{"name":"Aperture Authority photography rules by location","description":"Structured photography permit, public-space, drone, and freedom-of-panorama guidance with source links and verification dates.","url":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/data.json","publisher":"Aperture Authority","lastUpdated":"2026-07-09","recordCount":254,"methodology":"https://apertureauthority.com/editorial-policy","disclaimer":"General information, not legal advice. Rules and enforcement change. Confirm with the issuing authority before relying on a record.","locations":[{"slug":"national-park-photography-permit-rules","name":"National Park Photography Permit Rules (2025 EXPLORE Act)","scope":"US National Parks","region":"US National Parks","summary":"When you need an NPS permit to photograph in a national park after the EXPLORE Act, and when small groups are now exempt.","lastVerified":"2026-07-09","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"National Park Service (per-park film/photo permit office)","cost":"Location/monitoring fees vary by park; many small-group shoots are now fee-exempt","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/permit-commercial-film-and-photography.htm","processingTime":"Often 2 to 8 weeks for permitted shoots; plan ahead","notes":"The EXPLORE Act (signed Jan 4, 2025) rewrote the rules. Groups of eight people or fewer shooting in areas open to the public with hand-carried equipment, without exclusive use, adverse impacts, or added administrative cost, generally no longer need a permit. Larger or higher-impact productions, restricted areas, props or sets, and exclusive use still require a permit."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating drones from within national parks is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 bans drone use inside park boundaries. For airspace, Part 107, and where you actually CAN fly nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal/editorial photography in public areas","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome. The permit question is about commercial productions, not snapshots."},"practical":["Verify with the specific park's film/photo office: parks interpret the EXPLORE Act locally and some guidance is still catching up.","Tripods in high-traffic spots may draw ranger attention even when legal; be ready to explain a small-group exemption."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Commercial Filming and Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/permit-commercial-film-and-photography.htm"},{"label":"EXPLORE Act (Public Law 118-234)","url":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6492"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/national-park-photography-permit-rules"},{"slug":"new-york-city","name":"New York City","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"new-york","summary":"When NYC requires a film/photo permit, when handheld shooting is exempt, and the insurance requirement that catches people out.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME)","cost":"Permits are free, but a permit triggers a $1,000,000 general liability insurance requirement","applyUrl":"https://www.nyc.gov/site/mome/permits/permits.page","processingTime":"Apply at least 2 business days in advance","notes":"Handheld photography/video using a tripod-free setup, and that does not assert exclusive use of city property, generally does NOT need a permit. You need one once you use equipment that asserts exclusive use (tripods, lighting, generators) or stage on streets/sidewalks. The insurance requirement, not the permit fee, is the real cost."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned citywide for takeoff/landing without NYPD authorization","notes":"NYC Admin Code restricts drone takeoff/landing to approved sites. For airspace and Part 107, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US","notes":"Subway photography is permitted for personal use; flash, tripods, and stands are restricted on MTA property."},"practical":["Carry the MOME 'handheld exemption' framing in your head: it is the line between needing a permit and not.","Private property (malls, plazas, building lobbies) sets its own rules regardless of city law."],"sources":[{"label":"NYC MOME: Permits","url":"https://www.nyc.gov/site/mome/permits/permits.page"},{"label":"MTA Rules of Conduct (photography)","url":"https://new.mta.info/rules"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/new-york-city"},{"slug":"france","name":"France","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Street photography vs France's strong image rights, and why freedom of panorama is restricted when you sell landmark images.","lastVerified":"2026-07-09","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Local prefecture / property owner (for organized or commercial shoots)","cost":"Varies; personal photography needs no permit","notes":"Ordinary personal street photography generally needs no film permit. Organized commercial shoots, drones, and work on managed sites may need authorization. France's privacy and image-rights rules make publication context important, especially when a recognizable person is the subject or the use is commercial."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the DGAC under EU drone rules; registration and zones apply","notes":"Open-category flights over public space in urban areas are prohibited, and restricted zones may require specific authorization. Check the current DGAC guidance and Géoportail map before flying."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Permitted to photograph in public, but publication is constrained by image and privacy rights","notes":"Ordinary photography from public space generally does not require a permit, but privacy, dignity, context, and the intended publication can change the analysis for an identifiable person."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted","notes":"France has a limited freedom of panorama: a 2016 exception covers non-commercial use by individuals, but commercial sale of images of copyrighted modern buildings/artworks (e.g. the Louvre Pyramid, the Eiffel Tower lit at night) can require permission."},"practical":["The Eiffel Tower's daytime structure is public domain; its night-time light show is treated as a protected artwork for commercial use.","When in doubt about selling an image of a modern French landmark, clear it or shoot an alternative."],"sources":[{"label":"French Ministry: Open-category drone operations","url":"https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/politiques-publiques/exploitation-drones-categorie-ouverte"},{"label":"Légifrance: Civil Code Article 9 (privacy)","url":"https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000006419288"},{"label":"Légifrance: Intellectual Property Code Article L122-5","url":"https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000048603495"},{"label":"Eiffel Tower: Official image-rights guidance","url":"https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/business/use-image-of-eiffel-tower"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/france"},{"slug":"yosemite-national-park","name":"Yosemite National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"california","summary":"When the EXPLORE Act lets small groups shoot Yosemite without a permit, when larger productions still need one, and the park-wide drone ban.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Yosemite National Park film and photography office (Special Use Permits)","cost":"No NPS permit for groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/filming.htm","processingTime":"Allow several weeks for permitted productions","notes":"Under the EXPLORE Act, groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in areas open to the public, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit. Productions that are larger, use sets or props, need exclusive use of an iconic spot, or affect other visitors still require a permit from the park."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and where you can legally fly nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"The permit question targets productions, not visitors with cameras."},"practical":["Tunnel View, Glacier Point, and Valley View are heavily trafficked at sunrise and sunset; a tripod in those spots can draw ranger attention even when your shoot is exempt.","Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road are seasonal and usually closed by snow from roughly November into late spring; confirm road status before planning a shoot.","Half Dome and high-country permits are separate wilderness permits, not photography permits."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Yosemite Filming and Still Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/filming.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Uncrewed Aircraft in the National Parks","url":"https://www.nps.gov/articles/uncrewed-aircraft-in-the-national-parks.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/yosemite-national-park"},{"slug":"yellowstone-national-park","name":"Yellowstone National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"wyoming","summary":"Yellowstone's film and photo permit rules after the EXPLORE Act, plus the thermal-area and wildlife-distance rules that constrain where you can set up.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Yellowstone National Park film, photography, and sound permits office","cost":"No NPS permit for groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/filmpermit.htm","processingTime":"Plan well ahead; permitted shoots take time to coordinate","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Larger or higher-impact productions still require one. Stay-on-boardwalk and resource-protection rules apply regardless of permit status."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Visitor photography is welcome; the permit question is about productions."},"practical":["Stay-on-boardwalk rules in the geyser basins are enforced; you cannot step off to frame a shot.","Wildlife distance rules apply: stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards from bison, elk, and other animals.","Most interior roads close to regular vehicles in winter, which reshapes access for several months."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Yellowstone Film, Photography, and Sound Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/filmpermit.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Uncrewed Aircraft in the National Parks","url":"https://www.nps.gov/articles/uncrewed-aircraft-in-the-national-parks.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/yellowstone-national-park"},{"slug":"zion-national-park","name":"Zion National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"utah","summary":"Zion needs no permit for most still photography, but a permit kicks in when you shoot a model to promote a product or service; here is the line and the fee.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Zion National Park Special Use Permits office","cost":"Nonrefundable processing fee around $150 for permitted still photography; location fees may also apply","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/filming-and-still-photography.htm","processingTime":"Allow about 21 days (10 days for First Amendment activity)","notes":"Most still photography needs no permit. Zion requires a still-photography permit when a model (a person or object used to promote the sale or use of a product or service) is involved, or when the activity needs a closed area or extra park support. The EXPLORE Act's eight-or-fewer exemption covers ordinary small-group shooting in public areas."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["The Zion Canyon shuttle is mandatory for much of the year; you cannot drive the Scenic Drive in season, which shapes how and when you move gear.","Angels Landing requires a separate hiking permit by lottery; that is an access permit, not a photography permit.","The Narrows is a wet, crowded slot canyon; plan for water and foot traffic, not exclusive use."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Zion Filming and Still Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/filming-and-still-photography.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/zion-national-park"},{"slug":"grand-canyon-national-park","name":"Grand Canyon National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"arizona","summary":"Grand Canyon's filming and photography rules after the EXPLORE Act, plus the river and tribal-land boundaries that change who issues the permit.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Grand Canyon National Park film and photography office","cost":"No NPS permit for groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/filming.htm","processingTime":"Plan ahead for permitted productions","notes":"Small groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. River trips through the canyon and shoots on adjacent tribal lands have their own separate permitting outside NPS authority."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["The South Rim is open year-round and crowded; the North Rim is higher, quieter, and closed in winter.","Havasu Falls and other spots on the canyon floor sit on Havasupai tribal land and require tribal permits, not NPS permits.","Mather and Hopi Points draw crowds at sunrise and sunset; a tripod there is legal for a small group, but you will share the rail."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Grand Canyon Filming, Photography and News Gathering","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/filming.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/grand-canyon-national-park"},{"slug":"great-smoky-mountains-national-park","name":"Great Smoky Mountains National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"tennessee","summary":"Permit and drone rules for the most-visited US national park, including the parking-tag rule that catches photographers out.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Great Smoky Mountains National Park film and photography office","cost":"No NPS permit for groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/filming-and-still-photography.htm","processingTime":"Plan ahead for permitted productions","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. A photography or filming permit does not exempt you from the park's parking-tag requirement for stopping your vehicle."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["Every vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes needs a paid parking tag, separate from any photo permit.","Cades Cove and Newfound Gap are the classic stops and are heavily trafficked at golden hour.","Synchronous firefly viewing in early summer is managed by lottery access; plan around it."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Great Smoky Mountains Filming and Still Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/filming-and-still-photography.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/great-smoky-mountains-national-park"},{"slug":"rocky-mountain-national-park","name":"Rocky Mountain National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"colorado","summary":"Rocky Mountain's filming and photography rules after the EXPLORE Act, plus the timed-entry reservation that governs when you can even get in.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Rocky Mountain National Park Special Use Permits office","cost":"No NPS permit for groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/management/permits_etc.htm","processingTime":"Plan ahead for permitted productions","notes":"Small groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Photography and art instruction conducted for clients has its own special-park-conditions process; check with the park."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["Timed-entry reservations are typically required in the busy season; a photo permit does not replace park entry timing.","Trail Ridge Road is seasonal and usually closed by snow from roughly mid-October into late spring.","Bear Lake and Sprague Lake are the reliable sunrise reflections and fill early."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Rocky Mountain Permits, Applications, and Forms","url":"https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/management/permits_etc.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/rocky-mountain-national-park"},{"slug":"arches-national-park","name":"Arches National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"utah","summary":"Arches needs no permit for ordinary small-group shooting after the EXPLORE Act, but timed entry and the no-climbing-the-arches rules shape every shoot.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Arches National Park (Southeast Utah Group) Special Use Permits office","cost":"No NPS permit for groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/filming.htm","processingTime":"Plan ahead for permitted productions","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Larger or higher-impact productions still require one."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["Timed-entry reservations are typically required in the busy season; secure one before planning a shoot.","Delicate Arch at sunset is the iconic frame and extremely crowded; exclusive use is rarely granted even with a permit.","Climbing or standing on the named arches is prohibited."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Arches Filming and Still Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/filming.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/arches-national-park"},{"slug":"glacier-national-park","name":"Glacier National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"montana","summary":"Glacier's filming and photography rules after the EXPLORE Act, plus the Going-to-the-Sun Road season and vehicle reservations that dictate access.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Glacier National Park film, photography, and sound permits office","cost":"No NPS permit for groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/film-photo-permits.htm","processingTime":"Plan ahead for permitted productions","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Larger or higher-impact productions still require one."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["Going-to-the-Sun Road only fully opens for a short summer window, often late June or July into October; the alpine stretch is closed by snow the rest of the year.","Vehicle reservations are typically required for the corridor in peak season.","Logan Pass and Wild Goose Island are the signature stops and crowd fast at golden hour."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Glacier Film, Photography, and Sound Recording Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/film-photo-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/glacier-national-park"},{"slug":"acadia-national-park","name":"Acadia National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"maine","summary":"Acadia's filming and photography rules after the EXPLORE Act, plus the Cadillac Mountain sunrise reservation that every photographer hits.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Acadia National Park film, photography, and audio permits office","cost":"No NPS permit for groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/filming-photography-and-audio-recording.htm","processingTime":"Plan ahead for permitted productions","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Larger or higher-impact productions still require one."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["Cadillac Summit Road requires a separate timed vehicle reservation in season, prized because it is one of the first places to see sunrise in the US.","The Park Loop Road, Jordan Pond, and Bass Harbor Head Light are the classic frames and busy at golden hour.","Much of the coast is tidal; check tide tables before shooting the shoreline."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Acadia Filming, Photography and Audio Recording","url":"https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/filming-photography-and-audio-recording.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/acadia-national-park"},{"slug":"joshua-tree-national-park","name":"Joshua Tree National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"california","summary":"Joshua Tree's filming and photography rules after the EXPLORE Act, plus the dark-sky and stay-on-durable-surface rules that affect night and desert shoots.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Joshua Tree National Park film, photography, and sound permits office","cost":"No NPS permit for groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/filming-photography-and-sound-recording.htm","processingTime":"Plan ahead for permitted productions","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Larger or higher-impact productions still require one."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["It is a certified dark-sky park and a magnet for astrophotography; bring light discipline and respect other shooters.","Stay on roads and durable surfaces; the desert soil and the Joshua trees themselves are fragile and protected.","Summer daytime heat is dangerous; most serious shooting happens at the edges of the day and at night."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Joshua Tree Filming, Photography, and Sound Recording","url":"https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/filming-photography-and-sound-recording.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/joshua-tree-national-park"},{"slug":"los-angeles","name":"Los Angeles","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"california","summary":"When you need a FilmLA permit to shoot in Los Angeles, the personal-photography line, and the insurance that costs more than the permit.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"FilmLA (permit coordinator for the City and County of Los Angeles)","cost":"Still-photography permit rider around $31; the motion application fee is much higher (about $931 as of mid-2024) and applies to still shoots with crews of 16 or more","applyUrl":"https://filmla.com/get-a-film-permit/","processingTime":"Apply several business days ahead; permits release only after insurance is approved","notes":"Permits are required to film or photograph on public property in the City and County of Los Angeles. Personal or hobbyist photography that uses hand-carried gear and does not occupy or claim exclusive use of public space generally needs none. Insurance is the real gate: still photography needs at least $500,000 in general liability, more for motion, drones, or sensitive locations."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; FilmLA requires added insurance and approvals for any drone shoot","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107, certification, and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Studios, private lots, and many plazas are private property and set their own rules."},"practical":["FilmLA coordinates many surrounding jurisdictions, but some cities inside LA County run their own permitting; confirm who controls your exact location.","Beaches, the Port of Los Angeles, and LAX-area property carry their own higher insurance and approval requirements."],"sources":[{"label":"FilmLA: Get a Film Permit","url":"https://filmla.com/get-a-film-permit/"},{"label":"FilmLA: Area Requirements, City of Los Angeles","url":"https://info.filmla.com/area-requirements/area-requirements-city-of-los-angeles"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/los-angeles"},{"slug":"chicago","name":"Chicago","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"illinois","summary":"Chicago's film permit fee, the $1,000,000 insurance requirement, and when a low-impact photo shoot needs no permit at all.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Chicago Film Office (Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events)","cost":"$250 film production permit; a reduced $25 fee applies to students, nonprofits, and very small-scope shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/permits.html","processingTime":"Apply ahead; insurance must be on file before the permit issues","notes":"A permit is required once you occupy the public way with equipment or vehicles, or block pedestrian or vehicle traffic. Low-impact photography that does none of those things may need no permit. A certificate of insurance with $1,000,000 general liability per occurrence, naming the City of Chicago as additional insured, is required."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city adds insurance and approval requirements","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["The Chicago Park District and the Riverwalk permit separately from the city film office; Millennium Park and the lakefront have their own media rules.","Cloud Gate (the Bean) and other public artworks can carry usage restrictions for commercial imagery; confirm before a commercial shoot."],"sources":[{"label":"Chicago Film Office: Permits for Filming","url":"https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/permits.html"},{"label":"Chicago Film Office: City Services and Rates","url":"https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/rates_for_filming.html"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/chicago"},{"slug":"san-francisco","name":"San Francisco","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"california","summary":"Film SF's per-day permit fees, the insurance that names the City and the Port, and the personal-photography line.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Film SF (San Francisco Film Commission)","cost":"Still photography around $200 per day; commercial, corporate, web, and music-video work around $300 per day","applyUrl":"https://www.sf.gov/step-by-step--get-permit-film-san-francisco","processingTime":"Apply at least 7 business days ahead; the permit issues only after insurance is received","notes":"Productions using public property need a permit. Personal photography that does not occupy or claim exclusive use of public space generally does not. Insurance is required: typically $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate in general liability, naming the City and County of San Francisco and the Port as additional insured."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city adds insurance and approval requirements","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["San Francisco Recreation and Parks permits filming on park property separately from Film SF; many iconic spots are park land.","Landmarks like Lombard Street and the Palace of Fine Arts can carry extra conditions for commercial shoots."],"sources":[{"label":"SF.gov: Get a Permit to Film in San Francisco","url":"https://www.sf.gov/step-by-step--get-permit-film-san-francisco"},{"label":"Film SF: Permit FAQs","url":"https://filmsf.org/permit-faqs"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/san-francisco"},{"slug":"miami","name":"Miami","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"florida","summary":"Miami spans several film offices; here is who issues permits, the county fee, and the insurance every jurisdiction wants.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Miami-Dade County Film and Entertainment Office (the City of Miami and the City of Miami Beach run their own offices)","cost":"Miami-Dade base permit application fee around $150 (valid about 28 days); the City of Miami Beach charges no permit fee but still requires insurance and an indemnity agreement","applyUrl":"https://www.filmiami.org/","processingTime":"Apply ahead; permits release after insurance is approved","notes":"Which office you apply to depends on the exact location: unincorporated Miami-Dade, the City of Miami, and Miami Beach each permit their own jurisdiction. All require at least $1,000,000 in general liability naming the relevant government as additional insured. Personal photography that does not occupy public space generally needs no permit."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local offices add insurance and approval requirements","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of local law."},"practical":["Miami Beach, including Ocean Drive and the Art Deco district, is its own jurisdiction with its own film and print office; do not assume a county permit covers it.","Beaches and parks may carry separate location fees on top of the permit."],"sources":[{"label":"Miami-Dade County Film and Entertainment Office","url":"https://www.filmiami.org/"},{"label":"City of Miami Beach: Film and Print Permits","url":"https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/tourism-culture/film-print/types-of-permits/apply-for-a-permit/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/miami"},{"slug":"atlanta","name":"Atlanta","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"georgia","summary":"Atlanta's Office of Film and Entertainment, the $1,000,000 insurance requirement, and fast turnaround for permits on public property.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Film and Entertainment","cost":"Permit fees follow the city's published film fee schedule and vary by activity and location","applyUrl":"https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/mayor-s-office/executive-offices/office-of-film-entertainment/permitting","processingTime":"Often processed within a few business days, sometimes as fast as 24 hours","notes":"A permit is required to film or photograph on City of Atlanta public property. You must carry at least $1,000,000 in general liability and list the City of Atlanta on the certificate of insurance; the permit will not release until the certificate is approved. Personal photography that does not occupy public space generally needs no permit."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city adds insurance and approval requirements","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property and studio lots set their own rules."