Commercial Filming and Still Photography at White Sands

The Today Show is just one example of filming in the park.

NPS Photo

Commerical Filming

The National Park Service conserves and protects areas of untold beauty, grandeur and historical importance for current and future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or primitive cameras. Sharing these images helped inspire the creation of national parks. Today, visitors to national parks continue to memorialize their visits through filming and photography.

Effective October 28, 2022, the National Park Service rescinded interim guidance that was in place during litigation regarding commercial filming and has returned to longstanding laws and regulations governing commercial filming in parks. Questions and answers about filming and photography are provided below.

How do I apply for a filming permit?

Download the filming permit application and submit it to the film coordinator at 575-479-6124 ext. 217 or [e-mail] at least 21 days in advance. You should submit a completed application along with the application fee of $100.00 (additional fees may apply).. 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.

What fees will I have to pay?

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for filming 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 to be processed.

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.

How do I apply for a permit?

Permit applications are available by downloading it here and submitting to the film coordinator at 575-479-6124 ext. 217 or [e-mail] at least 21 days in advance. You should submit a completed application along with the application fee to the park where you want to film or photograph 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.

What fees will I have to pay?

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for 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 to be processed.

What about photography workshops?

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

If You Have Questions - we're here to assist

If you have questions or would like to speak to someone regarding doing a filming activity in the park, we encourage you to contact the Filming and Photography Coordinator at 575-479-6124 ext. 217 or [e-mail].