Filming & Photography

Photography

An application for commercial photography must be submitted in advance. There are two forms available depending on the complexity of the project: For smaller groups (e.g. two or less vehicles, with 6 or less people) conducting a small project with an intention to generate income should use: Form 10-931 (short) (Word Document 835KB).

Larger groups that are planning to use equipment and have a wide-reaching audience, and for those who are not sure which form to use, please consider using Form 10-932 (long) (Word Document 855KB).

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

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

The permit may require the payment of cost recovery charges, a location fee, and proof of liability insurance naming the United States as also insured.WeddingsThe main concern throughout is a policy whereby the visitor experience, as well as the resources of the park, will not be impaired.Sagamore Hill may permit small weddings of 30 people or less to take place on the grounds. These events are subject to a fee and are restricted to specific locations with limitations. Pleases read through the wedding policy page for a comprehensive list of information.

Commercial Filming

Federal law requires all commercial filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park System to receive a permit. "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. Individual parks may require a permit for non-commercial filming if a permit is necessary to manage the activity to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. More details about filming and permits in parks are available online: Filming & Still Photography Permits (U.S. National Park Service)

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for Motion Pictures/Videos. 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 fee schedule:

• 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

Non-commercial Filming

Individual parks 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 with limited and minimal equipment. In most cases, a permit is not necessary for visitors filming for personal enjoyment. If you have questions about whether a non-commercial film project requires a permit, please e-mail us.