Filming and Photography

Filming, still photography, and audio recordings

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 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.

When are Permits needed?

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.

A separate permit and fee payment is not required for filming, photography, or audio recording that is associated with a permitted event, such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
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.

You may request and the National Park Service may issue a permit even when one is not required.

What fees will I have to pay?

When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge an application fee, location fees, and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit. Administrative costs will vary depending on the size and complexity of the permitted activities. Additional costs may include insurance and security payments. The application fee must be submitted with your application.Location fees for filming

• 1-8 people, handheld equipment only—$0/day if conditions are met.
• 8-10 people, $150/day
• 11-30 people, $250/day
• 31-49 people, $500/day
• 50+ people, $750/day

Location fees for still photography and audio recording

• 1-8 people, handheld equipment only—$0/day if conditions are met.
• 8-10 people, $50/day
• 11-30 people, $150/day
• 30+ people, $250/day

Application Procedures

Filming, still photography, and audio recording permit application.

Requests for a permit application may be made by contacting the permits office at 479-451-8122 ext. 1221. A completed application and the non-refundable $75.00 application fee are required before an application can be processed. The information on the application will be used by NPS staff to evaluate the impact of the proposed activity on park resources and visitors.

Please allow sufficient time to process your request. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application promptly. If your proposed activity is unusual or complex, please request a meeting with park permitting staff.