},"practical":["Atlanta is one of the busiest production cities in the US, so popular public locations book up; apply early.","Many film-friendly locations sit on private studio lots or county land outside the city, which permit separately."],"sources":[{"label":"City of Atlanta: Office of Film and Entertainment Permitting","url":"https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/mayor-s-office/executive-offices/office-of-film-entertainment/permitting"},{"label":"City of Atlanta: Film Fee Schedule","url":"https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/mayor-s-office/executive-offices/office-of-film-entertainment/fee-schedule"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/atlanta"},{"slug":"seattle","name":"Seattle","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"washington","summary":"Seattle's $25-a-day Master Film Permit, when commercial still photography needs it, and the separate parks permit.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Seattle Office of Film and Music","cost":"Master Film Permit around $25 per day","applyUrl":"https://www.seattle.gov/economic-development/key-industries/creative-industries/film/film-permits","processingTime":"Apply ahead; a certificate of insurance is required for most shoots","notes":"Commercial filming and commercial still photography on City of Seattle public property need a permit. A certificate of insurance naming the City as additional insured is required for most shoots, with an exception for some enrolled students. Photography on Seattle Parks property is permitted separately through the Parks Department."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city adds insurance and approval requirements","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Shooting in Seattle parks, including spots like Kerry Park, goes through the Parks Department, not the film office.","Pike Place Market and other managed sites have their own rules for commercial photography."],"sources":[{"label":"Seattle Office of Film and Music: Apply for a Film Permit","url":"https://www.seattle.gov/economic-development/key-industries/creative-industries/film/film-permits"},{"label":"City of Seattle: Requirements for Filming Insurance","url":"https://www.seattle.gov/documents/departments/seattlefilmcommission/city_of_seattle_film_insurance_requirements.pdf"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/seattle"},{"slug":"austin","name":"Austin","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"texas","summary":"Austin requires a permit to shoot in the public right-of-way; the filming permit itself is free, but you reimburse the city's costs and carry insurance.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"City of Austin (Office of Special Events and Transportation and Public Works), with the Austin Film Commission as a resource","cost":"No filming permit fee for public parks or the right-of-way, but you reimburse the city's actual costs for staff, utilities, and security","applyUrl":"https://www.austintexas.gov/department/film-production-austin-city-permits","processingTime":"Apply ahead; insurance is required before filming on public property","notes":"A permit is required to use the right-of-way (street, sidewalk, alley, or parking lane) for any filmmaking, including still photography. Insurance is always required to film on public property: typically at least $500,000 in general liability naming the City of Austin as additional insured, with a waiver of subrogation and 30 days notice of cancellation. Shooting on private premises generally needs no city permit."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city adds insurance and approval requirements","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Shooting entirely on private property you control generally avoids the city permit, but the moment you spill into the sidewalk or street you need one.","State Capitol grounds and University of Texas property are not city land and permit separately."],"sources":[{"label":"City of Austin: Film Production City Permits","url":"https://www.austintexas.gov/department/film-production-austin-city-permits"},{"label":"Austin Film Commission: Insurance Requirements","url":"https://www.austintexas.org/film-commission/permits-and-regulations/insurance-requirements/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/austin"},{"slug":"new-orleans","name":"New Orleans","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"louisiana","summary":"Film New Orleans permits, the small per-permit fee, the $1,000,000 insurance, and the rule that even student shoots in Orleans Parish need a permit.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Film New Orleans (Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy)","cost":"Around $25 for the location permit application plus about $25 for the permit; extra costs apply for meters, street closures, and off-duty city personnel","applyUrl":"https://nola.gov/film-permit/","processingTime":"Apply ahead; insurance must be on file before the permit issues","notes":"All productions and student films shooting in Orleans Parish must apply for a permit. You must carry at least $1,000,000 in general liability naming the City of New Orleans and all of its agents and departments as additional insured. Personal photography that does not occupy public space generally needs no permit."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city adds insurance and approval requirements","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["The French Quarter has tight restrictions and heavy foot traffic; expect extra conditions for commercial shoots there.","Festival season, including Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, changes what is permitted and when; plan around the calendar."],"sources":[{"label":"City of New Orleans: Film Permits","url":"https://nola.gov/film-permit/"},{"label":"Film New Orleans: Permits","url":"https://filmneworleans.org/permits/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/new-orleans"},{"slug":"grand-teton-national-park","name":"Grand Teton National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"wyoming","summary":"Grand Teton's filming and photography rules after the EXPLORE Act, plus the 2026 road closures and wildlife-distance rules that shape access.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Grand Teton National Park Special Use Permit office","cost":"No NPS permit for groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/filming.htm","processingTime":"Plan ahead for permitted productions","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Wedding and ceremony photography at sites like Schwabacher Landing needs a separate special use permit."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["Schwabacher Landing, Oxbow Bend, Snake River Overlook, and the Mormon Row barns fill before sunrise in summer; Mormon Row sits in a registered historic district.","Through 2026, Death Canyon Road off the Moose-Wilson Road is closed for construction with delays on nearby roads; check current road status before a shoot.","The interior Teton Park Road closes to vehicles in winter; wildlife distance rules require 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other animals."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Grand Teton Filming and Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/filming.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Grand Teton Road Construction","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/road-construction.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/grand-teton-national-park"},{"slug":"bryce-canyon-national-park","name":"Bryce Canyon National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"utah","summary":"Bryce Canyon's filming and photography rules after the EXPLORE Act, plus the dark-sky draw and high-elevation winter access.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Bryce Canyon National Park Special Use Permits office","cost":"No NPS permit for groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/filmphotoguidelines.htm","processingTime":"Plan ahead for permitted productions","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Weddings and organized events need a separate special use permit."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce Points are small railed viewpoints that jam at golden hour; below-rim shooting means hiking the Navajo Loop or Queen's Garden.","The rim sits around 8,000 to 9,100 feet, so expect snow into spring and possible plowing delays.","It is a certified dark-sky park and a major astrophotography draw; a seasonal shuttle can restrict private-vehicle access to some points."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Bryce Canyon Filming and Photography Guidelines","url":"https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/filmphotoguidelines.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/bryce-canyon-national-park"},{"slug":"sequoia-kings-canyon-national-parks","name":"Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"california","summary":"Sequoia and Kings Canyon filming and photography rules after the EXPLORE Act, plus the giant-grove light and the seasonal mountain roads.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Sequoia and Kings Canyon film and photography permit coordinator","cost":"No NPS permit for groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/getinvolved/filmpermits.htm","processingTime":"Plan ahead for permitted productions","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Most of both parks is designated wilderness, where vehicle staging and exclusive use are restricted even for small crews."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the parks","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["The General Sherman and General Grant trees and the giant groves are tight, shaded, high-contrast subjects; Moro Rock and Tunnel Log crowd midday.","The Generals Highway is steep with vehicle-length limits and winter chain controls; the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and the Mineral King road close in winter.","Late-summer fire and smoke closures are a recurring risk; build in buffer days."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Sequoia and Kings Canyon Film Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/getinvolved/filmpermits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/sequoia-kings-canyon-national-parks"},{"slug":"olympic-national-park","name":"Olympic National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"washington","summary":"Olympic's filming and photography rules after the EXPLORE Act, across a coast, a rainforest, and an alpine ridge with very different access.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Olympic National Park Special Use Permit office","cost":"No NPS permit for groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/special-use-permits-commercial-permits-overnight-reservations.htm","processingTime":"Plan ahead for permitted productions","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. All filming and still photography is treated the same regardless of commercial, student, or news status. Weddings and ceremonies need a separate special use permit."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["The coast (Rialto, Ruby, Second Beach) is tide-dependent; check tide tables to reach the sea stacks and avoid being trapped by incoming water.","Hurricane Ridge Road is the only route to the alpine zone and closes for weather; snow lingers into June.","Some beaches require crossing Quinault, Hoh, Quileute, or Makah tribal lands, which set their own access and photography rules."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Olympic Special Use Permits (filming and photography)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/special-use-permits-commercial-permits-overnight-reservations.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/olympic-national-park"},{"slug":"death-valley-national-park","name":"Death Valley National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"california","summary":"Death Valley's filming and photography rules after the EXPLORE Act, plus the extreme heat and dark-sky conditions that dictate when you shoot.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Death Valley National Park Special Use Permits office","cost":"No NPS permit for groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/management/filming-and-photography.htm","processingTime":"Plan ahead for permitted productions","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. The park has a long commercial-film history, so larger productions reach the permit and location-fee track quickly."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["Mesquite Flat Dunes and Zabriskie Point are crowded at sunrise; shoot the dunes early for untracked sand.","Summer heat regularly exceeds 120F, which is dangerous and hard on gear; most serious work happens at dawn, dusk, and night.","It is a Gold-tier dark-sky park and the largest park in the lower 48, so locations are far apart with no services; flash floods can wash out backcountry roads."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Death Valley Filming and Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/management/filming-and-photography.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/death-valley-national-park"},{"slug":"mount-rainier-national-park","name":"Mount Rainier National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"washington","summary":"Mount Rainier's filming and photography rules after the EXPLORE Act, plus the timed-entry reservations and short alpine season.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Mount Rainier National Park Commercial Services and Special Use Permits program","cost":"No NPS permit for groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm","processingTime":"Plan ahead for permitted productions","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Commercial work beyond the exemption routes through the NPS online permit portal; weddings need a separate special use permit."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["Paradise, Reflection Lakes, Sunrise, and Tipsoo Lake are the signature spots; the park has run timed-entry reservations for the Paradise and Sunrise corridors in recent summers, so confirm current rules.","The Sunrise and Stevens Canyon roads usually open only from late June or July into fall; only the Nisqually-to-Paradise corridor is plowed in winter.","Alpine meadows at Paradise are fragile; stay on pavement and trails for meadow shots."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Mount Rainier Permits and Reservations","url":"https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/mount-rainier-national-park"},{"slug":"boston","name":"Boston","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"massachusetts","summary":"Boston coordinates film permits across several departments; here is the insurance, the security bond, and what counts as a production.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment (City of Boston)","cost":"No flat permit fee published; expect a security bond of at least $5,000 against damage to city property","applyUrl":"https://www.boston.gov/departments/tourism-sports-and-entertainment/how-apply-film-boston","processingTime":"Contact the office at least 10 days ahead","notes":"Commercial filming in the city needs a permit coordinated across several departments. Insurance is required: personal injury protection of at least $1,000,000 plus the security bond, with the City of Boston as certificate holder. Casual personal photography that does not occupy public space is not the target."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city refers drone filming to the FAA and adds approvals for city property","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Several departments must permit a shoot, not one office, and an in-person meeting at City Hall is expected.","Boston National Historical Park sites are federal land and need a separate NPS film and photo permit."],"sources":[{"label":"City of Boston: How to Apply to Film in Boston","url":"https://www.boston.gov/departments/tourism-sports-and-entertainment/how-apply-film-boston"},{"label":"City of Boston: The Process Behind Filming in Boston","url":"https://www.boston.gov/departments/tourism-sports-and-entertainment/process-behind-filming-boston"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/boston"},{"slug":"washington-dc","name":"Washington, DC","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","summary":"DC's permit fees by crew size, the personal-use exemption, and the federal-versus-city jurisdiction split that catches people on the National Mall.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME, Film DC)","cost":"$30 application fee per project (waived for students); a first-day permit fee scales by crew size from $150 for small crews; still photography is a flat $150","applyUrl":"https://entertainment.dc.gov/page/film-permit-faq","processingTime":"Apply ahead; insurance due at least one business day before filming","notes":"Required for all non-personal filming on DC-controlled public space, and for any vehicle-mounted camera. Personal-use filming needs no permit. A $1,000,000 per-occurrence liability certificate is required for shoots on DC public space."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107 inside the most restricted airspace in the country, the National Capital Region","notes":"OCTFME issues only an aerial support letter to attach to required FAA and TSA approval. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Federal land permits separately: the National Mall, monuments, and US Capitol grounds are NPS or Capitol jurisdiction, so a cross-jurisdiction shoot needs both permits.","The Pennsylvania Avenue stretch by the White House is DC jurisdiction, but security there is run by the Secret Service."],"sources":[{"label":"OCTFME: Film Permit FAQ","url":"https://entertainment.dc.gov/page/film-permit-faq"},{"label":"OCTFME: Film Permit Fees","url":"https://entertainment.dc.gov/service/film-permit-fees-and-payment-options"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/washington-dc"},{"slug":"philadelphia","name":"Philadelphia","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"pennsylvania","summary":"Philadelphia's film office coordinates but does not issue the permit; here is who does, the service fees, and the park and federal traps.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"City of Philadelphia (Streets Department for closures, Parks and Recreation for park media permits); the Greater Philadelphia Film Office coordinates but does not issue permits","cost":"No flat city permit fee published; the film office charges per-day service fees (roughly $200 for still photography up to $400 for features), and street closures need a Commercial Activity License plus paid police","applyUrl":"https://film.org/permits/","processingTime":"Apply ahead; insurance must clear city risk management first","notes":"Filming in the public right of way needs insurance approval and a license agreement with the city. A certificate of insurance naming the City of Philadelphia as additional insured is required; the dollar minimum is set per shoot by risk management."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city adds approvals and airport-area airspace runs through the aviation department","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["City parks permit separately: the Art Museum 'Rocky' steps, LOVE Park, and Boathouse Row are Parks and Recreation and need a media permit.","Federal sites like Independence National Historical Park and the Liberty Bell are NPS jurisdiction."],"sources":[{"label":"Greater Philadelphia Film Office: Permits","url":"https://film.org/permits/"},{"label":"City of Philadelphia: Apply for a Media Permit (parks)","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/apply-for-a-permit/event-permits/events-in-a-city-park-field-or-rec-center/apply-for-a-media-permit/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/philadelphia"},{"slug":"houston","name":"Houston","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"texas","summary":"Houston's film registration and the $1,000,000 insurance requirement, plus the police and parks costs that sit on top.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Houston Film Commission (Houston First Corporation), coordinating City of Houston permitting","cost":"No flat permit fee published; traffic control requires hiring off-duty HPD officers and parks require a separate park permit","applyUrl":"https://www.houstonfilmcommission.com/production-and-resources/production-faq/","processingTime":"Submit a registration form and insurance before production","notes":"Filming on general public property needs a completed registration plus a certificate of insurance. General liability of $1,000,000 per incident naming the City of Houston is required before filming. Separate permits cover traffic control, parks, amplified sound, and special effects."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; downtown and airport-area airspace needs FAA authorization","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["City parks require a separate Parks and Recreation permit through the commission.","Any street or lane closure requires hiring off-duty HPD officers; pyrotechnics require a fire marshal on set."],"sources":[{"label":"Houston Film Commission: Production FAQ","url":"https://www.houstonfilmcommission.com/production-and-resources/production-faq/"},{"label":"Houston Film Commission: Production and Resources","url":"https://www.houstonfilmcommission.com/production-and-resources/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/houston"},{"slug":"dallas","name":"Dallas","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"texas","summary":"Dallas charges per location, names specific landmarks that need a permit even for B-roll, and wants $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 in coverage.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"City of Dallas Office of Special Events; the Dallas Film Commission routes productions to it","cost":"Standard production application $50 per location; complex production (street closures, traffic control, effects) $250","applyUrl":"https://filmdallas.org/permits/dallas-permit-info/","processingTime":"Apply ahead; insurance required before filming","notes":"Required for filming on public property, streets, and city facilities, including still photography and student films. Commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate is required, naming the City of Dallas as certificate holder and its officers as additional insured, with a waiver of subrogation. Private-property shoots need no city permit."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; drones are prohibited in the Class B airspace over downtown Dallas without an FAA waiver","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Each location needs its own $50 application; named landmarks like Dealey Plaza and Pioneer Plaza need a permit even for B-roll.","City-service costs are extra: off-duty police, meter hooding, and fire-rescue medics; downtown traffic control moves you to the $250 complex tier."],"sources":[{"label":"Dallas Film Commission: Permit Info","url":"https://filmdallas.org/permits/dallas-permit-info/"},{"label":"City of Dallas: Office of Special Events, Commercial Filming","url":"https://dallascityhall.com/departments/office-special-events/Pages/Commercial-Filming.aspx"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/dallas"},{"slug":"denver","name":"Denver","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"colorado","summary":"Denver's film permit is free and has clear crew thresholds; here is when handheld work is exempt and where drones are banned outright.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"City and County of Denver Public Event and Film Permitting (Denver Arts and Venues)","cost":"No fee to apply for the film permit; other agencies may charge for street occupancy or police support","applyUrl":"https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Office-of-Special-Events/Film","processingTime":"Apply ahead; complex shoots may require insurance","notes":"A permit is required on public property once you exceed crew thresholds (25 in a park, 10 on a sidewalk), use more than handheld gear or a single tripod, or block access or parking. Handheld shooting under those thresholds, breaking news, and private-property shoots need no permit."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; drones are prohibited in Denver Mountain Parks (including Red Rocks) and City Park, and need a permit to take off or land on sidewalks or in parks","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Parks permit separately with extra rules: handheld-only in the Mountain Parks and filming hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.","The permit does not authorize use of public art or city logos; Red Rocks, Union Station, and the State Capitol have their own processes."],"sources":[{"label":"Denver: Film and Photography Permitting","url":"https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Office-of-Special-Events/Film"},{"label":"Denver: Public Event and Film Permitting","url":"https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Public-Event-Film-Permitting"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/denver"},{"slug":"nashville","name":"Nashville","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"tennessee","summary":"Nashville's film permit runs through the transportation department, with a separate parks track and $1,000,000 in coverage.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Metro Office of Film and Special Events, through Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT); Metro Parks handles park filming","cost":"Film permit application fee around $130 per NDOT; confirm the current figure with the NDOT permits office","applyUrl":"https://www.nashville.gov/departments/transportation/permits/film-and-special-events-permits","processingTime":"Apply ahead; insurance acceptable to Metro Legal required","notes":"Required to film using the public right of way, closures, or Metro coordination. Comprehensive general liability of at least $1,000,000 is required, plus auto liability if vehicles are used. Casual personal shooting that does not occupy public space is not the target."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; coordinate with the film office for flying over Metro property","notes":"Local and Tennessee state restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Metro Parks filming is a separate permit from the street film permit.","Downtown and Broadway street use involves NDOT temporary street closure permits and possible fire marshal sign-off."],"sources":[{"label":"Metro Nashville NDOT: Film and Special Events Permits","url":"https://www.nashville.gov/departments/transportation/permits/film-and-special-events-permits"},{"label":"Metro Parks: Film, Video and Photography Permit","url":"https://www.nashville.gov/departments/parks/permits-rentals-and-reservations/film-video-and-photography-permit"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/nashville"},{"slug":"las-vegas","name":"Las Vegas","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"nevada","summary":"Las Vegas splits jurisdiction between the city and Clark County, and unusually requires a permit even for revenue-generating solo creators.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"City of Las Vegas Film Permits (north of Sahara and downtown) and Clark County Film (the resort Strip); all projects also register free with the Nevada Film Office","cost":"City of Las Vegas charges no permit fee; Clark County charges a $45 processing fee; state registration is free","applyUrl":"https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Business/Permits-Licenses/Film-Permits","processingTime":"Apply ahead; LVMPD needs 14 days notice for staffed shoots","notes":"Both jurisdictions require a permit for filming on public property, and the city explicitly includes revenue-generating individuals and small crews such as influencers: small or handheld commercial work is not exempt. Commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate is required, naming the relevant government and the LVMPD as additional insured."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107 plus an FAA exemption for the operator, and triggers LVMPD coordination","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Many Strip sidewalks are private casino property and set their own rules."},"practical":["The resort Strip south of Sahara is Clark County, and many Strip sidewalks are private casino property needing separate permission from each resort.","Fremont Street requires both a city film permit and a separate location agreement from Fremont Street Experience, LLC."],"sources":[{"label":"City of Las Vegas: Film Permits","url":"https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Business/Permits-Licenses/Film-Permits"},{"label":"Clark County: Film Permits","url":"https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/business/doing_business_with_clark_county/divisions/film_permits/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/las-vegas"},{"slug":"san-diego","name":"San Diego","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"california","summary":"San Diego registers film and still-photo shoots on city property for free, with longer lead times for closures, drones, and beach work.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"San Diego Film Office (City Office of Special Events and Filming)","cost":"No fee to register a film or still photography shoot on city public property; venue and staffing costs can apply","applyUrl":"https://www.sandiego.gov/specialevents-filming/filming/registration","processingTime":"3 business days normally; 1 to 2 weeks for closures, weapons, drones, or beach and water work","notes":"A filming authorization is required on city public property. Commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate is required, naming the City of San Diego as additional insured, with higher limits for larger shoots."