Photography & Film

 

Hampton National Historic Site is a beautiful landscape that masks stories of human enslavement. Today, this shared ground offers opportunities for both reflection and limited recreation. Please be mindful of the sensitive nature of this park and use the guide below to respectfully enjoy its space.

 

Standard Conditions for Photography and Filmography Within the Park

1. Parking at Hampton NHS is available to the public on a first come, first served basis. Parking in the upper mansion lot is limited. Shuttles and busses are not permitted to park in the upper lot and must drop off passengers in the upper lot and park in available bus parking in the main visitor center lot. For additional information about parking, including accessing the park after 5:00 pm, please refer to the park hours of operation.
   

2. Vehicles are not permitted on gravel paths or on grass.
   

3. The launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft (such as a drone) from or on lands within the boundaries of Hampton National Historic Site is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
   

4. No alcoholic beverages are permitted outside of the picnic areas. The possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the historic areas including the mansion, farmhouse, gardens, walkways, and enslaved quarters. Alcoholic beverages may not be used as props for photos.
   

5. Posed photographs may not be taken inside of the historic mansion.
   

6. Due to damage to park resources, the porches of the mansion are currently closed from public use, including photography and filming sessions.
   

7. Visitors are not permitted to sit and pose on windowsills or other historic structures.
   

8. Climbing and sitting on trees is prohibited due to the sensitivity of the resources.
   

9. Photography activities cannot in any way interfere with or impede on the experience or access of visitors to the site. This includes access to parking, walkways, entrances, and exhibits.
   

10. No alteration of the buildings or natural setting can be made for the purpose of “setting up” a scene. This includes placing or holding props, opening/closing fence gates and doors, and relocating and/or removing plants and wildlife.

Additional federal laws and policies are outlined in the Superintendent’s Compendium. If you have any questions about park policies, please contact Hampton National Historic Site by emailing [e-mail]

 

The overseer's house (left) and quarters for the enslaved (right).

NPS

Culturally Sensitive Areas

The history of Hampton National Historic Site is first and foremost the history of a plantation built upon the enslavement of hundreds of individuals. While photographs and filming are allowed on the public lands, respecting the site is the park's top priority. Following the guidelines and laws outlined on this page is the first step to keeping the site protected. However, the park has several culturally sensitive areas related to the history of enslavement, and it would be highly recommended to avoid these areas when holding photography sessions.

The overseer's house (left) and quarters for the enslaved (right) are three structures that are very culturally charged due to their direct connection with the history of enslavement at Hampton. It is recommended to consider these buildings' histories before considering their placement in any photography sessions.

When a Permit is Required

 

When a Permit is Required

The following questions are what the park's permit office will ask to determine if a photography permit is required.

Will the session have models, sets, or props?

If the photography session will require models, sets, or props, than a photography permit will be required. The definitions of those items are listed below:

Models:  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. Portrait subjects such as wedding parties and high school graduates are not considered models.

Sets and Props: items constructed or placed on NPS lands to facilitate still photography, including backdrops, generators, microphones, stages, lighting banks, camera tracks, vehicles, rope and pulley systems, rigging, trained animals or inanimate objects, such as camping equipment, campfire, wagons, and so forth, when used to stage a specific scene. The use of a camera on a tripod is not considered a prop.

Will there be more equipment than a camera on a tripod?

If the photography session will require more equipment than a camera and tripod, than a photography permit will be required.

Will the session take place in areas not accessible to the public?

If the photography session will take place in areas either not accessible to the general public or areas of the park that are closed, than a photography permit will be required.

Will there be more than 25 people at the session?

Any gatherings within the park that have more than 25 people will require a permit to take place. This includes all photography subjects, participants, and crew.

Will there be a film crew at the session?

If the photography session will also feature a film crew documenting the session, as many wedding photography sessions have, than a commercial filming permit will be required.

How can I apply for a Photography Permit?

Follow the instructions on the Still Photography Permit page and allow at least three weeks for the permit to process.

 

Flow chart showing permit decision making.