal use and enjoyment.
• Credentialed news organizations documenting an event that cannot be covered at any other time or location.

 

How to Apply for a Filming and/or Photography Permit

Use the Special Uses Application Form to apply for a permit.

Send the completed application, any associated documentation, and non-refundable application fee of $150 to the park’s Commercial Filming Coordinator via email or by mail at:
Colonial National Historical Park
Attn: Commercial Filming/Photography Coordinator
PO Box 210
Yorktown, VA 23690

All applications must be postmarked 45 days or greater prior to the start date of the proposed activity to be conducted in the park. The non-refundable application fee may be paid online or by check or money order payable to "National Park Service."

Applications are handled in the order they are received. Priority will not be given to urgent requests nor will the park reply by express mail. Requests which involve multiple locations, complex logistics, or coordination with multiple NPS divisions or visitor activities will require a minimum of 45 days to process. 

Requests for permits are evaluated based on the information in the application. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to attach maps, description of activity, check in points, what support will be provided, etc. to assist the park staff in evaluating your request. If there are any updates to the request after the permit is officially signed, a new application and fee will be required.

 

Fees

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for filming/still photography permits. 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 your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a 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:

Motion Pictures/Videos
1 – 2 people, camera and 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/Audio Recording
1 - 10 people $50/day
11 - 30 people $150/day
Over 30 people $250/day

 

Permitting Requirements

Permit applicants 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 the proposed activity. They 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.

What about photography workshops?

If a permit applicant is planning a photography workshop, they may need a commercial use authorization. See the Commercial Use Authorization Page for more information.

A request for a filming permit may be denied if:

1. The proposed filming would conflict with the visitors' normal use of the park.

2. The permittee fails to obtain insurance/bonding, or does not agree to pay assessed cost recovery.

3. In the opinion of the superintendent, or designee, the filming activity requested represents a potential for harm or impact on the park's natural, cultural, or recreational resources, may create health or safety risks, or disrupt visitor use and enjoyment.

4. It is determined that supervisory requirements for the proposed project will place unreasonable burdens on park staff, regardless of the applicant's willingness to pay supervisory costs.

5. The request includes entry into areas closed to the general visiting public, or which would allow activities not permitted to the average visitor

 

Contact Us

Contact us for questions or more information about commercial filming and photography in the park or send completed applications to the address below. 

Email

Phone

757-898-3400

Mail

Filming/Photography Permits Coordinator
Colonial National Historical Park
PO Box 210
Yorktown, VA 23690