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city requires a UAS checklist before authorizing a drone on city property","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Balboa Park may set its own location fees through Friends of Balboa Park.","Beaches and open spaces go through the Parks and Recreation filming application, with longer lead times and likely lifeguard coordination."],"sources":[{"label":"San Diego Film Office: Registration","url":"https://www.sandiego.gov/specialevents-filming/filming/registration"},{"label":"City of San Diego: Filming Insurance Requirements (PDF)","url":"https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/city_-_filming_insurance_requirements.pdf"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/san-diego"},{"slug":"portland-oregon","name":"Portland, Oregon","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"oregon","summary":"Portland splits permitting across streets, parks, and city buildings, and wants $2,000,000 in coverage for right-of-way and building shoots.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Portland Events and Film Office (Prosper Portland), with PBOT for streets and Portland Parks and Recreation for parks","cost":"Parks application and processing fee about $133.50 plus hourly parks usage fees; city-owned buildings carry a $250 application fee and a $5,000 security deposit; street fees per the PBOT schedule","applyUrl":"https://www.portlandeventsandfilm.com/city-permits-guidelines","processingTime":"File street permits at least 3 days ahead","notes":"Required for shoots using the public right of way, city parks, or city buildings. For right-of-way and city buildings, commercial general liability of at least $2,000,000 per occurrence is required, with an additional-insured endorsement naming the City of Portland. Private-property shoots with no public impact need no city permit."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city adds approvals for takeoff or landing on city property","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Parks are a separate permit track from streets, paid through the Parks customer service center.","Filming is restricted during the Rose Festival and some holidays under a moratorium; a noise variance is needed outside 7 a.m. to 6 p.m."],"sources":[{"label":"Portland Events and Film Office: City Permits and Guidelines","url":"https://www.portlandeventsandfilm.com/city-permits-guidelines"},{"label":"Portland Parks and Recreation: Film, Video and Photography Permit","url":"https://www.portland.gov/parks/film-video-and-photography-permit"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/portland-oregon"},{"slug":"phoenix","name":"Phoenix","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"arizona","summary":"Phoenix issues a tiered film and digital media permit with a low-impact option for small crews, and wants $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 in coverage.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Phoenix Office of Film and Digital Media","cost":"Permit fees are set in the city fee schedule with general, student, and low-impact tiers; confirm current amounts with the film office","applyUrl":"https://app2.apply4.com/filmapp/usa/phoenix","processingTime":"Submit insurance no later than 3 business days before the first call time","notes":"A film and digital media permit is required to film on city property, parks, and the public right of way, including commercial still photography and social media. General liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, plus auto and workers compensation, is required, naming the City of Phoenix. A low-impact tier covers minimal-footprint shoots."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; coordinate with the film office for flying over or from city property","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["The low-impact permit tier is the route for small crews.","Apply through the city's film portal; popular locations book quickly on a first-come basis."],"sources":[{"label":"Arizona Commerce Authority: Film and Media Permits","url":"https://www.azcommerce.com/film-media/permits/"},{"label":"Phoenix Film and Digital Media: Permit Application","url":"https://app2.apply4.com/filmapp/usa/phoenix"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/phoenix"},{"slug":"san-antonio","name":"San Antonio","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"texas","summary":"San Antonio charges no film permit fee as a Texas Film Friendly community, but every production must carry insurance naming the city.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"San Antonio Film Commission (City Department of Arts and Culture)","cost":"No permit fee; San Antonio is a Texas Film Friendly community and charges no film or photography permit fee","applyUrl":"https://www.filmsanantonio.com/","processingTime":"Submit at least 10 business days before the principal day","notes":"Required for productions using public or city locations. All productions must submit a certificate of insurance naming the City of San Antonio and the Film Commission as additional insured. Personal-use photography like family portraits is exempt from the insurance requirement."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; coordinate with the Film Commission for flying over or from city property","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Park filming uses a separate park film permit track.","The San Antonio Missions are federal NPS jurisdiction and need a separate special-use permit, not a city permit."],"sources":[{"label":"San Antonio Film Commission","url":"https://www.filmsanantonio.com/"},{"label":"San Antonio Film Commission: Permit Application","url":"https://app2.apply4.com/filmapp/usa/sanantonio"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/san-antonio"},{"slug":"detroit","name":"Detroit","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"michigan","summary":"Detroit issues a free general film permit, but insurance is required for every project and extra permits attach for closures.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Detroit Film Office (Media Services Department)","cost":"The city issues a no-fee general permit; depending on the project, additional city permits or fees may apply, for example street closures","applyUrl":"https://detroitmi.gov/departments/media-services-department/detroit-film-office","processingTime":"Submit a location use form, ideally about a month ahead","notes":"A general permit is required for film and photo work in the city. The film office requires proof of insurance naming the City of Detroit as additional insured for all projects; confirm current coverage limits with the office. Small handheld or personal photography not occupying public space is generally outside the permit."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; coordinate with the film office for operation over city property","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["The general permit is free, but extra city permits and fees attach for street closures and special needs.","Allow about a month of lead time; insurance forms are required for all projects regardless of size."],"sources":[{"label":"Detroit Film Office","url":"https://detroitmi.gov/departments/media-services-department/detroit-film-office"},{"label":"City of Detroit: Special Events and Film Permits","url":"https://detroitmi.gov/how-do-i/apply-or-renew-permit-or-certification/special-events-and-film-permits"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/detroit"},{"slug":"minneapolis","name":"Minneapolis","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"minnesota","summary":"Minneapolis splits permitting between the city and the Park Board, and the Park Board wants an unusually high $1,500,000 in coverage.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"City of Minneapolis (Business Licensing) for city property and right of way; the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for park property","cost":"Base permit fee not published on the official page; a $35 change-order fee applies to modifying an existing park permit","applyUrl":"https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/licenses-permits-inspections/special-events-temp-permits/temp-license-permit/film-video/","processingTime":"Submit at least 10 days ahead","notes":"A permit is required for filming on city property, the public right of way, or park property; park shoots go through the Park Board. Park-property shoots require a certificate of insurance for $1,500,000 general liability naming the Park Board as additional insured."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; drone use on park land needs a separate Park Board permit and its own insurance","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Park property and city streets are two separate permitting authorities.","Filming inside City Hall requires a separate Municipal Building Commission agreement."],"sources":[{"label":"City of Minneapolis: Film and Video Permit","url":"https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/licenses-permits-inspections/special-events-temp-permits/temp-license-permit/film-video/"},{"label":"Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: Photography and Filming Permits","url":"https://www.minneapolisparks.org/rentals-permits/photography__filming_permits/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/minneapolis"},{"slug":"savannah","name":"Savannah","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"georgia","summary":"Savannah is permit-free on private property but tightly regulates its Historic District squares, with a $30 plus $325 per-location fee.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"City of Savannah Office of Special Events, Film and Tourism (Film Savannah)","cost":"One-time non-refundable $30 application processing fee per location, plus a $325 professional permit fee per location","applyUrl":"https://www.filmsavannah.org/permits/city-of-savannah-permits-and-guidelines/","processingTime":"Apply at least 5 business days before activity","notes":"No permit is needed if filming stays entirely on private property. A permit is required when the activity impacts public space, such as sound, light spillage, traffic, or use of streets, sidewalks, or squares. A certificate of insurance naming the city as additional insured is required before the permit is effective."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; expect restrictions over the dense Historic District and public squares","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["The Historic District squares are heavily regulated; productions must notify businesses and residents within a two-block radius.","Special effects require fire marshal review; Chatham County locations outside the city use a separate county permit."],"sources":[{"label":"Film Savannah: City Permits and Guidelines","url":"https://www.filmsavannah.org/permits/city-of-savannah-permits-and-guidelines/"},{"label":"City of Savannah: Filming Regulations","url":"https://www.savannahga.gov/957/Filming-Regulations"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/savannah"},{"slug":"charleston","name":"Charleston","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"south-carolina","summary":"Charleston runs a film and photography permit through its Office of Cultural Affairs, with a $1,000,000 policy naming the city.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs (Film and Photography program)","cost":"Street-blocking and impact fees follow the city's special events fee schedule; a single flat film and photo permit fee is not published","applyUrl":"https://www.charleston-sc.gov/FormCenter/Livability-Tourism-14/Film-and-Photography-Permit-Application-126","processingTime":"Apply 15 business days ahead for high-impact, 10 for low-impact","notes":"A film and photography permit is required for activity on public property or impacting public space. A $1,000,000 liability policy covering bodily injury and property damage, naming the City of Charleston as additional insured, is required."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; expect added sensitivity over the historic peninsula","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Filming or photography in a city park requires an additional park permit.","Special effects must be reviewed by the special events committee and the fire marshal."],"sources":[{"label":"City of Charleston: Film and Photography Permit Application","url":"https://www.charleston-sc.gov/FormCenter/Livability-Tourism-14/Film-and-Photography-Permit-Application-126"},{"label":"City of Charleston: Special Event Permits","url":"https://www.charleston-sc.gov/875/Special-Event-Permits"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/charleston"},{"slug":"honolulu","name":"Honolulu","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"hawaii","summary":"Honolulu's per-day permit covers Oahu city and county land, with insurance only for higher-impact shoots and a separate state permit for state land.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"City and County of Honolulu Film Office (Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts); state-owned land uses the separate Hawaii Film Office permit","cost":"City and county permit fees range from about $20 to $300 per day depending on the shoot and whether fee-reduction criteria are met","applyUrl":"https://www.honolulu.gov/film-office/","processingTime":"Apply ahead; payment due before the permit is released","notes":"A permit is required to film on city and county property and right of way on Oahu. Insurance of at least $1,000,000 general liability naming the City and County of Honolulu is required only for projects that create significant impact; low-impact shoots usually do not need it."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; expect restrictions over public land and beaches","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of local law."},"practical":["Determine jurisdiction first: city and county versus State of Hawaii land use different film offices and permits.","Apply via the ePermit system; fee reductions are available for qualifying productions."],"sources":[{"label":"Honolulu Film Office","url":"https://www.honolulu.gov/film-office/"},{"label":"Hawaii Film Office: Permit Procedures","url":"https://filmoffice.hawaii.gov/permit-procedures/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/honolulu"},{"slug":"pittsburgh","name":"Pittsburgh","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"pennsylvania","summary":"Pittsburgh publishes its fees and an explicit handheld exemption, with a low-cost still-photo permit and a separate drone permit.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"City of Pittsburgh Office of Film and Event Management","cost":"Commercial film permit base fee $525; still photography permit $50; drone filming application $75 (2025 fees)","applyUrl":"https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Film-Event-Management/Film-Permits","processingTime":"Apply at least 7 business days ahead","notes":"Required when a production uses public property: equipment on streets or sidewalks, parking on a public street (always), alleys, or parks. The city explicitly does not require a permit for handheld shooting like walk-and-talks or B-roll that does not block access. Workers compensation coverage is required; students may use proof of school insurance."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city issues a separate drone filming permit for a $75 application fee","notes":"Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Parking production vehicles on a public street always requires a permit, even when the shoot itself is on private property.","Commercial still photography on public property has its own lower-cost $50 permit."],"sources":[{"label":"City of Pittsburgh: Film Permits","url":"https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Film-Event-Management/Film-Permits"},{"label":"City of Pittsburgh: Getting Started with Eproval, Film Permits (fees)","url":"https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/files/assets/city/v/2/ofem/documents/2025-getting-started-eproval-document-film-permits.pdf"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/pittsburgh"},{"slug":"united-kingdom","name":"United Kingdom","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"The UK has unusually liberal street-photo rights and full freedom of panorama: you can sell images of public buildings freely.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Local authority or landowner for commercial shoots; no permit for personal or street photography","cost":"No permit for personal or street photography; commercial shoots on managed sites need a license","notes":"You can photograph freely on public land. Commercial shoots on managed or private sites such as Trafalgar Square, the royal parks, and National Trust property need a permit or location agreement."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the UK CAA: an Operator ID is needed for any camera drone and a Flyer ID for drones over 250g","notes":"The UK runs its own scheme rather than the EU EASA system. For Part 107-equivalent depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes, and unusually liberal: you may photograph and even commercially use images of identifiable people in public","notes":"The limits are a reasonable expectation of privacy, harassment, and indecency. Publishers still ask for releases in practice."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Section 62 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 lets you photograph and freely sell images of buildings, sculptures, and works of artistic craftsmanship permanently in a public place. It does not cover 2D works like murals or posters."},"practical":["You can legally sell a print of the London skyline including the Shard and the Gherkin; buildings are fully covered.","Privately owned public spaces like Canary Wharf and shopping centres can ban photography on their own land even when the street outside is fine."],"sources":[{"label":"UK: Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, Section 62","url":"https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/62"},{"label":"UK CAA: Register a drone or model aircraft","url":"https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/united-kingdom"},{"slug":"italy","name":"Italy","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Italy has no freedom of panorama: commercial use of images of state monuments and artworks needs authorization and a fee.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Local Soprintendenza (cultural-heritage authority) for commercial use of heritage sites; museums and managed sites set their own rules","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial use of state cultural-heritage sites requires authorization and a fee","notes":"Personal and tourist photography is free. Commercial reproduction of state-owned monuments, artworks, and archaeological sites needs authorization and payment to the Soprintendenza under the Cultural Heritage Code."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules administered by ENAC; most camera drones need operator registration and remote ID","notes":"For the EASA category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to take the photo, but publishing identifiable people, especially commercially, generally needs consent under Italian image and privacy rights","notes":"Candid public scenes are more permissive than Germany or France, but commercial use of a person's image needs care."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted","notes":"Italy has no freedom-of-panorama exception. Under the Cultural Heritage Code (Articles 107 to 108), commercial use of images of state cultural property requires authorization and a fee. Personal, study, and non-profit use is free."},"practical":["A Florence court ruled that images of Michelangelo's David cannot be used commercially without the Galleria dell'Accademia's authorization; that is the textbook trap.","Selling postcards or stock of famous monuments and museum pieces can require a Soprintendenza license even though tourist snapshots are fine."],"sources":[{"label":"Italy: Cultural Heritage Code (Codice dei beni culturali, D.Lgs. 42/2004)","url":"https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:2004-01-22;42"},{"label":"DLA Piper: Freedom of panorama in Italy","url":"https://blogs.dlapiper.com/iptitaly/2018/05/the-hidden-side-of-the-freedom-of-panorama/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/italy"},{"slug":"spain","name":"Spain","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Spain has broad freedom of panorama for outdoor public works, but protects a person's image as a fundamental right.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Local authority or landowner for commercial shoots and drones; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots and managed sites need permission","notes":"Street photography in public needs no permit. Commercial shoots, drone use, and some heritage sites or interiors require permission."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules administered by AESA; most camera drones need operator registration and remote ID","notes":"For the EASA category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but Spain protects image as a fundamental right; publishing an identifiable person generally needs consent","notes":"Exceptions exist for public figures at public events and for people incidental to a wider scene. Organic Law 1/1982 governs."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Article 35(2) of the Spanish Copyright Law lets you freely reproduce, distribute, and communicate works permanently located in parks, streets, and squares, generally including commercial use. It applies outdoors in public ways, not to interiors or museum works."},"practical":["You can legally sell an image of the exterior of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia and other public-street architecture under Article 35(2).","The real risk in Spain is identifiable people, not buildings: get consent or keep people unidentifiable for commercial work."],"sources":[{"label":"Spain: Copyright Law (TRLPI), BOE","url":"https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1996-8930"},{"label":"Spain: Organic Law 1/1982 on honor, privacy, and own image, BOE","url":"https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1982-11196"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/spain"},{"slug":"germany","name":"Germany","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Germany's Panoramafreiheit allows commercial use of public works, but only their exterior and only from public ground (no drone or balcony shots).","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Local authority or landowner for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography from public ground","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots and some sites need permission","notes":"Photography from public ground needs no permit. Commercial shoots, tripods or lighting at some sites, and drones need permission."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules administered by the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt; most camera drones need operator registration and remote ID","notes":"For the EASA category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but publishing a recognizable person's portrait generally needs consent under Section 22 of the KunstUrhG","notes":"Exceptions: people who are not recognizable, people incidental to a scene, and public assemblies, parades, and demonstrations."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, with limits","notes":"Section 59 of the Copyright Act (Panoramafreiheit) permits commercial use of works permanently on public ways, but only their external appearance and only from public ground. A shot from a drone, balcony, or ladder does not qualify."},"practical":["A drone or private-window shot does not qualify for Panoramafreiheit; shoot from public ground.","Temporary installations, like the wrapped Reichstag, are not covered because the work must be permanently in place."],"sources":[{"label":"Germany: Copyright Act Section 59 (Panoramafreiheit)","url":"https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/urhg/__59.html"},{"label":"Germany: KunstUrhG Section 22 (right to one's image)","url":"https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/kunsturhg/__22.html"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/germany"},{"slug":"japan","name":"Japan","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Japan lets you freely photograph buildings, but selling images where a public artwork is the subject can infringe, and portrait rights apply to people.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site or property owner for commercial shoots; many temples, shrines, gardens, and stations set their own rules","cost":"No permit for personal photography in public; commercial shoots and many managed sites need permission","notes":"There is no law against photographing people in public for personal use. Commercial shoots and many temples, shrines, gardens, and train platforms impose their own permission rules and signage."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB); drones 100g and over need registration and remote ID, with no-fly zones over dense areas and airports","notes":"For the category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes, but Japan recognizes portrait rights (shozoken) through case law; publishing a recognizable person, especially commercially, can create civil liability","notes":"Commercial use of someone's likeness without consent is a well-established basis for suit."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Broad, with a commercial trap","notes":"Article 46 allows free use of architecture and artworks permanently installed outdoors, but excludes reproduction for the purpose of selling copies of an artwork. Buildings are freely photographed and sold; selling images where a public sculpture is the subject can infringe."},"practical":["You can sell images of buildings, but selling prints of a copyrighted public sculpture as the main subject can violate Article 46's anti-resale carve-out.","Many shrines, temples, gardens, shops, and stations post photography or tripod bans; these are property rules and are enforced."],"sources":[{"label":"Japan: Copyright Act, Article 46 (CRIC English translation)","url":"https://www.cric.or.jp/english/clj/cl2.html"},{"label":"Japan: portrait rights overview","url":"https://www.lkazphoto.com/blog/is-street-photography-legal-in-japan"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/japan"},{"slug":"iceland","name":"Iceland","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Iceland's freedom of panorama is non-commercial only: selling an image whose subject is a copyrighted work can owe the creator a fee.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site managers and national park authorities for commercial shoots and protected areas; no permit for personal photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots and protected nature sites need permits","notes":"Tourist photography needs no permit. Commercial shoots and some protected nature sites and national parks such as Vatnajokull and Thingvellir require permits."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules administered by the Icelandic Transport Authority; many top sites restrict or ban drones","notes":"For the category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes, but publishing identifiable people commercially can require consent under Icelandic privacy and EEA data-protection law","notes":"Wide scenes where no one is the subject are lower risk than a commercial portrait."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Limited (non-commercial)","notes":"Article 16 of the Copyright Act permits photographing buildings and public outdoor artworks, but if such a work is the main subject and the use is commercial, the creator is entitled to remuneration. News publishers and broadcasters are exempt from that payment."},"practical":["Selling a photo where a modern copyrighted sculpture or building is the dominant subject can require paying the creator; plan clearance for commercial work.","Drones are banned or restricted at many of the most photographed spots, including national parks and near waterfalls; check signage and the Transport Authority."],"sources":[{"label":"Iceland: Copyright Act (WIPO Lex)","url":"https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text/128153"},{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Copyright rules by territory, Iceland","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Iceland"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/iceland"},{"slug":"greece","name":"Greece","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Greece restricts both modern public art and ancient sites: commercial images of archaeological content owe Ministry of Culture fees.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Greek Ministry of Culture for archaeological sites and monuments; site managers for museums","cost":"No permit for casual personal photography; commercial photography at archaeological sites and museums needs a paid Ministry of Culture permit","notes":"Casual handheld photography in public needs no permit. Commercial or professional shoots at archaeological sites, museums, and monuments require a paid permit; tripods and monopods are restricted even for amateurs at heritage sites."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules administered by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority; tight no-fly restrictions over archaeological sites and cities","notes":"For the category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph people in public, but publishing identifiable images without consent, especially commercially, is restricted under GDPR and Greek privacy rights","notes":"Editorial and incidental use is more defensible than commercial exploitation."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted","notes":"Greece has no general freedom of panorama; only occasional reproduction by mass media is allowed. Selling images of copyrighted public art is not free, and images of ancient monuments and archaeological sites are controlled by the state, with commercial use subject to Ministry of Culture fees."},"practical":["Tripods are routinely refused at the Acropolis; commercial shooting there needs an advance Ministry permit and fee.","Selling a stock image of an ancient monument can trigger Ministry of Culture commercial-use fees even if you took it as a tourist."],"sources":[{"label":"Greece: Ministry of Culture fees for photography and filming at archaeological sites (WIPO Lex)","url":"https://wipolex-res.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/gr/gr266en.html"},{"label":"Hellenic Film Commission: Permits and Guidelines","url":"https://filmcommission.gr/permits-guidelines/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/greece"},{"slug":"mexico","name":"Mexico","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Mexico has liberal freedom of panorama under copyright, but INAH separately controls tripods, drones, and commercial use at archaeological sites.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History) for archaeological sites; site or property owners otherwise","cost":"No permit for personal photography; tripods, professional rigs, and drones at INAH sites need an advance permit and fee, and commercial use of site imagery needs INAH authorization","notes":"Personal handheld photography is fine at most INAH sites, but tripods, professional rigs, mounted action cameras, and drones require an advance INAH permit and fee. Commercial shoots and commercial use of site imagery need separate INAH authorization."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by AFAC under NOM-107; sub-250g drones are exempt from registration, and flying over INAH sites needs a separate INAH permit","notes":"For the category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public, but Article 87 of the Federal Copyright Law requires written consent to publish a person's portrait","notes":"Exceptions: a person who is a minor part of a crowd, and photos for journalistic or informational purposes. Commercial use without consent is treated as infringement."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"The Federal Copyright Law permits reproduction and sale of works visible from public places, with credit and without alteration. Note this is copyright only; INAH separately restricts commercial use of archaeological-site imagery."},"practical":["A tripod at Teotihuacan or Chichen Itza without an INAH permit will get you stopped; the permit involves fees and paperwork.","Even with a filming permit, INAH does not authorize using site imagery to advertise commercial brands."],"sources":[{"label":"Mexico: Federal Law on Copyright (WIPO Lex)","url":"https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/20225"},{"label":"Mexico: Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia (INAH)","url":"https://www.inah.gob.mx/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/mexico"},{"slug":"canada","name":"Canada","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Canada has full freedom of panorama nationwide, but Quebec protects a person's image even in non-commercial publication.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipal film offices and Parks Canada for managed locations; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography on public property; commercial shoots in cities, parks, and venues typically need a municipal or site permit","notes":"Photographing in public is legal. Commercial shoots on city streets, in parks, or at managed venues usually need a municipal film or photo permit or venue permission; rules vary by city and by Parks Canada site."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by Transport Canada; drones 250g to 25kg require registration and a pilot certificate","notes":"For the category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes in common-law Canada, with no consent needed to take the photo; Quebec is the exception","notes":"Under the Civil Code of Quebec and the Aubry decision, publishing an identifiable person's image without consent can be an invasion of privacy even when non-commercial."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Copyright Act section 32.2(1)(b) makes it non-infringing to photograph an architectural work, or a sculpture or work of artistic craftsmanship permanently situated in a public place. You can sell images of public buildings, monuments, and permanent public sculpture."},"practical":["In Quebec, street portraits of identifiable people can expose you to liability if published without consent, unlike the rest of Canada.","Permanent public art is covered, but a temporary installation used as the central subject can still raise issues."],"sources":[{"label":"Canada: Copyright Act Section 32.2 (Justice Laws)","url":"https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-42/section-32.2.html"},{"label":"Quebec image rights: Aubry v. Editions Vice-Versa (overview)","url":"https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=1a1b54e0-51b2-42ef-b4cc-2a1107c555df"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/canada"},{"slug":"australia","name":"Australia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Australia has full freedom of panorama and liberal street-photo rights, but drone shots may fall outside the panorama exception.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Land managers, councils, and national park authorities for commercial shoots and managed sites; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography in public; commercial shoots and managed locations usually need a permit or filming agreement","notes":"Photographing people in public is legal with no general consent requirement. Commercial shoots and managed locations such as national parks, councils, and the Sydney Opera House precinct usually need a permit."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by CASA for safety (registration, sub-2kg rules, distance and no-fly zones); privacy is handled separately","notes":"For the category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: Australia has no general statutory right to one's image in public","notes":"A 2025 amendment to the Privacy Act added a statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy, which can reach intrusive filming including by drone. Commercial use of a person's image can raise passing-off issues."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Copyright Act 1968 sections 65 to 68 make it non-infringing to photograph buildings, sculptures, and works of artistic craftsmanship permanently in a public place. You can sell such images. Drone-captured shots may fall outside the exception, so shoot from a public vantage point."},"practical":["You can sell a street-level photo of the Sydney Opera House for copyright purposes, but the venue imposes its own commercial-shoot and trademark conditions on-site.","Do not rely on the panorama exception for drone shots of public sculpture; capture from a publicly accessible spot."],"sources":[{"label":"Australia: Copyright Act 1968 (Federal Register of Legislation)","url":"https://www.legislation.gov.au/C1968A00063/latest/text"},{"label":"Australia: OAIC, drones and privacy","url":"https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/your-privacy-rights/surveillance-and-monitoring/drones"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/australia"},{"slug":"netherlands","name":"Netherlands","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"The Netherlands allows selling images of public-space works, with the limit that a single copyrighted work must not be isolated as the sole subject.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipalities for shoots that obstruct public space; site owners for managed locations; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots on managed sites or that obstruct public space may need municipal permission","notes":"Standard street photography needs no permit. Commercial shoots on managed sites or that obstruct public space may need municipal permission."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules overseen by the ILT; the Netherlands implements them strictly, with registration and mandatory liability insurance","notes":"For the category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; publishing is governed by portrait right (portretrecht)","notes":"Non-commissioned portraits may in principle be published unless the subject has a reasonable interest opposing it. Commercial or advertising use of an identifiable person generally needs consent."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Liberal, with one limit","notes":"Article 18 of the Copyright Act permits photographing and selling images of works permanently in public space as they are situated there. The accepted limit is that a single copyrighted work must not be isolated as the reproduction's sole subject."},"practical":["A crowd shot or a person incidental to a scene is generally publishable; a recognizable individual as the clear subject can invoke portrait right, especially for commercial use.","Cityscapes and landmark photos are fine to sell; isolating one copyrighted public sculpture as the product's entire subject is the trap to avoid."],"sources":[{"label":"Netherlands: Copyright rules (Business.gov.nl)","url":"https://business.gov.nl/regulations/copyright/"},{"label":"Netherlands: Copyright law overview (portrait right and public-space works)","url":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_law_of_the_Netherlands"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/netherlands"},{"slug":"united-arab-emirates","name":"United Arab Emirates","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"The UAE is strict: photographing or publishing images of people without consent is a criminal offence, and government and military sites are off-limits.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Dubai Film and TV Commission (DCAA) in Dubai and the relevant media office in Abu Dhabi for commercial shoots; government, military, and security sites are restricted","cost":"Personal handheld photography of scenery is tolerated; commercial and professional shoots require a permit, and unauthorized shooting at sensitive sites draws heavy fines","notes":"The UAE is notably strict. Commercial shoots need a permit. Photographing government buildings, military sites, ports, and some airports is prohibited without authorization."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the GCAA federally and DCAA in Dubai; all drones must be registered and recreational flying is limited to approved zones","notes":"For the category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"No by default for people: photographing or publishing images of people without their explicit consent is a privacy violation, even in public","notes":"Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, taking or sharing photos of others without consent can carry jail time and large fines. Photographing women, children, and families without consent is treated especially seriously."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Not the operative constraint","notes":"The binding risks are the consent and privacy law and outright bans on government, military, and security-sensitive subjects, not architectural copyright. Iconic skyline shots for personal use are generally fine; clear people-consent and permits before any commercial use."},"practical":["Do not photograph people, especially Emirati women and families, without explicit consent; posting such an image can be a criminal offence.","Never photograph government buildings, palaces, military or police sites, ports, or near airports without a permit."],"sources":[{"label":"UAE: Federal Decree-Law 34 of 2021 on cybercrimes, photographing people without consent (Chambers)","url":"https://chambers.com/articles/new-updates-on-cybercrime-law-in-the-uae-taking-photos-without-consent"},{"label":"UAE: GCAA drone (UAS) registration","url":"https://www.gcaa.gov.ae/en/pages/UASRegistration.aspx"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/united-arab-emirates"},{"slug":"switzerland","name":"Switzerland","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Switzerland has unusually broad freedom of panorama: you can sell images of public buildings and even murals, but not interiors.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Local authority or site owner for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews, tripods, and managed sites need permission","notes":"Street photography in public needs no permit. Commercial or professional shoots on public land and at museums, churches, and private estates need permission."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EASA rules via FOCA (BAZL); camera drones from 250g need free operator registration","notes":"Aerial images of identifiable people engage Swiss data-protection law. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but publishing a recognizable person generally needs consent under the personality right (Civil Code Art. 28)","notes":"No consent needed when a person is incidental or part of a crowd; someone who clearly stands out does need consent."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Article 27 of the Copyright Act lets you photograph, sell, and publish images of works permanently in public places, including murals and graffiti. It covers exteriors only, not building interiors or museum rooms, and you cannot reproduce a work in its own medium."},"practical":["Selling a photo of any Swiss landmark exterior is fine; shooting inside a museum or church interior falls outside panorama freedom.","A street portrait where one person is clearly the subject needs their consent before you publish it; a wide crowd scene does not."],"sources":[{"label":"Swiss IPI: copyright and using a work","url":"https://www.ige.ch/en/protecting-your-ip/copyright/using-a-work/protection-for-photographs"},{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Switzerland (FoP, Art. 27)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Switzerland"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/switzerland"},{"slug":"portugal","name":"Portugal","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Portugal allows selling images of public buildings and art, subject to crediting the creator and the Berne three-step test.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Local authority or monument manager for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial productions and managed heritage sites need authorization","notes":"Street photography in public needs no permit. Commercial crews and shoots at managed monuments require authorization or a fee."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EASA rules via ANAC; register as an operator under the Open or Specific category","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but publishing a recognizable person generally needs consent under the Civil Code right to image (Art. 79)","notes":"Exceptions cover public figures, public events, and people incidental to a scene."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, with limits","notes":"Article 75(2)(q) of the Copyright Code permits photographing and publishing works permanently in public places, including commercial use, but uses are bound by the Berne three-step test and you should credit the author. Treat single-artwork merchandise more cautiously than cityscapes."},"practical":["Selling a photo of a Lisbon facade or public sculpture is generally fine; credit the artist or architect where possible.","A product sold at scale whose sole subject is one copyrighted artwork is the case where the three-step test could be invoked."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Portugal (Art. 75(2)(q))","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Portugal"},{"label":"COMMUNIA: Freedom of panorama in Portugal study","url":"https://www.communia-association.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BCS_Communia_FoP_study.pdf"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/portugal"},{"slug":"norway","name":"Norway","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Norway lets you sell images of buildings freely, but a photo whose main subject is a public sculpture is restricted for commercial use.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site or land manager for commercial shoots and some national parks; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews and managed sites can require permission or fees","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial shoots, crews, and some managed sites need authorization."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EASA rules via Luftfartstilsynet through the EEA; an EU or EEA operator registration is valid","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but publishing a recognizable person generally needs consent under the right to one's own image","notes":"Exceptions cover newsworthy images, people less important than the main content, and crowds or public events."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, with limits","notes":"Buildings may be depicted freely for any purpose including commercial sale. For other public artworks the freedom does not apply when the artwork is clearly the main subject and the use is commercial. Selling a building photo is fine; selling a photo centered on a copyrighted sculpture is not."},"practical":["A cityscape or building exterior can be photographed and sold freely.","A tight commercial shot centered on a copyrighted modern sculpture is the trap; include it incidentally in a wider scene instead."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Norway (2018 Act)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Norway"},{"label":"ICLG: Copyright laws and regulations, Norway","url":"https://iclg.com/practice-areas/copyright-laws-and-regulations/norway/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/norway"},{"slug":"sweden","name":"Sweden","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Sweden is liberal on street photography but a Supreme Court ruling restricts commercial and large-scale online reproduction of public artworks.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site or land manager for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews and managed sites can require permission","notes":"Sweden is comparatively liberal on public photography. Commercial shoots and managed or private sites may need permission."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EASA rules via Transportstyrelsen; an EU operator registration is valid","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes, and relatively permissive: photographing people in public is broadly allowed","notes":"Limits come from the covert-photography offence, defamation, GDPR on publication, and consent for advertising use."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted for public art","notes":"Buildings may be depicted freely, but the Supreme Court (NJA 2016 s. 212) held that making images of copyrighted public artworks available in a database is not covered, even where the commercial purpose is indirect. Selling or building an image bank of public sculptures is risky."},"practical":["Photographing and selling images of Swedish building exteriors is clearly fine.","Do not assume you can freely sell or compile an online image bank of copyrighted public sculptures; the Wikimedia v. BUS ruling restricted exactly that."],"sources":[{"label":"Kluwer Copyright Blog: Swedish FoP decision (NJA 2016 s. 212)","url":"https://copyrightblog.kluweriplaw.com/2016/05/09/swedish-supreme-court-issues-decision-regarding-freedom-panorama/"},{"label":"Wikimedia Foundation: Sweden FoP case summary","url":"https://diff.wikimedia.org/2017/07/25/wikimedia-sweden-freedom-panorama/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/sweden"},{"slug":"ireland","name":"Ireland","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Ireland has full freedom of panorama for buildings and public sculpture; murals and 2D works are the exception.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site manager (OPW heritage sites, museums) for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial productions and managed sites need permission or fees","notes":"Street photography in public needs no permit. Commercial crews and shoots at managed heritage sites need authorization."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EASA rules via the Irish Aviation Authority; register as an operator","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people in public is generally lawful, with no specific image-personality right","notes":"Constraints come from privacy, defamation, harassment, and GDPR on publication; commercial endorsement use needs consent."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Section 93 of the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 lets you photograph and sell images of buildings, sculptures, and works of artistic craftsmanship permanently in a public place. It does not cover murals or 2D paintings, and you cannot make 3D replicas."},"practical":["A postcard made from your photo of a public Dublin sculpture or building is explicitly allowed and sellable.","Street murals and paintings are not covered the way sculptures are; clear those separately."],"sources":[{"label":"Ireland: Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, s.93","url":"https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2000/act/28/section/93/enacted/en/html"},{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Ireland (s.93 FoP)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Ireland"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/ireland"},{"slug":"austria","name":"Austria","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Austria has unusually broad freedom of panorama, extending even to many interiors of public buildings; you cannot re-create the work itself.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site or land manager for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews and managed or private sites need permission","notes":"Street photography in public needs no permit. Commercial shoots and managed sites need authorization."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EASA rules via Austro Control; an EU operator registration is valid","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but publishing a recognizable person can be challenged if it harms their legitimate interests (Copyright Act Sec. 78)","notes":"GDPR applies on publication; embarrassing, defamatory, or commercial-exploitation contexts are the risk."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Section 54(1)(5) of the Copyright Act permits commercial use of architecture and public artworks made to remain permanently in public, and courts have extended it to interiors of publicly accessible buildings. You cannot re-erect the building or remake the sculpture."},"practical":["Selling photos of Vienna building exteriors and permanent public sculptures is allowed, and many interior shots of public buildings are tolerated.","The limit is re-creating the work in its own medium, like a model kit of a protected building, not photographing it."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Austria (Sec. 54 UrhG)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Austria"},{"label":"Austria: Copyright Act (UrhG), RIS","url":"https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10001848"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/austria"},{"slug":"croatia","name":"Croatia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Croatia lets you photograph and sell 2D images of public works, but not 3D reproductions; watch the Dubrovnik drone zones.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site manager for commercial shoots and managed heritage sites; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial productions and walled cities or fortresses need permission","notes":"Street photography in public needs no permit. Commercial crews and managed heritage sites need authorization or a fee."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EASA rules via the CCAA; an EU operator registration is valid, with coastal geo-zones","notes":"Dubrovnik old town and parts of the coast have active no-fly zones. For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but publishing a recognizable person generally needs consent under personality rights","notes":"Exceptions cover public figures, public events, and people appearing as part of a scene or crowd."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, with limits","notes":"The 2021 Copyright Act permits reproduction of works permanently in public places, including commercial use, but only as 2D reproductions such as photos and film. You can sell the image; you cannot make a 3D model, and interiors are generally outside the exception."},"practical":["Photographing and selling an image of Dubrovnik's walls or a public monument is fine as a 2D photo.","Dubrovnik old town and parts of the coast have drone geo-zones; check CCAA zones before flying."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Croatia (2021 Act, 2D FoP)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Croatia"},{"label":"WIPO Lex: Croatia Copyright and Related Rights Act","url":"https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text/127758"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/croatia"},{"slug":"thailand","name":"Thailand","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Thailand has full freedom of panorama, but its data-protection law makes publishing identifiable people without consent risky.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Thailand Film Office (Department of Tourism) for commercial shoots; site managers for temples and attractions","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots need notification or permission, and heritage sites charge fees","notes":"Personal and tourist photography in public needs no permit. The Grand Palace and major temples allow outdoor photos but ban interior shots, tripods, flash, and drones. Be cautious around government, royal, and military sites."},"drone":{"status":"Camera drones must be registered with both CAAT and the NBTC and carry liability insurance","notes":"Fly only in daylight within visual line of sight. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but the Personal Data Protection Act treats an identifiable image as personal data","notes":"Publishing or commercially using a person's image without consent can carry civil and criminal liability; get a release."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"The Copyright Act permits photographing public artworks and monuments (Section 37) and architecture regardless of location (Section 38), with no non-commercial restriction. You can legally sell images of public buildings, monuments, and sculptures."},"practical":["At the Grand Palace and temples, shoot outdoors only; no interior photos at the Emerald Buddha chapel, and dress codes apply.","Register any camera drone with CAAT and the NBTC before flying, and permit commercial shoots through the Thailand Film Office."],"sources":[{"label":"Thailand: Copyright Act B.E. 2537 (IP Thailand)","url":"https://www.ipthailand.go.th/images/3534/2564/Copyright/Copyright_Act_ENG.pdf"},{"label":"TAT: Flying a drone in Thailand","url":"https://www.tatnews.org/2026/02/flying-a-drone-in-thailand-updated-guide-for-tourists/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/thailand"},{"slug":"india","name":"India","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"India's copyright freedom of panorama is broad, covering buildings and public sculpture, but ASI permits and security rules are the real constraints.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for protected monuments; no permit for ordinary public street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography in public; ASI monuments charge for tripods, lighting, and commercial shoots","notes":"Ordinary public photography needs no permit. ASI-protected monuments allow camera entry but require prior written permission and fees for tripods, lighting, and commercial shoots. Photographing government, defence, military, airport, and border sites is prohibited."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by the DGCA Drone Rules 2021 via the Digital Sky platform; drones over 250g need registration","notes":"Aerial imaging over monuments and near airports, borders, and military sites is restricted. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph people in public; the right to privacy is a constitutional right after the Puttaswamy judgment","notes":"Publishing or selling an identifiable person's image commercially requires consent, ideally written."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Section 52 of the Copyright Act exempts photographing and publishing architecture and sculptures or works of artistic craftsmanship permanently in public, with no non-commercial qualifier, so you can sell those images. The limits are practical: ASI permits and fees, temple and private restrictions, and privacy law for people in frame."},"practical":["At the Taj Mahal, shoot the gardens and courtyards only; interior mausoleum photography is banned, and commercial shoots need prior ASI permission and fees.","Do not photograph airports, military bases, defence installations, or major bridges; budget for ASI camera and tripod fees at protected monuments."],"sources":[{"label":"India: Section 52 freedom of panorama analysis (S.S. Rana & Co.)","url":"https://ssrana.in/articles/freedom-of-panorama/"},{"label":"India: Drone Rules 2021 (Ministry of Civil Aviation)","url":"https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/ministry-documents/rules/drones-rules-2021-dated-25-august-2021"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/india"},{"slug":"china","name":"China","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"In China you can usually sell building photos, but images featuring public artworks are legally risky, and government and military subjects are off-limits.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site managers for ticketed attractions and commercial shoots; no permit for ordinary public street photography","cost":"No permit for casual public photography; commercial crews and many ticketed sites require permission and fees","notes":"Casual public photography needs no permit. Commercial shoots and many ticketed sites need advance permission, and tripods or lighting are often restricted. Photographing military, defence, government, police, and border sites is prohibited and can lead to detention."},"drone":{"status":"All drones, including sub-250g, must be registered with the CAAC; recreational flight is capped at 120m","notes":"Extensive no-fly zones apply and foreigners cannot directly obtain commercial drone licenses. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in genuinely public places, but the Civil Code grants a strong portrait right","notes":"Articles 1018 to 1020 prohibit using a person's image without consent, with exceptions for personal use, news, and unavoidable inclusion when shooting a public scene."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Limited","notes":"Copyright Law Article 24(10) permits photographing artworks displayed in public with attribution, but does not clearly authorize commercial use. Selling photos of ordinary buildings is generally safe; selling photos featuring public sculptures or murals is risky, and a court has found postcard sales of an outdoor sculpture infringing."},"practical":["Never photograph military bases, government or Party buildings, police facilities, border crossings, or security personnel; detention is a real risk.","Be extra cautious in Tibet and Xinjiang; at sites like the Forbidden City casual photos are fine but commercial shoots, tripods, and drones need permission or are banned."],"sources":[{"label":"China: Copyright Law Art. 24(10) (NCAC)","url":"https://en.ncac.gov.cn/legislations/laws/201704/t20170420_57056.html"},{"label":"US State Department: China travel advisory","url":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/china"},{"slug":"south-korea","name":"South Korea","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"South Korea lets you photograph public landmarks but generally not sell prints centered on a copyrighted public artwork; its anti-hidden-camera law is strict.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site operator for commercial shoots at palaces, tombs, and temples; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots need approval and sometimes a tripod fee","notes":"Personal and hobby photography in public needs no permit. The royal palaces and many temples allow free personal photos but require approval for commercial shoots. Military sites and the DMZ are strictly off-limits."},"drone":{"status":"Drones over 250g must be registered via MOLIT; central Seoul, airports, and military sites are no-fly zones","notes":"Aerial photography can require a Ministry of National Defense permit. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"No by default for identifiable individuals: portrait rights mean publishing or using someone's image needs consent","notes":"Non-consensual intimate filming is a serious crime, and phones sold in Korea cannot silence the shutter sound. Never photograph anyone in a private or sensitive situation."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Limited","notes":"Copyright Act Article 35 lets works permanently in public places be used for most purposes, but excludes reproducing for the purpose of selling copies. Photographing buildings and public art for editorial or personal use is allowed; selling prints centered on a copyrighted public artwork generally is not."},"practical":["At palaces like Gyeongbokgung, personal and hanbok photography is welcome, but tripods may be restricted and commercial shoots need approval.","Near any military base or the DMZ, obey no-photography signs absolutely, and never make covert or intimate recordings."],"sources":[{"label":"Copyright law of South Korea (Article 35 FoP)","url":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_law_of_South_Korea"},{"label":"Korea: illegal filming law and penalties","url":"https://nylakoreanlegal.com/illegal-filming-korea-law-penalties-reform/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/south-korea"},{"slug":"singapore","name":"Singapore","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Singapore has full freedom of panorama and no general right against being photographed, but protected security sites are strictly off-limits.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site operator for commercial shoots at managed attractions; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal or hobbyist photography; commercial shoots at managed sites need advance approval and fees","notes":"Personal photography in public needs no permit. Commercial shoots at managed sites such as Gardens by the Bay need advance approval. Under the Infrastructure Protection Act, photographing gazetted Protected Areas and Places is a criminal offence."},"drone":{"status":"Drones over 250g must be registered with CAAS and, from Dec 2025, carry Broadcast Remote ID","notes":"Permits apply near airports and no-fly zones; drones are banned at Gardens by the Bay. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: there is no general legal right against being photographed in a public place and no codified right of publicity","notes":"Harassment, voyeurism, trespass, and defamation laws still apply to misuse."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Section 265 of the Copyright Act 2021 permits making and publishing photographs of buildings, sculptures, and works of artistic craftsmanship in public places, with no non-commercial limit. You can photograph and sell images of the Merlion, the Supertrees, and the Marina Bay Sands exterior."},"practical":["Never photograph military installations, checkpoints, or gazetted Protected Places; breaching posted signage is a criminal offence.","Iconic landmarks are fine to shoot and sell, but commercial shooting inside managed attractions needs an advance operator permit."],"sources":[{"label":"Singapore: Copyright Act 2021, Section 265","url":"https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/CA2021"},{"label":"Singapore Police: Protected Areas and Protected Places","url":"https://www.police.gov.sg/Advisories/Infrastructure-Protection/Protected-Areas-and-Protected-Places"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/singapore"},{"slug":"vietnam","name":"Vietnam","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Vietnam grants strong image rights and, since 2023, restricts commercial use of public-work images; drones are effectively off-limits to tourists.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site managers and a licensed local partner for commercial shoots; no permit for personal photography","cost":"No permit for personal or tourist photography; commercial shoots need permits, and heritage sites charge photo fees","notes":"Personal photography in public needs no permit. Commercial shoots require permits and usually a licensed local production partner, and managed sites set their own fees. Photographing military, border, government, and security sites is prohibited."},"drone":{"status":"Every flight must be pre-approved by the Ministry of National Defence, with large no-fly buffers and steep fees","notes":"Casual aerial photography is effectively off-limits. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but the Civil Code (Art. 32) requires consent to use a person's image and remuneration for commercial use","notes":"Use without consent is allowed for public interest or images from public activities that do not harm honor and dignity."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Limited","notes":"The IP Law permits photographing public architecture and fine art to present images of the works, but a 2022 amendment (effective 2023) added that the use must not be commercial. Selling images of copyrighted buildings or public artworks requires the rights holder's permission."},"practical":["Never photograph military bases, border areas, or police, government, and security buildings; equipment seizure is a real risk.","Expect site-specific photo fees at heritage attractions, and assume drone permits are very difficult and expensive."],"sources":[{"label":"Vietnam: Civil Code 91/2015 (Art. 32 image rights), WIPO Lex","url":"https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/17200"},{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Vietnam (FoP, 2023 non-commercial limit)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Vietnam"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/vietnam"},{"slug":"new-zealand","name":"New Zealand","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"New Zealand has full freedom of panorama; the main catches are conservation-land permits and per-person drone consent.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Department of Conservation (DOC) for commercial shoots on public conservation land; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots in parks and reserves need a DOC concession","notes":"Personal photography in public needs no permit. Commercial filming and photography on conservation land and in national parks needs a DOC concession, and iwi consultation may apply at culturally sensitive sites."},"drone":{"status":"Under CAA Part 101, keep under 120m within visual line of sight and get consent from people and property owners","notes":"Conservation-land drone use needs a separate DOC application. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people in public is generally lawful and usually publishable","notes":"Limits include the intimate-recording offence, harassment law, and the Harmful Digital Communications Act."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Section 73 of the Copyright Act 1994 lets you photograph, film, and sell images of buildings and of sculptures, models for buildings, and works of artistic craftsmanship permanently in a public place, including commercially."},"practical":["For any commercial shoot in a national park or on conservation land, apply for a DOC concession in advance.","Drone consent is per person and per property, so shooting crowded beaches or streets lawfully under Part 101 is impractical without consent; respect Maori cultural sites."],"sources":[{"label":"New Zealand: Copyright Act 1994, s.73","url":"https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1994/0143/latest/DLM346215.html"},{"label":"NZ Police: rules on photographing in public","url":"https://www.police.govt.nz/faq/what-are-rules-around-taking-photos-or-filming-public-place"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/new-zealand"},{"slug":"brazil","name":"Brazil","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Brazil lets you sell images of public monuments in their setting, but isolating a copyrighted artwork on merchandise (the Christ the Redeemer trap) is restricted.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Heritage-site managers and city film offices for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots and protected sites need authorization, drones need ANAC plus DECEA","notes":"Personal photography in public needs no permit. Commercial shoots at heritage and protected sites need authorization from the managing body. Government and military installations are off-limits."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by ANAC plus DECEA airspace approval; sub-250g drones are exempt from registration","notes":"Operators must stay 30m from non-consenting people. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but the Civil Code protects image and personality rights","notes":"Commercial use of an identifiable person's image needs consent; editorial and newsworthy use has more latitude. Drone capture also engages the LGPD."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, with limits","notes":"Article 48 of Law 9.610/1998 lets works permanently in public places be freely represented by photographs and audiovisual means, including sale. Courts limit this when a copyrighted artwork is detached and used as the central commercial subject in a way that diverts revenue from the artist."},"practical":["Christ the Redeemer is the textbook trap: selling a tight, isolated image of the statue has been challenged, while contextual cityscapes are accepted.","For drone or commercial filming you generally need both ANAC paperwork and DECEA airspace clearance."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Brazil (Art. 48)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Brazil"},{"label":"ANAC: drones","url":"https://www.gov.br/anac/en/topics/drones"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/brazil"},{"slug":"peru","name":"Peru","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Peru permits selling images of public monuments, but site-access and antiquities permits (and a Machu Picchu drone ban) are a separate layer.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Ministerio de Cultura for archaeological and cultural-heritage sites; no permit for casual public street photography","cost":"No permit for casual personal photography; commercial shoots at heritage sites need Ministry of Culture authorization","notes":"Casual personal photography needs no permit. Commercial photography and filming at archaeological and cultural-heritage sites need Ministry of Culture authorization, and Machu Picchu enforces strict site rules."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the DGAC; flying over archaeological sites like Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines is effectively prohibited","notes":"Site-specific authorization is rarely granted. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but Peru recognizes image and personality rights","notes":"Commercial publication of an identifiable person's image should have consent; editorial and public-event use is freer."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, with limits","notes":"Andean Community Decision 351 (Art. 22) permits reproduction of artworks permanently in public places, generally allowing sale of images of public monuments, buildings, and art. Site-access and commercial-filming permits are a separate legal layer from copyright."},"practical":["Machu Picchu allows no drones for anyone without rarely granted Ministry of Culture permission, and bans tripods and professional rigs without a permit.","You can fly legally in parts of Cusco and the Sacred Valley outside the historic center and ruins, but never over the sites themselves."],"sources":[{"label":"Andean Community Decision 351, Art. 22 (FoP)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Freedom_of_panorama/AllRules"},{"label":"Peru: DGAC drone and Machu Picchu rules","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-peru/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/peru"},{"slug":"argentina","name":"Argentina","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Argentina has no statutory freedom of panorama, so selling images of copyrighted public art is unsafe, and image rights are consent-first.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site or location authority for commercial production; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial production needs location permits","notes":"Personal photography in public needs no permit. Commercial production typically needs location permits, and government and military sites are restricted."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by ANAC with registration and operating rules; expect restrictions over people and urban areas","notes":"For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but image rights are strong: consent is the general rule to capture or commercialize a portrait","notes":"Exceptions cover scientific, educational, or cultural purposes and facts of public interest; consent can be revoked."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (no statutory exception)","notes":"Argentine copyright law has no explicit freedom-of-panorama provision. A de facto acceptance that buildings can be reproduced is uncertain and does not clearly extend to copyrighted public sculptures or murals. Treat selling images of recent or copyrighted public artworks as unsafe without permission."},"practical":["The safest commercial subjects are buildings and out-of-copyright monuments; modern public sculptures by living artists are the trap.","A recognizable individual as the subject of a commercial image needs a model release given the consent-first regime."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Argentina (no FoP)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Argentina"},{"label":"Argentina: right to one's image (Civil Code / Law 11.723)","url":"https://legalcoregroup.com.ar/en/right-to-ones-image-in-argentina-what-does-the-law-say-and-how-to-protect-it/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/argentina"},{"slug":"south-africa","name":"South Africa","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"South Africa has no freedom of panorama, so selling images centered on copyrighted public works can need permission; national parks ban drones outright.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"City film offices and SANParks for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots usually require location or film permits","notes":"Personal photography in public needs no permit. Commercial shoots usually require location or film permits, and government, military, and key-point installations are restricted."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by SACAA; flying over people or property without consent is restricted, and drones are banned in all national parks","notes":"Kruger and other SANParks parks have issued life bans for drone use. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but publishing identifiable images, especially commercially, engages privacy and the POPIA data-protection law","notes":"Editorial use has more room; commercial use should have a release."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (no FoP)","notes":"South African copyright law grants no freedom of panorama, so reproducing and selling images of copyrighted public artworks or recent buildings can require the rights holder's permission. A pending amendment bill would add freedom of panorama but is not yet in force. Long-out-of-copyright structures are safe."},"practical":["Kruger and all SANParks parks allow zero drones, with on-the-spot arrest and equipment confiscation.","Because there is no freedom of panorama, selling a stock image centered on a copyrighted public sculpture or distinctive modern building can require permission."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: South Africa (no FoP)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/South_Africa"},{"label":"SANParks: drone prohibition in Kruger","url":"https://www.sanparks.org/news/media-release-reminder-on-the-prohibition-of-drones-in-the-kruger-national-park"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/south-africa"},{"slug":"egypt","name":"Egypt","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Egypt allows free personal photos at sites but treats tripods and flash as professional, has no usable freedom of panorama, and effectively bans tourist drones.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for professional and commercial photography; personal photos are free","cost":"Personal photography is free at public spaces and sites; professional or commercial photography needs prior authorization and fees","notes":"Since 2018, personal photography with phones and standard cameras is free in public spaces and at archaeological sites. Professional or commercial photography, including using an external flash, tripod, or lighting, still needs Ministry authorization. Avoid military, police, bridge, and government sites."},"drone":{"status":"Drones are effectively banned for tourists; import without a Ministry of Defense permit leads to airport confiscation","notes":"Flights near archaeological sites are prohibited. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal street photography, but avoid military, police, and government or strategic sites, which can lead to detention","notes":"Cultural sensitivity matters; commercial use of a person's image should have consent."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted","notes":"Egypt has no usable freedom of panorama. Under IP Law 82 of 2002, reproductions of public art and architecture are at best for personal use, so do not assume you can sell images of copyrighted public buildings or art. The antiquities authority separately controls commercial imagery of pharaonic sites."},"practical":["Do not bring a drone; it will likely be seized at customs, and flying near the Pyramids or Karnak draws fines and site bans.","A tripod or external flash at a temple or museum reclassifies you as professional and triggers the permit and fee requirement."],"sources":[{"label":"Egypt: 2018 cabinet resolution on permit-free public photography (Ahram Online)","url":"https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/471850.aspx"},{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Egypt (no FoP, Law 82/2002)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Egypt"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/egypt"},{"slug":"morocco","name":"Morocco","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Morocco has no clear freedom of panorama, strong cultural sensitivity about photographing people, and an effective tourist drone ban.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Moroccan Cinematographic Centre and local authorities for commercial production; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial or film production needs authorization","notes":"Personal photography in public needs no permit. Commercial and film production needs authorization. Military, police, checkpoint, and certain government sites are off-limits."},"drone":{"status":"Drones are effectively prohibited; import, possession, and use are banned and undeclared drones are confiscated at customs","notes":"No tourist permits are available. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes legally, but photographing people, especially in markets and rural areas and of women, without permission is a strong taboo","notes":"Get consent for any commercial use of an identifiable person; avoid military and security subjects entirely."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Limited","notes":"Morocco's copyright law has no clearly documented freedom-of-panorama exception, so there is no reliable basis to sell images whose main subject is a copyrighted public artwork or recent building. Older monuments and historic architecture that are out of copyright are safe."},"practical":["Do not bring a drone; customs systematically confiscates them and there is no reliable way to reclaim one on departure.","Historic sites like the Hassan Tower in Rabat are fine to shoot, but active ministries, parliament, and any military or police site are not."],"sources":[{"label":"Morocco: drone prohibition (Drone & Cam)","url":"https://droneandcam.com/en/post/drone-legislation-in-morocco-what-you-need-to-know/"},{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Freedom of panorama (Morocco status)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Freedom_of_panorama"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/morocco"},{"slug":"turkey","name":"Turkey","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Turkey lets you sell images of outdoor public monuments, but museum and heritage interiors need a Ministry permit, and Cappadocia drone flights need dual sign-off.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Ministry of Culture and Tourism for museums and heritage sites; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots at museums and heritage sites need permits and fees","notes":"Personal photography in public needs no permit. Commercial photography and filming at museums and heritage sites is controlled by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and needs permits and fees. Military and security installations are strictly prohibited."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the DGCA (SHGM); drones from 500g need registration and foreign nationals generally cannot register","notes":"Cappadocia requires both DGCA and the local governor's authorization. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but Turkish law places strong weight on privacy; publishing identifiable people without consent can draw complaints","notes":"For any commercial or published use of a recognizable individual, obtain consent."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Limited","notes":"Copyright Law No. 5846 (Art. 40) permits reproducing works of fine art permanently on public streets and squares, giving a basis to sell images of outdoor public monuments and buildings. Museum interiors and ticketed heritage sites are governed by site and Ministry permit rules instead."},"practical":["Cappadocia is a trap: flying a drone needs both DGCA and the local governor's office sign-off.","A copyrighted public statue outdoors is broadly fine to sell, but shooting inside museums like Hagia Sophia or Topkapi for commercial use needs a Ministry of Culture permit."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Freedom of panorama (Turkey, Law 5846 Art. 40)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Freedom_of_panorama"},{"label":"Turkey: DGCA drone rules","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-turkey/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/turkey"},{"slug":"belgium","name":"Belgium","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Belgium gained full freedom of panorama in 2016: you can now sell images of public buildings and art, including the once-restricted Atomium from public space.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality or site owner for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews and managed sites need permission","notes":"Street photography needs no permit. Commercial shoots on public roads and at managed or interior sites need authorization."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules via the BCAA; operator registration required, with no-fly zones over much of Brussels","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but Belgium has strong portrait rights; publishing a recognizable person generally needs consent","notes":"No consent needed when a person is incidental to a crowd or scene."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"The Act of 27 June 2016 added Article XI.190(2/2), covering buildings and plastic or graphic artworks permanently in public places, including commercial use."},"practical":["The Atomium was the classic pre-2016 trap; photos from public space are now covered, though the rights holder still polices some uses.","Freedom of panorama does not waive the portrait rights of recognizable people in frame."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Freedom of panorama, Belgium","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Freedom_of_panorama/Europe"},{"label":"Schoups: Freedom of panorama in Belgian law (2016)","url":"https://schoups.be/en/news_items/freedom-of-panorama-introduced-into-belgian-law-by-the-act-of-27-june-2016"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/belgium"},{"slug":"denmark","name":"Denmark","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Denmark lets you sell images of buildings freely, but a photo whose main subject is a public artwork (the Little Mermaid) is restricted for commercial use.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality for commercial productions; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots, closures, and managed sites need permits","notes":"Photograph freely from public property. Commercial productions need a municipal filming permit."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules via the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority; operator registration required","notes":"Central-city and airport zones are restricted. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph almost anything visible from public property; publishing is governed by GDPR and Danish privacy law","notes":"Situational scenes are more permissive than portrait-type images; advertising use needs consent."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, with limits","notes":"Copyright Act Art. 24: buildings may be used commercially. Public artworks may not be used commercially when the artwork is the main subject."},"practical":["The Little Mermaid (protected to end of 2029) is the textbook trap: a commercial shot centered on it needs the heirs' permission.","Sell a wide cityscape freely; do not sell a tight commercial shot of a copyrighted sculpture as the main subject."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Denmark (Art. 24)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Denmark"},{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Freedom of panorama","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Freedom_of_panorama"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/denmark"},{"slug":"finland","name":"Finland","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Finland allows commercial use of building images, but public sculpture as the main subject is limited and 2D public art is excluded entirely.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site or land manager for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial productions and managed sites can need permission","notes":"Personal photography in public needs no permit. Photographing private spaces without permission is not allowed."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules via Traficom; operator registration required","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes in public, but a recognizable person may not be the main subject of a published image without consent, and never in advertising","notes":"Photographing into private homes or yards is prohibited."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, with limits","notes":"Copyright Act Section 25a: buildings may be used commercially. Public 3D artworks only for non-commercial or editorial use; 2D works like murals are not covered at all."},"practical":["A Helsinki architecture shot sells freely; a shot built around a copyrighted public sculpture needs the artist's permission.","Public murals are fully copyrighted (no panorama exception); never use a recognizable person in advertising without consent."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Finland (Section 25a)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Finland"},{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Freedom of panorama","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Freedom_of_panorama"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/finland"},{"slug":"poland","name":"Poland","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Poland has full freedom of panorama for outdoor public works, but a camera-equipped drone of any weight needs operator registration.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site owner for managed or interior sites; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots at managed sites need agreements","notes":"Public-space photography needs no permit. Museums, palaces, and stations set their own commercial rules."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU rules via the ULC; any camera-equipped drone (even sub-250g) needs operator registration","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; publishing a recognizable person generally needs consent under Art. 81 of the Copyright Act","notes":"Exceptions for public figures and people incidental to a wider scene."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Article 33(1) permits disseminating works permanently on public roads, streets, squares, and gardens, including commercial use. Outdoor public space only; interiors excluded."},"practical":["A camera drone of any weight triggers ULC operator registration, unlike the pure-weight rule people expect.","Old Town and palace-garden complexes (Wilanow, Lazienki) impose their own filming fees even though outdoor panorama freedom is full."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Poland","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Poland"},{"label":"Poland: Copyright Act 1994, Art. 33 (WIPO Lex)","url":"https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/20377"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/poland"},{"slug":"czechia","name":"Czechia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Czechia has full freedom of panorama for outdoor public works; the catch is that non-resident visitors cannot register a drone locally.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site owner for heritage, interior, and crewed shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial productions and heritage sites need agreements","notes":"Public photography needs no permit. Prague Castle, Charles Bridge productions, and interiors need permits."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU rules via the CAA-CZ; registration needs Czech residence or a CZ entity, so visitors cannot self-register","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; under the Civil Code, publishing an identifiable person generally needs consent","notes":"Exceptions cover news, scientific, artistic, official, and incidental use."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Copyright Act Section 33 permits depicting works permanently in public places and using the depiction commercially. Outdoors only; you cannot make a 3D copy."},"practical":["The freedom covers the depiction, not a 3D replica: sell a photo of a sculpture, but not a miniature of it.","Non-EU visitors cannot use a home drone registration and cannot self-register without Czech residence; plan ahead."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Czech Republic","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Czech_Republic"},{"label":"Czechia: Copyright Act, Art. 33 (WIPO Lex)","url":"https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/5067"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/czechia"},{"slug":"hungary","name":"Hungary","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Hungary has full freedom of panorama for outdoor works, but since 2014 you generally need consent even to take a photo of an identifiable person.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site owner for managed and interior shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial productions and managed sites need agreements","notes":"Genuinely personal public photography needs no permit, but the person-consent rule below makes identifiable-subject street work risky."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU rules via the transport authority; Hungary registers both the operator and the aircraft","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"No by default for identifiable people: the Civil Code requires consent to both make and use a person's likeness","notes":"Consent is not needed for a crowd or a public event. Candid portraits of individuals are exposed without it."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Copyright Act Section 68(1): works of fine art, architecture, or applied art permanently outdoors in public may be used without authorization, including commercially. Excludes 2D works like photos and maps."},"practical":["The 2014 consent-to-take rule makes street portraits risky; rely on the crowd or public-event exception or get consent.","Panorama freedom excludes 2D works, so a mural or sign may not qualify even when a statue or facade does."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Hungary","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Hungary"},{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: country-specific consent requirements","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Country_specific_consent_requirements"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/hungary"},{"slug":"russia","name":"Russia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Russia lets you sell images of buildings, but a photo whose main subject is a public monument is restricted, and photographing official or military sites is dangerous.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site owner for commercial and many managed shoots; no permit for ordinary public photography","cost":"No permit for casual public photography; commercial shoots and many managed sites need permission","notes":"Casual public photography needs no permit. Photographing military, government, border, and certain infrastructure sites is prohibited and risks equipment seizure."},"drone":{"status":"Drones must be registered with Rosaviatsiya and flights authorized; many regions impose outright bans","notes":"Flying is heavily restricted over Moscow, government, and military areas. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but Civil Code Art. 152.1 generally requires consent to publish an identifiable person's image","notes":"No consent needed when the person is incidental in a public place and not the main subject."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Limited","notes":"Civil Code Art. 1276: architecture in public may be used commercially, but fine art and photographs permanently in public may not when the image is the main object or used for profit."},"practical":["Selling a photo of a public monument or sculpture as the main subject can infringe even though it stands in public.","Do not photograph police, government buildings, military, or border facilities; strategic-site rules are broad and enforced."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Russia (Art. 1276)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Russia"},{"label":"World Trademark Review: Russia image rights (Art. 152.1)","url":"https://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/article/russia-russia-provides-date-protection-image-rights"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/russia"},{"slug":"slovenia","name":"Slovenia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Slovenia is widely assumed to have full freedom of panorama, but it does not: commercial use of images of copyrighted public works is barred.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site owner for commercial shoots; cultural-monument owner for commercial use of monument imagery","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots and designated monuments need permission","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. The Cultural Heritage Protection Act separately requires owner consent to use a designated monument's image commercially."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules via the national civil aviation authority; operator registration required","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but publishing or commercially using an identifiable person generally needs a lawful basis or consent under GDPR","notes":"Editorial and incidental use have more latitude than commercial use."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted","notes":"Copyright Act Art. 55 allows free use of works permanently in public places but excludes 3D copies and copies made for profit, so commercial sale is not covered."},"practical":["A photo of a modern Slovenian sculpture or building is fine for personal use but selling prints or stock can infringe.","Designated cultural monuments need the owner's consent for commercial use of their image, even when copyright has expired."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Slovenia (Art. 55)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Slovenia"},{"label":"Slovenia: Copyright and Related Rights Act (WIPO Lex)","url":"https://wipolex-res.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/si/si082en.html"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/slovenia"},{"slug":"indonesia","name":"Indonesia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Indonesia has no freedom of panorama, so selling images of modern landmarks needs permission; the ancient temples are old enough to be public domain.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site management for heritage and temple shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots and heritage sites (Borobudur, Prambanan) charge fees","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Heritage and temple sites require permits and fees for commercial gear. Avoid military and government installations."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the DGCA; drones over 2kg or beyond hobby use need permits, with restrictions near airports and heritage sites","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public, but publishing an identifiable person's image without consent can breach the 2022 Personal Data Protection Law","notes":"Get consent before commercial publication."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (no freedom of panorama)","notes":"Copyright Law No. 28 of 2014 lists no panorama exception, so you generally cannot sell images of copyrighted modern buildings or public art. Copyright runs life plus 70 years; older monuments are public domain."},"practical":["Borobudur and Prambanan restrict tripods and commercial gear and charge for shoots; arrange a permit in advance.","Selling a print of a modern Jakarta tower or public sculpture can infringe, with no panorama defense."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Indonesia","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Indonesia"},{"label":"UGM: street photography and the PDP law","url":"https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/street-photography-without-permission-may-breach-privacy-and-data-protection-laws-ugm-expert-says/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/indonesia"},{"slug":"malaysia","name":"Malaysia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Malaysia is one of the few Southeast Asian countries with genuine freedom of panorama: the Petronas Towers and other landmarks are safe to sell.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site or land manager for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots typically need location permits","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Heritage and religious sites set their own rules. Avoid military and government-security sites."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by CAAM; small drones need no registration, but larger or commercial operations need authorization","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing strangers in public is generally legal, with no general privacy tort","notes":"For commercial use of an identifiable person, get a release."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Copyright Act 1987 Section 13(2)(d) exempts reproduction and distribution of any artistic work permanently in a public place, including buildings and sculptures, so commercial sale is allowed."},"practical":["The Petronas Towers and other landmarks are safe to photograph and sell under the panorama exception.","Mosques and some temples set dress codes and may restrict interior or commercial photography; ask on site."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Malaysia (s.13(2)(d))","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Malaysia"},{"label":"AskLegal.my: photographing buildings and freedom of panorama","url":"https://asklegal.my/p/photos-of-buildings-malaysia-copyright-freedom-of-panorama"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/malaysia"},{"slug":"philippines","name":"Philippines","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"The Philippines has no freedom of panorama, but buildings completed before November 1972 were never protected and are free to sell.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Local government or site for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots usually need permits","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Heritage churches and Intramuros sites charge for and require permits for commercial and pre-nuptial shoots. Avoid military zones."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by CAAP; commercial drones need registration and a controller certificate","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes, broadly tolerated, but the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act and Data Privacy Act constrain capturing and publishing people","notes":"Get consent for commercial publication of identifiable subjects."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (no freedom of panorama)","notes":"The IP Code contains no panorama provision, so commercial images of copyrighted buildings and public art are not exempt. Buildings completed before 14 November 1972 were never protected and are free to use."},"practical":["Modern landmarks are not safe to sell; pre-1972 Spanish-era and American-era architecture is free.","Heritage churches and Intramuros often charge for and require permits for commercial shoots."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Philippines","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Philippines"},{"label":"IPOPHL: FAQs on photography and copyright","url":"https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/news/ipophl-answers-faqs-on-photography-and-copyright/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/philippines"},{"slug":"taiwan","name":"Taiwan","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Taiwan lets you sell images of buildings, but a print whose main subject is an outdoor copyrighted sculpture is not allowed.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site management for temple and heritage shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots at managed sites need permission","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Avoid military installations."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the CAA; registration and local-government approval required, with no-fly zones near airports and military sites","notes":"Tourists can apply on arrival. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes, generally allowed, but the Personal Data Protection Act and portrait rights apply to commercial publication","notes":"Get releases for commercial use of identifiable people."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, with limits","notes":"Copyright Act Article 58 lets you exploit architecture and art displayed long-term outdoors, but Article 58(4) bars reproducing an artwork solely to sell copies of it, so public art as the main subject is not allowed."},"practical":["Sell architectural images of Taipei 101; a print whose focus is a living artist's outdoor sculpture can infringe.","Temples generally allow personal photos but may restrict tripods, commercial shoots, and ritual areas."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Taiwan (Art. 58)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Taiwan"},{"label":"Taiwan IP Office (TIPO) ruling","url":"https://www.tipo.gov.tw/tw/copyright/692-16830.html"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/taiwan"},{"slug":"nepal","name":"Nepal","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Nepal has no freedom of panorama, but its centuries-old temples and stupas are out of copyright; the real constraint is heritage permits and Kathmandu drone bans.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Department of Archaeology for World Heritage sites; site management for temples; no permit for personal photography","cost":"No permit for tourist photography; professional and commercial shoots at heritage sites need approval, and temples charge camera fees","notes":"Tourist photography needs no permit. Commercial work at Kathmandu Valley heritage sites needs Department of Archaeology approval. Avoid military and government sites."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by CAAN with Ministry of Home Affairs sign-off; the Kathmandu Valley is effectively a no-fly zone","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes, broadly accepted; be culturally cautious at religious sites and with sadhus, who often expect a tip","notes":"Get consent for commercial publication of an identifiable person."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (no freedom of panorama)","notes":"The Copyright Act 2002 has no panorama exception. Most iconic temple architecture is centuries old and out of copyright, which is the basis for selling those images, not a panorama defense."},"practical":["Pashupatinath bars non-Hindus from the main temple and restricts photography of cremation areas; Durbar Squares need Archaeology approval for commercial work.","Carry your heritage entry tickets; some sites charge separate still and video camera fees."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Nepal","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Nepal"},{"label":"Nepal: filming permits and drone/heritage rules","url":"https://www.icefallproductions.com/casting-opportunities/filming-permits-and-drone-regulations/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/nepal"},{"slug":"sri-lanka","name":"Sri Lanka","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Sri Lanka has no freedom of panorama, charges for photography at its ancient cities, and tightly controls drones; the famous monuments are public domain by age.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site and antiquities authorities for archaeological sites; no general permit for personal photography","cost":"No general permit for tourist photography; archaeological sites (Sigiriya, Anuradhapura) charge paid entry and restrict commercial shoots","notes":"Personal photography needs no general permit. Avoid military and high-security zones."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by CAASL; camera drones over 200g need registration, Ministry of Defence clearance, and insurance","notes":"Import needs multi-agency clearance. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes, broadly permitted, but cultural rules are strict: never pose with your back to a Buddha statue","notes":"Get consent for commercial use of identifiable people; the Buddha-photo rule has led to tourist arrests."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (no freedom of panorama)","notes":"The Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003 has no panorama clause. The famous ancient and colonial monuments are old enough to be public domain, which is the practical basis for selling those images."},"practical":["Sigiriya and the sacred cities charge for photography and prohibit drones without special clearance.","Bring drone import and registration paperwork; clearance can take 10 to 21 days."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Sri Lanka","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Sri_Lanka"},{"label":"Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka: drones","url":"https://www.caa.lk/en/drones"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/sri-lanka"},{"slug":"cambodia","name":"Cambodia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Cambodia allows only incidental use of public works, but Angkor is far out of copyright, so the real constraint there is the site authority's rules.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Apsara National Authority for commercial work at Angkor; no permit for personal photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial photo or video at Angkor needs Apsara permission and fees, plus a valid Angkor pass","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Tripods and professional gear at Angkor need Apsara permission. Avoid military sites."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation; tightly controlled and permit-only over Angkor and heritage areas","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes, generally accepted; be respectful of monks and religious settings","notes":"Get consent for commercial publication of identifiable individuals."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Limited","notes":"Copyright Law (2003) Article 25 allows reproducing a work permanently in public only when it is not the principal subject. Angkor-era monuments are far out of copyright, so the constraint there is site rules, not copyright."},"practical":["Angkor allows free non-commercial photos; tripods and commercial gear need an Apsara permit and fee.","Modern copyrighted public art or buildings cannot be sold as the main subject, even though the ancient temples can be."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Cambodia (Art. 25)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Cambodia"},{"label":"Phnom Penh Post: Angkor photo rules clarified","url":"https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/angkor-photo-rules-clarified"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/cambodia"},{"slug":"maldives","name":"Maldives","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"The Maldives has no freedom of panorama, but its draw is natural scenery rather than architecture, so the bigger constraints are resort drone bans and modesty norms.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Resort or property owner for commercial shoots; no permit for personal photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots need resort or property permission","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Avoid airport and government areas. Respect local-island modesty norms."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority; registration required and many resorts enforce no-fly zones for guest privacy","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes, but on local islands modesty norms are strong; photographing residents, especially women, without consent is poorly received","notes":"Resorts are private property with their own rules."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (no freedom of panorama)","notes":"The Copyright and Related Rights Act (Law 23 of 2010) provides no panorama exception, so commercial images of copyrighted buildings or public art are not exempt. In practice the draw is reefs and beaches, so this rarely bites."},"practical":["Most resorts ban or tightly restrict drones to protect guest privacy; get written permission first.","On local islands, dress and photograph conservatively; photographing people without consent can cause offense."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Maldives","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Maldives"},{"label":"Maldives: Copyright and Related Rights Act 2010 (WIPO Lex)","url":"http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mv/mv002en.pdf"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/maldives"},{"slug":"israel","name":"Israel","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Israel lets you sell images of architecture and public sculpture, but not 2D public art, and military and religious-site rules are the bigger constraints.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Nature and Parks Authority and Antiquities Authority for commercial shoots at parks and heritage sites; no permit for personal photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots at heritage sites, antiquities, and parks need permits","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Never photograph military bases, checkpoints, the separation barrier, or on-duty security; comply if told to stop or delete."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the CAAI; visitors need advance permits and a customs declaration, recreational use only","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes in public, with a defense where a person appears by chance; commercial use of an identifiable image needs consent","notes":"Be sensitive in ultra-Orthodox areas and at religious sites, and on Shabbat at the Western Wall."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, with limits","notes":"Copyright Act 5768-2007 Section 23 permits depicting architecture, sculpture, and applied art permanently in public, including commercial use. It does not cover 2D works like murals."},"practical":["Military, border, and security sites are the biggest trap: never photograph bases, checkpoints, or on-duty security.","Expect photography bans at the Western Wall and holy sites on Shabbat and holidays, and permits for commercial heritage shoots."],"sources":[{"label":"Israel: Copyright Act 5768-2007, Section 23 (WIPO Lex)","url":"https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/11509"},{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Freedom of panorama in Israel","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Freedom_of_Panorama_in_Israel"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/israel"},{"slug":"jordan","name":"Jordan","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Jordan has no freedom of panorama for modern works, your Petra ticket does not cover professional shoots, and tourist drones are effectively banned.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Petra Development Authority and Royal Film Commission for heritage shoots; no permit for personal photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; the Petra ticket covers casual photos but professional and commercial work needs site authorization (allow about 2 weeks)","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Avoid government, military, security, and border facilities; violations risk detention or seizure."},"drone":{"status":"Tightly controlled by CARC, which requires advance written approval for everyone including tourists; personal drones are routinely confiscated at the airport","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes, with no general ban, but consent is the expected norm, especially for women, children, and Bedouin residents","notes":"Recording private spaces without consent is prohibited under the Cybercrime Law."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (no freedom of panorama)","notes":"Copyright Law No. 22 of 1992 has no panorama exception, so selling images of copyrighted modern buildings or public art can need permission. Ancient monuments (Petra, Jerash) are public domain by age."},"practical":["Your Petra ticket does not cover professional or commercial photography or drones; those need advance site and CARC approval.","Do not photograph military, checkpoints, government, airside, or border zones; confiscation or arrest can follow."],"sources":[{"label":"Copyright law of Jordan (No. 22/1992)","url":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_law_of_Jordan"},{"label":"Jordan CARC: drones","url":"https://carc.gov.jo/en/drones"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/jordan"},{"slug":"saudi-arabia","name":"Saudi Arabia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Saudi Arabia has no freedom of panorama, and photographing or posting an image of a person without consent is a criminal offence.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Ministry of Culture (GCAM) for commercial photography; site management for heritage and tourism sites","cost":"Casual public snapshots are broadly tolerated where not prohibited; commercial photography needs an advance permit","notes":"Commercial photography needs a Ministry of Culture permit. Government, military, security, royal, and many religious sites are off-limits. Photographing people without consent is a criminal offence."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by GACA; registration and a remote-pilot certificate required, with operational authorization for many flights","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"No by default for people: capturing and especially publishing a person's image without consent is prosecutable under the Anti-Cyber Crime Law","notes":"Photographing women, families, children, police, and government staff is especially sensitive."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (no freedom of panorama)","notes":"The Copyright Law (2003) protects architecture and artistic works with no panorama exception, so you generally cannot sell images of in-copyright public structures or art. Protection lasts 50 years after the author's death."},"practical":["Non-Muslims are barred from central Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque area in Medina; photography inside the two Holy Mosques is heavily restricted.","Never photograph government, military, royal, airport, or police sites, and do not photograph or post images of residents without consent."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Saudi Arabia","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Saudi_Arabia"},{"label":"Saudi GACA: unmanned aircraft registration","url":"https://uas.gaca.gov.sa/uas/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/saudi-arabia"},{"slug":"qatar","name":"Qatar","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Qatar has no freedom of panorama, and a 2025 law makes publishing images of identifiable people without consent a criminal offence even in public.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Qatar Media Corporation or the relevant authority for commercial shoots; site management for heritage and museums","cost":"Casual personal photography generally needs no permit; commercial shoots require a permit and often a local crew","notes":"Commercial shoots need a permit. Government, military, security, airport, port, and industrial sites are strictly off-limits."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the QCAA; registration and permits are limited to citizens or residents via a Qatar-registered entity, so tourists are effectively barred","notes":"Drones are commonly seized at customs. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"No by default for people: under Law No. 11 of 2025, publishing images of identifiable individuals without consent is a criminal offence even in public","notes":"Crowd shots are lower risk; avoid identifiable individuals, especially women and families."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (no freedom of panorama)","notes":"Under Law No. 7 of 2002, reproduction of architecture and public art is permitted only for non-commercial personal use and teaching, so you may not sell images of copyrighted buildings or public art."},"practical":["Never photograph government, military, police, airport, port, embassy, or oil and gas sites; it is treated as a security matter.","Do not photograph local people, particularly women and families, without clear permission; publishing an identifiable image without consent is a crime."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Qatar","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Qatar"},{"label":"Pinsent Masons: Qatar unauthorized-photography penalties (Law 11 of 2025)","url":"https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/qatar-penalties-unauthorised-photography-cybercrime-law"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/qatar"},{"slug":"kenya","name":"Kenya","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Kenya has unusually broad freedom of panorama, but national parks and any commercial shoot need a paid film licence on top of the copyright freedom.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Kenya Film Classification Board for commercial shoots; KWS for parks; National Museums for heritage sites","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots need a KFCB licence (about $60 plus $10 per day), and parks charge a separate KWS permit","notes":"Personal and hobby photography needs no permit. Foreign filmmakers need a local film agent. Avoid government, military, State House, and airports."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the KCAA, which treats all drones as aircraft needing registration and a permit; drones are banned inside national parks","notes":"Visitors need KCAA approval before arrival. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes, with no general release requirement, but the Constitution protects privacy; avoid intrusive or commercial use of identifiable people without consent","notes":"Maasai and other community subjects commonly expect payment for portraits; agree a fee first."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"The Copyright Act 2001 exempts reproduction and distribution of an artistic work situated where it can be viewed by the public, including architecture, sculpture, and photographs, so commercial sale is allowed. This is separate from park and film permit rules."},"practical":["In KWS parks, personal photos are free but commercial filming needs a KWS permit priced by crew size, plus park entry.","Pay before photographing Maasai and other community subjects; never photograph military, police, government, or airports."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Kenya (Copyright Act 2001)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Kenya"},{"label":"Kenya Film Classification Board: licensing","url":"https://kfcb.go.ke/licensing-film-agents-and-filmmakers"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/kenya"},{"slug":"tanzania","name":"Tanzania","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Tanzania's panorama freedom covers video but not still photos, and its safari parks treat any outside photographer as a commercial shoot with daily fees.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Tanzania Film Board for media shoots; TANAPA and NCAA for parks","cost":"No permit for casual tourist photos; parks charge daily commercial filming fees (roughly $250 to $300 per day), plus Film Board registration for media work","notes":"Casual personal photography needs no permit. Tanzania treats outside photographers and crews as commercial. Avoid government, military, and airport sites; Zanzibar adds modesty norms."},"drone":{"status":"Heavily restricted by the TCAA plus park and Ministry of Defence permits; effectively banned in parks and Zanzibar without costly special permits","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes in genuinely public places, but consent is the strong norm, especially for the Maasai, Hadzabe, children, and ceremonies","notes":"Many people expect a small payment; arrange it through your guide."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Limited","notes":"The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act 1999 permits reproduction of public architecture and art only in audio-visual recordings, not still photographs, so selling stills of recent copyrighted works is risky. Older landmarks are public domain."},"practical":["Safari parks are commercial-filming jurisdictions: TANAPA and NCAA charge daily fees and drones are effectively banned in parks.","Expect to pay (via your guide) when photographing the Maasai; never photograph government, military, or airports."],"sources":[{"label":"TANAPA: official park tariffs","url":"https://www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz/uploads/publications/en-1688147569-TARIFFS%20Design%20202324.pdf"},{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Freedom of panorama (Tanzania)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Freedom_of_panorama"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/tanzania"},{"slug":"namibia","name":"Namibia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Namibia has no usable freedom of panorama for stills, requires a film-commission permit for any commercial shoot, and bans drones in Etosha.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Namibia Film Commission for commercial shoots; MEFT and NWR for national parks","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial or professional shoots need a Film Commission permit, plus park permits inside national parks","notes":"Tourist snapshots need no permit. Any paid shoot needs a Film Commission permit and a work visa. Avoid the Sperrgebiet diamond areas, military, and government sites."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the NCAA; effectively banned in national parks without authorization, with a full ban in Etosha","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes, generally tolerated, but there is a strong consent expectation, especially for indigenous communities","notes":"The Himba, Herero, and San commonly expect to be asked and given a small payment for portraits."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (no freedom of panorama)","notes":"The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Protection Act 6 of 1994 only allows public artworks as incidental background in film or TV, not in stills, so you cannot sell still images of copyrighted public works. Works out of copyright are clear."},"practical":["Any paid or professional shoot needs a Namibia Film Commission permit, plus park permits and fees in national parks.","Do not photograph the Sperrgebiet diamond areas; ask permission and budget cash for Himba and San portraits; drones are off-limits in Etosha."],"sources":[{"label":"Namibia: Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Protection Act 6 of 1994","url":"https://www.lac.org.na/laws/annoSTAT/Copyright%20and%20Neighbouring%20Rights%20Protection%20Act%206%20of%201994.pdf"},{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Namibia","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Namibia/en"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/namibia"},{"slug":"tunisia","name":"Tunisia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Tunisia allows selling images of public buildings and outdoor art, but excludes museum works, and tourist drones are confiscated at customs.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Relevant ministries via a local fixer for commercial shoots; site management for museums and antiquities","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots need advance permits, and museums or sites may charge camera or tripod fees","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit at most public and heritage sites. Never photograph military, government, police, or security sites."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the OACA, which issues only short-term permits after multi-ministry clearance; importing a drone without authorization leads to customs confiscation","notes":"For visitors, drones are effectively banned. See Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes, with no specific ban, but the data-protection law requires consent to publish identifiable images, and asking first is the cultural norm","notes":"Be especially careful photographing women, who may decline."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, with limits","notes":"Law No. 94-36 of 1994 (amended 2009) permits reproduction of architecture, fine art, and applied art permanently in public, including commercial use, but excludes works inside museums and galleries and inherited artistic heritage."},"practical":["Do not arrive with a drone; customs routinely seizes them at Tunisian airports as prohibited goods.","At archaeological sites and museums, an entry ticket covers casual photos but tripods, flash, or commercial gear may incur a fee."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Tunisia (Law 94-36)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Tunisia"},{"label":"Drone and Cam: drone legislation in Tunisia","url":"https://droneandcam.com/en/post/drone-legislation-in-tunisia-what-you-need-to-know/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/tunisia"},{"slug":"colombia","name":"Colombia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Colombia lets you sell images of building exteriors and outdoor monuments, but not works displayed indoors, and protects a person's image as a right.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"National Natural Parks and site managers for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots and national parks need authorization and fees","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Tripods, lighting, or crews often trigger a municipal permit. Indigenous lands may require community consent."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by Aerocivil; drones over 250g need registration and commercial operators must register","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but Colombia protects the right to one's own image; publishing or commercially using a recognizable person generally needs consent","notes":"Extra care for minors."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Ley 23 de 1982 Art. 39 permits photographing works permanently on public roads, streets, and squares and selling the images. It covers exteriors only, not works displayed indoors in museums or lobbies."},"practical":["Selling a shot of an outdoor statue or building exterior is legal; selling an image of a copyrighted work inside a museum is not.","National Parks require a permit and fee for commercial shoots even though outdoor panorama freedom is full."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Colombia (Ley 23/1982 Art. 39)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Colombia"},{"label":"Colombia: Law No. 23 of 1982 (WIPO Lex)","url":"https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/881"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/colombia"},{"slug":"chile","name":"Chile","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Chile has full freedom of panorama for permanent public works, but Rapa Nui and the national parks impose their own commercial-shoot rules.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"CONAF for national parks; municipalities and site managers for organized commercial shoots; no permit for casual photography","cost":"No permit for casual photography; commercial shoots and CONAF parks need prior authorization and fees","notes":"Casual personal photography needs no permit. Tripods, lighting, or crews on public land often need a municipal permit."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the DGAC; urban and commercial aerial photography needs authorization, a registered drone, and a credentialed pilot","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but an identifiable image is personal data and courts recognize a right to one's own image","notes":"Commercial or stock use effectively requires a model release; extra care with minors."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Law 17.336 makes reproduction by photography of architecture and of monuments and artworks permanently in public places free, with publication and sale lawful. It covers permanent works, not temporary installations or interiors, and excludes currency designs."},"practical":["CONAF requires authorization and fees for commercial film or photo in parks like Torres del Paine, though tourist snapshots are fine.","Rapa Nui (Easter Island) moai are heritage-protected; CONAF and community rules restrict commercial photography and drones."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Chile (Law 17.336)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Chile"},{"label":"Chile: Ley 17.336 (BCN)","url":"https://www.bcn.cl/leychile/navegar?idNorma=28933"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/chile"},{"slug":"costa-rica","name":"Costa Rica","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Costa Rica's freedom of panorama is non-commercial only, so you cannot freely sell images of copyrighted public works; the draw is its protected nature anyway.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"SINAC and the Costa Rica Film Commission for commercial shoots in protected areas; no permit for personal photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial film or photo inside SINAC protected areas needs authorization and a per-day fee","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial drone operations need DGAC certification."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the DGAC; fly below 120m in daylight and 30m from people; commercial use needs certification","notes":"Flights over reserves count as commercial use. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but publishing or commercializing a recognizable person's image needs consent under the Civil Code","notes":"Exceptions for public events and genuine public interest; get model releases for commercial use."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (non-commercial only)","notes":"Under Ley 6683, photographing statues, monuments, and public artworks is lawful only without commercial purpose, so you may not freely sell images of copyrighted public works. Public-domain works are unaffected."},"practical":["Commercial film or photo inside SINAC protected areas needs advance authorization and a per-day fee via the Film Commission.","Drone flights over reserves count as commercial use requiring DGAC certification; respect the 30m wildlife distance rule."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Costa Rica","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Costa_Rica"},{"label":"Costa Rica: Ley 6683 (WIPO Lex)","url":"https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/11316"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/costa-rica"},{"slug":"romania","name":"Romania","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Romania lets you sell images of public works unless a still-in-copyright work is the main subject; most landmarks are old enough to be public domain.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site or heritage manager for commercial and interior shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots and heritage or religious sites need permits","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Tripods, lighting, or crews in city centers often need a permit. Some government sites restrict photography."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules via the AACR; operator registration required, with no-fly zones over airports and government sites","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; publishing a recognizable person is constrained by image rights under the Civil Code and GDPR","notes":"Candid editorial use is tolerated; advertising use generally needs consent."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Limited","notes":"Law 8/1996 Art. 35(f) permits images of works permanently in public places except where the work is the main subject and the use is commercial. Works whose author died 70+ years ago are public domain and free commercially."},"practical":["Selling a print whose dominant subject is a still-in-copyright modern building or sculpture can infringe; shoot it within a wider scene.","Palace of the Parliament exteriors are commonly photographed, but commercial use centered on protected designs or interiors needs permission."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Romania (Law 8/1996 Art. 35)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Romania"},{"label":"Romania: Law 8/1996 (WIPO Lex)","url":"https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/19477"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/romania"},{"slug":"malta","name":"Malta","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Malta lets you sell images of buildings and 3D public sculpture, but not 2D works, and publishing identifiable people needs a GDPR basis.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Malta Film Commission and Heritage Malta for commercial and heritage shoots; no permit for personal photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots and Heritage Malta sites need permits (about 2 to 6 weeks lead time)","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Tripods, lighting, or crews at managed sites trigger a fee or permit."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules via Transport Malta; register (drones over 250g or any with a camera), carry insurance, respect no-fly zones","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; publishing an image that clearly identifies a person needs a GDPR basis, normally consent","notes":"A personal-use exemption covers private images but not publication; the regulator suggests blurring faces where consent is impractical."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, with limits","notes":"Copyright Act Chapter 415 Art. 9 allows photographs of architecture and sculpture permanently in public places, including commercial sale. It covers 3D works only; 2D works like murals are excluded."},"practical":["The Valletta cityscape, fortifications, and freestanding monuments are safe to sell; a copyrighted 2D mural as the subject is not.","For commercial shoots at Heritage Malta sites (the megalithic temples, Valletta), contact the Film Commission weeks ahead and budget fees."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Malta","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Malta"},{"label":"Malta: Copyright Act Chapter 415 (WIPO Lex)","url":"https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/22350"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/malta"},{"slug":"ghana","name":"Ghana","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Ghana's panorama exception covers film and TV but not still photos, so selling still images of modern landmarks is restricted; folklore is protected in perpetuity.","lastVerified":"2026-06-28","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site management for heritage and government-controlled sites; no permit for ordinary street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots at many heritage and government sites need permission","notes":"Ordinary public photography needs no permit. Photography of military, the seat of government, police, and Kotoka airport is restricted and can be prosecuted."},"drone":{"status":"The GCAA requires in-person drone registration at the airport plus an operating permit, capped at 400ft and barred within 10km of an airport","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes, generally tolerated, with a constitutional privacy right; seek consent before photographing identifiable individuals, especially anyone in uniform","notes":"No dedicated image-rights statute, but consent is best practice for commercial publication."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (stills not covered)","notes":"Copyright Act 2005 Art. 19(1)(f) applies the panorama exception only to cinema, TV, or broadcast, not still photographs, so you cannot sell stills of copyrighted public works. Expressions of folklore are protected in perpetuity."},"practical":["Do not photograph military, government, the seat of government, or Kotoka airport, and ask before photographing police or soldiers.","Selling still photos of modern landmarks is legally risky; clear rights or shoot only public-domain structures."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Ghana (Act 690 Art. 19)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Ghana"},{"label":"Ghana Copyright Act 2005 (Act 690)","url":"https://bcp.gov.gh/acc/registry/docs/COPYRIGHT%20ACT,%202005%20(ACT%20690).pdf"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/ghana"},{"slug":"canyonlands-national-park","name":"Canyonlands National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"utah","summary":"Canyonlands needs no permit for small-group still photography, but permitted shoots run through the Southeast Utah Group office with a steep application fee.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Southeast Utah Group commercial services office (Arches and Canyonlands)","cost":"Nonrefundable $280 application fee via Pay.gov; still photography location fees start at $50/day for 1 to 10 people, plus cost-recovery monitoring fees","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/filming.htm","processingTime":"Apply as far ahead as possible; projects needing additional compliance can take 6 to 8 weeks","notes":"Under the EXPLORE Act, groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit. Permits kick in for models promoting products or services, closed areas, or shoots needing park support. Canyonlands and Arches share one permit office (SEUG_CommercialServices@nps.gov); verify with the park permit office before a commercial shoot."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs superintendents to close parks to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome; the permit question is about models, closed areas, and park support."},"practical":["Mesa Arch at sunrise is the most crowded tripod line in the park; arrive well before first light for a front-row spot.","Island in the Sky and the Needles are separate districts roughly two hours apart by road; plan them as separate shoots.","The White Rim Road requires a day-use vehicle permit even for a quick drive-in shoot.","The park is open 24 hours with superb dark skies, so night shooting is straightforward access-wise."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Canyonlands Filming and Still Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/filming.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/canyonlands-national-park"},{"slug":"capitol-reef-national-park","name":"Capitol Reef National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"utah","summary":"Capitol Reef follows the standard EXPLORE Act exemption for small shoots and spells out its model and prop triggers, with a modest two-part permit fee.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Capitol Reef National Park Filming Permits Coordinator","cost":"Nonrefundable $100 application fee plus a $150 permit fee for permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/filmphoto.htm","processingTime":"Simple requests about 2 weeks; multiple locations, complex logistics, or extra compliance need at least 4 weeks","notes":"Most still photography needs no permit. The park requires one when the shoot uses a model, set, or prop that promotes a product or service, happens where the public is not allowed, or creates extra administrative cost. Groups of eight or fewer with hand-carried gear in public areas are generally exempt under the EXPLORE Act. Email applications to care_commercialservices@nps.gov; verify current requirements with the park permit office."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs superintendents to close parks to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Portrait subjects such as wedding parties are not considered models, per the park's own guidance."},"practical":["The Fruita historic district (barn, orchards, Gifford House) is the signature foreground and sits right off the main road.","Cathedral Valley's Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon require a high-clearance vehicle on a rough loop road.","Capitol Reef is an International Dark Sky Park; night skies over the Waterpocket Fold are a core reason to stay overnight."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Capitol Reef Filming and Photography Guidelines","url":"https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/filmphoto.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/capitol-reef-national-park"},{"slug":"petrified-forest-national-park","name":"Petrified Forest National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"arizona","summary":"Petrified Forest applies the EXPLORE Act small-group exemption, but its gated day-use hours are the real constraint on golden-hour and night shooting.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Petrified Forest National Park special use permit office","cost":"$100 application processing fee; location fees for permitted shoots start at $150/day for 1 to 10 people","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/pefo/planyourvisit/filmingphotography.htm","processingTime":"Complete applications at least 10 days before the requested date; urgent requests get no priority","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act (per the NPS March 2025 implementation guidance the park cites). Permits are required for larger crews, closed areas, or shoots creating administrative cost. Applications need a production schedule, cast and crew list, and equipment list. Verify with the park permit office."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs superintendents to close parks to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography during open hours","notes":"The park is day-use with gated entrances; you cannot linger past posted closing time."},"practical":["Gate hours vary by season and often close before summer sunset; late light, astro, and sunrise access generally require special arrangement, so check current hours first.","Removing petrified wood is a federal offense the park takes seriously; do not stage or move pieces for a composition.","The Painted Desert rim and Blue Mesa are short walks from the park road, so hand-carried kit covers nearly everything."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Petrified Forest Filming and Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/pefo/planyourvisit/filmingphotography.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/petrified-forest-national-park"},{"slug":"saguaro-national-park","name":"Saguaro National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"arizona","summary":"Saguaro follows the standard EXPLORE Act exemption for small shoots; the practical wrinkle is two separate districts and gated loop-drive hours.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Saguaro National Park special use permit office","cost":"Application, location, and cost-recovery fees apply when a permit is required; fee varies, see the park permit page","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/filming-and-photography.htm","processingTime":"Contact the park before your planned date; allow time for review","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. The park posts the NPS Form 10-932 application on its filming page. Photography workshops run as a business may need a Commercial Use Authorization instead. Verify with the park permit office."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs superintendents to close parks to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome in both districts."},"practical":["The park is two districts on opposite sides of Tucson (Rincon Mountain east, Tucson Mountain west); they are about an hour apart.","Scenic loop drives are gated and generally open sunrise to sunset, which squeezes true golden-hour and night work; check current gate hours.","Saguaro blooms typically peak in late May and June, and summer monsoon skies bring the dramatic light."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Saguaro Filming and Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/filming-and-photography.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/saguaro-national-park"},{"slug":"carlsbad-caverns-national-park","name":"Carlsbad Caverns National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"new-mexico","summary":"Carlsbad Caverns routes filming and photography permits through its special use office, and the cave environment adds its own rules on top of the permit question.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Carlsbad Caverns National Park Special Use Permits Office","cost":"Fee varies, see the park permit page; payment is collected by card after staff approve the application","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm","processingTime":"Allow 10 business days for permit processing","notes":"The park lists commercial filming and photography anywhere in the park among activities that require a special use permit, with applications emailed to CAVE_Fees@nps.gov. The servicewide EXPLORE Act exemption still covers ordinary small-group shooting with hand-carried gear in public areas. The park has no dedicated filming page, so verify your specific shoot with the park permit office."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs superintendents to close parks to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes in public areas, but cavern entry itself is by timed-entry reservation","notes":"Photography is allowed in the cavern on general admission; ranger-led tours have their own restrictions."},"practical":["Cavern entry requires a timed-entry reservation through Recreation.gov on top of the entrance fee; book before you drive out.","Photography is prohibited at the evening Bat Flight Program; do not plan a shot list around it.","The Big Room is extremely dim; plan for high ISO and fast glass, and ask rangers about tripod etiquette on the day since trails are narrow and shared."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Carlsbad Caverns Permits and Reservations","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/carlsbad-caverns-national-park"},{"slug":"guadalupe-mountains-national-park","name":"Guadalupe Mountains National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"texas","summary":"Guadalupe Mountains handles photography permits as special use permits with a four-week lead time, and organized groups of 20 or more need a permit regardless of cameras.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Guadalupe Mountains National Park Permit Coordinator","cost":"Nonrefundable $150 application fee for special use permits; monitoring and cost-recovery charges may be added","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/gumo/getinvolved/special-use-permits.htm","processingTime":"Apply at least 4 weeks before the requested date","notes":"The park states that some photography and filming not meant solely for personal use may require a permit, handled through its special use permit process (gumo_permits@nps.gov). The servicewide EXPLORE Act exemption covers ordinary small-group shooting with hand-carried gear. Separately, organized group activities of 20 or more people require a permit, which can catch workshops. Verify with the park permit office."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs superintendents to close parks to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"On trails and in wilderness, groups must split into parties of 10 or fewer."},"practical":["There is no scenic drive; nearly every strong composition (Devil's Hall, Guadalupe Peak, the Bowl) is earned on foot, so pack light.","McKittrick Canyon's fall color, usually late October into November, is the park's signature photographic season.","Wind is a defining feature here; bring a stable tripod and expect gusts on exposed ridgelines."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Guadalupe Mountains Special Use Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/gumo/getinvolved/special-use-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/guadalupe-mountains-national-park"},{"slug":"big-bend-national-park","name":"Big Bend National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"texas","summary":"Big Bend applies the EXPLORE Act exemption for small shoots and requires a $150 application plus $1 million liability insurance once a permit is in play.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Big Bend National Park filming coordinator","cost":"Nonrefundable $150 application fee; permitted shoots also pay location and cost-recovery fees and must carry $1 million commercial liability insurance naming the United States as additional insured","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/bibe/learn/management/film-permits.htm","processingTime":"Discuss your project with the filming coordinator before submitting an application","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Larger crews and more complicated setups require a permit, and a refundable damage bond may be required for high-impact projects. The park asks applicants to contact the filming coordinator (432-477-1185) first; verify with the park permit office."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"The park states drones are prohibited in Big Bend and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River, consistent with NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR 1.5 closures. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"No entry into closed areas and no ground disturbance or moving of natural features, even for exempt shoots."},"practical":["Big Bend is a certified International Dark Sky Park with some of the darkest measured skies in the lower 48; astro is the headline act.","Distances are serious: it can be an hour or more between shooting locations inside the park, and fuel and water planning are part of the shoot.","Summer heat is dangerous by mid-morning at low elevations; the Chisos Basin runs cooler and holds light differently."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Big Bend Filming and Still Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/bibe/learn/management/film-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/big-bend-national-park"},{"slug":"white-sands-national-park","name":"White Sands National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"new-mexico","summary":"White Sands' permit page still reflects the pre-EXPLORE framework with a $100 application fee, and missile range closures can shut the whole park without much warning.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"White Sands National Park permits office","cost":"$100 application fee plus cost-recovery and location fees for permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/commercialfilmingandphoto21.htm","processingTime":"Processed in order received; complex or compliance-heavy projects need extra lead time","notes":"The park's page still describes the pre-EXPLORE framework: still photography needs a permit only for closed areas, models or props promoting a product or service, or shoots creating administrative cost. The EXPLORE Act's eight-or-fewer exemption now covers ordinary small-group shooting servicewide. Applications go to whsa_permits@nps.gov with payment via Pay.gov; verify current rules with the park permit office."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs superintendents to close parks to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5, and the adjacent missile range airspace is restricted anyway. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography during open hours","notes":"Dunes Drive operates on posted daily hours; the park is not open overnight except by special arrangement or scheduled events."},"practical":["The park closes completely during White Sands Missile Range tests, sometimes with short notice; check the park alerts page before a long drive.","Dunes Drive hours vary by season and the gates close shortly after sunset, so the classic dusk glow is a tight window.","Gypsum sand is fine and gets everywhere; keep lens changes to a minimum and bag your bodies in wind."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Filming and Photography at White Sands","url":"https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/commercialfilmingandphoto21.htm"},{"label":"NPS: White Sands Photography Tips","url":"https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/photography.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/white-sands-national-park"},{"slug":"great-sand-dunes-national-park","name":"Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"colorado","summary":"Great Sand Dunes follows the EXPLORE Act exemption for small shoots, with extra scrutiny for anything permitted inside its designated wilderness.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve permit office","cost":"Application, location, and cost-recovery fees apply when a permit is required; fee varies, see the park permit page","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/film-photography-and-sound-recording-permits.htm","processingTime":"Contact the park ahead of your date; permitted wilderness projects need extra review","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Most of the dunefield is designated wilderness, and the park flags additional laws and policies for permitted filming there. Verify with the park permit office."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"The park states it is illegal to launch, land, or operate a drone from within its boundaries, per NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR 1.5 closures. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"The park is open 24 hours with no entrance gate, so dawn, dusk, and night access are simple."},"practical":["Medano Creek's peak flow, usually late May into early June, is the park's signature foreground and its busiest season.","Afternoon winds routinely sandblast gear on the dunefield; mornings are calmer and hold undisturbed ripples.","Sand surface temperatures can exceed 140 F on summer afternoons; shoot early, and the dark skies here reward staying late."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Great Sand Dunes Film, Photography, and Sound Recording Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/film-photography-and-sound-recording-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Great Sand Dunes Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/photography.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/great-sand-dunes-national-park"},{"slug":"mesa-verde-national-park","name":"Mesa Verde National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"colorado","summary":"Mesa Verde applies the EXPLORE Act exemption for small shoots, but the cliff dwellings themselves are only reachable on ticketed ranger tours.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Mesa Verde National Park special use permit office","cost":"Nonrefundable $160 application fee; still photography location fees for permitted shoots start at $50/day for 1 to 10 people","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/filming.htm","processingTime":"Complete application packet at least 10 days before the requested date","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Permitted shoots may need liability insurance naming the United States as additional insured. Photography workshops run as a business may need a Commercial Use Authorization. Verify with the park permit office."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs superintendents to close parks to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography in public areas","notes":"Entering cliff dwellings outside a ranger-led tour is prohibited; overlooks are open on your own schedule."},"practical":["Cliff Palace and Balcony House require timed ranger-tour tickets (sold on Recreation.gov) that sell out in season; overlooks need no ticket.","The Cliff Palace overlook catches warm late-afternoon light on the alcove; it is the classic no-ticket shot.","The park road climbs and winds; budget about 45 minutes from the entrance to the Chapin Mesa sites before you plan a sunset."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Mesa Verde Filming and Still Photography Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/filming.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/mesa-verde-national-park"},{"slug":"black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park","name":"Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"colorado","summary":"Black Canyon shares a permit office with Curecanti, uses NPS Form 10-931 with a $100 fee, and its narrow gorge flips the usual golden-hour logic.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Curecanti commercial services office","cost":"Nonrefundable $100 application fee paid via Pay.gov; location and cost-recovery fees apply to permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/filming-photo-audio.htm","processingTime":"Standard requests at least 14 days ahead; complex or compliance-heavy projects at least 4 weeks","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Permitted shoots apply on NPS Form 10-931 emailed to BLCA_CURE_commercialservices@nps.gov. Verify with the park permit office."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs superintendents to close parks to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Rim overlooks are the working positions; inner-canyon access is a strenuous scramble requiring a wilderness permit."},"practical":["The gorge is so narrow that direct light only reaches the depths near midday; the Painted Wall often shoots better then than at classic golden hour.","The South Rim is the developed side; the North Rim is gravel-access and closes in winter, so confirm access before committing.","Black Canyon is a certified International Dark Sky Park, and the rim overlooks double as astro platforms."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Black Canyon Filming, Still Photography and Audio Recording","url":"https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/filming-photo-audio.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park"},{"slug":"great-basin-national-park","name":"Great Basin National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"nevada","summary":"Great Basin has the cheapest application fee in this set at $75, but any serious photography inside Lehman Caves requires a special use permit and an after-hours cave tour.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Great Basin National Park Special Uses Coordinator","cost":"Nonrefundable $75 application fee plus location and monitoring fees for permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/grba/learn/management/film-permits.htm","processingTime":"Allow a minimum of 30 days after the application is received","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. The park explicitly calls out non-public spaces such as Lehman Caves as a permit trigger: amateur and commercial photography inside the cave requires a Special Use Permit and an After-Hours Cave Photography tour. Verify with the park permit office."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs superintendents to close parks to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography on the surface","notes":"Lehman Caves is tour-only; tripod-and-lighting photography there runs through the after-hours program, not regular tours."},"practical":["The After-Hours Cave Photography program is the only realistic route to serious tripod work in Lehman Caves; book it through the Special Uses Coordinator.","The Wheeler Peak bristlecone grove pairs 4,000-year-old trees with some of the darkest skies in the country.","The park has no entrance fee and little crowd pressure; the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive's upper reaches close with snow much of the year."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Great Basin Filming Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grba/learn/management/film-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Great Basin After-Hours Cave Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grba/learn/management/after-hours-cave-photography.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/great-basin-national-park"},{"slug":"pinnacles-national-park","name":"Pinnacles National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"california","summary":"Pinnacles folds filming into its general special use permit process, which carries a $350 application fee and a 90-day lead time when a permit applies.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Pinnacles National Park special use permit office","cost":"Nonrefundable $350 application fee for Special Use Permits; confirm what applies to your shoot with the park permit office","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm","processingTime":"Special Use Permit applications should reach the park at least 90 days before the activity","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act; the park's page carries the standard exemption language, including a FAQ noting most influencer-scale shooting is fine. There is no dedicated filming page, so permitted productions run through the special use process. Verify with the park permit office."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs superintendents to close parks to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5, and this park protects an active California condor recovery site. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Give condors and their roosts generous distance; harassment of wildlife is a citable offense."},"practical":["The east and west entrances are not connected by any road through the park; pick your side before you plan the day.","California condors are the marquee wildlife subject, often seen from the High Peaks early in the morning; bring long glass.","The talus caves (Bear Gulch, Balconies) close seasonally for bat roosting; check current status before building a shot around them."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Pinnacles Permits and Reservations","url":"https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/pinnacles-national-park"},{"slug":"channel-islands-national-park","name":"Channel Islands National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"california","summary":"Channel Islands still publishes pre-EXPLORE permit guidance, wants two weeks and a hard-copy application, and every shoot is shaped by the boat ride out.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Channel Islands National Park Film Permit Coordinator (Chief Ranger's office)","cost":"Nonrefundable application fee per the park's posted fee schedule; fee varies, see the park permit page","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/management/commercial-filming-permits.htm","processingTime":"Minimum of 2 weeks; the park cites its logistical complexity as the reason","notes":"The park's page still reflects the pre-EXPLORE 2022 framework, requiring permits for all commercial filming and for still photography using models or props, closed areas, or park monitoring. The EXPLORE Act's eight-or-fewer exemption now applies servicewide, so ordinary small-group shooting needs no permit. Permitted applications must arrive as a hard copy with an original signature. Verify with the park permit office (805-658-5717)."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs superintendents to close parks to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5; the surrounding marine sanctuary adds its own wildlife-disturbance rules. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Access itself is the constraint: the islands are reachable only by park concession boat or small plane."},"practical":["Island Packers boats out of Ventura are the standard access; crossings sell out in season and get cancelled for sea conditions, so build slack into any shoot plan.","There are no services, no gear rentals, and no resupply on the islands; everything you shoot with rides in your pack.","The island fox on Santa Cruz is famously bold around Scorpion Anchorage; protect food and bags, and you will get frame-filling shots without baiting."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Channel Islands Commercial Filming and Still Photography Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/management/commercial-filming-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/channel-islands-national-park"},{"slug":"lassen-volcanic-national-park","name":"Lassen Volcanic National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"california","summary":"Lassen applies the standard EXPLORE Act exemption for small shoots; the real planning constraint is snow keeping the park highway closed deep into summer.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Lassen Volcanic National Park permits office","cost":"Application and cost-recovery fees apply when a permit is required; fee varies, see the park permit page","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/permits.htm","processingTime":"Contact the park ahead of your date; email lavo_fees@nps.gov for filming and photography permits","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Permits kick in for larger crews, models promoting products or services, closed areas, or shoots needing park support. Verify with the park permit office."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs superintendents to close parks to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Stay on boardwalks in hydrothermal areas; the crust off-trail is thin and the closures are strictly enforced."},"practical":["The main park highway typically does not fully open until late June or July after snow clearing; check road status before planning a crossing shoot.","Bumpass Hell's boardwalk puts you close to the hydrothermal basins; steam reads best backlit in cold morning air.","Manzanita Lake with Lassen Peak reflected is the classic calm-morning composition, minutes from the northwest entrance."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Lassen Volcanic Permits and Reservations","url":"https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/lassen-volcanic-national-park"},{"slug":"redwood-national-and-state-parks","name":"Redwood National and State Parks","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"california","summary":"Redwood is a joint NPS and California State Parks operation, so federal land follows the EXPLORE Act exemption while state park land runs a separate permit process.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Redwood National and State Parks Permit Coordinator","cost":"$200 application fee via Pay.gov for shoots that need a permit; cost-recovery fees for monitoring may be added","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/supfilming.htm","processingTime":"Submit to redw_special_use_permits@nps.gov and allow time for review; state park locations use a separate application","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, generally need no permit under the EXPLORE Act on national park land. State park land within the complex has its own application process. Permits are non-exclusive, depicting tree climbing is not allowed, and photography workshops may need a Commercial Use Authorization. Verify with the park permit office."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned on national park land: launching, landing, or operating a drone is prohibited","notes":"The park states drones are not allowed on national park land and are considered case by case on state park land, consistent with NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR 1.5 closures. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the parks","notes":"Filming or photographing park staff or volunteers requires prior approval."},"practical":["Fern Canyon and the Gold Bluffs Beach corridor require a summer day-use vehicle permit booked in advance; do not show up unpermitted in peak season.","Coastal fog is the signature light here; calm summer mornings deliver the god-ray shots in groves like Prairie Creek.","Tall Trees Grove access requires a free advance permit with a gate code; plan it a day or more ahead.","Know which land unit you are standing on; the state park sections (Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, Prairie Creek) run their own permit and drone rules."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Redwood Filming and Still Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/supfilming.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/redwood-national-and-state-parks"},{"slug":"crater-lake-national-park","name":"Crater Lake National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"oregon","summary":"Crater Lake needs no permit for small-group still photography, but models, props, closed areas, or crews over eight trigger a permit with a $50 application fee.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Crater Lake National Park Permit Office","cost":"Nonrefundable $50 application fee for permitted film/photography; cost recovery and location fees may be added","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/filming-and-photography-permits.htm","processingTime":"Most requests within 4 weeks; complex or multi-location projects need at least 10 weeks","notes":"A permit may be needed when your group exceeds 8 individuals or the activity impacts resources, needs exclusive use, or creates administrative cost for the park. The park also requires permits for shoots involving props, merchandise, models, professional crews, or set dressings, and for access to areas closed to the public. Photography workshops may need a commercial use authorization instead. Permitted shoots must carry $1,000,000 liability insurance naming the US Government as additionally insured."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome. Permit activities cannot restrict other visitors from any location."},"practical":["Rim Drive is buried under snow for much of the year; the full loop typically opens in July and closes with the first big storms, so plan compositions around what is actually plowed.","The caldera interior is closed to entry except via the Cleetwood Cove Trail; there is no legal off-trail route down to the water for a shot.","Winter access is usually limited to the south entrance and Rim Village, which is also when the park is quietest for blue-hour work over the lake."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Crater Lake Filming and Photography Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/filming-and-photography-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/crater-lake-national-park"},{"slug":"north-cascades-national-park","name":"North Cascades National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"washington","summary":"North Cascades follows the standard EXPLORE Act eight-or-fewer exemption, with one big local wrinkle: 94 percent of the park is designated wilderness with extra review for filming.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"North Cascades National Park Service Complex special use permits office","cost":"No permit or fee for qualifying groups of 8 or fewer; permitted shoots pay application, cost recovery, and location fees (fee varies, see the park permit page)","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/noca/getinvolved/filming-still-photography-and-audio-recording.htm","processingTime":"Contact the park in advance; wilderness filming requires additional review time","notes":"Groups of 8 or fewer using hand-carried gear in areas open to the public, without exclusive use, adverse impact, or added administrative cost, need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. The park is 94 percent wilderness: except for casual visitor filming, filming activities in wilderness require additional review regardless of group size."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome. There is no entrance fee for the national park complex."},"practical":["State Route 20, the North Cascades Highway, closes for avalanche season roughly November to May; the classic Diablo Lake and Washington Pass viewpoints sit on that corridor.","Most icon shots (Diablo Lake overlook, Washington Pass) are actually in the surrounding recreation areas or national forest along the highway; the park proper is largely trail-access wilderness.","Larch season in late September to early October is the busiest photography window; popular trailheads fill before sunrise."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: North Cascades Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording","url":"https://www.nps.gov/noca/getinvolved/filming-still-photography-and-audio-recording.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/north-cascades-national-park"},{"slug":"denali-national-park","name":"Denali National Park and Preserve","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"alaska","summary":"Denali needs no permit for small-group still photography; permitted shoots pay a $200 application fee and the real constraint is the bus-only park road.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Denali National Park and Preserve Special Permit Coordinator","cost":"Nonrefundable $200 application and administrative fee for permitted shoots; location and monitoring fees may be added","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/dena/learn/management/filming-still-photography-program.htm","processingTime":"Apply as far in advance as possible; the park asks for adequate review time and cites up to 4 weeks","notes":"Groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions (no exclusive use, no adverse impact, no added administrative cost) need no permit or fee. Press news gathering never requires a permit. Permitted productions may need liability insurance from a US company naming the United States as additionally insured: minimum $500,000 for most video/film companies, $1,000,000 per occurrence for larger productions or more than three people."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome, including from park buses."},"practical":["Private vehicles can only drive the first 15 miles of the park road to Savage River; beyond that you shoot from transit or tour buses, so long-lens wildlife work means window seats and quick reflexes.","The Pretty Rocks landslide has kept the road closed partway for years; check current road status before planning shots deep in the park (Wonder Lake, Reflection Pond).","The mountain makes its own weather and is fully visible only about one day in three; build slack into any trip that depends on seeing the summit.","Flightseeing from Talkeetna or the park area is the reliable way to photograph the high peaks; those flights operate outside the drone ban because they are piloted aircraft."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Denali Filming and Still Photography Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/dena/learn/management/filming-still-photography-program.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/denali-national-park"},{"slug":"kenai-fjords-national-park","name":"Kenai Fjords National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"alaska","summary":"Kenai Fjords requires no permit for small-group still photography; most shooting happens from tour boats out of Seward, where the park permit question rarely comes up at all.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Kenai Fjords National Park Special Use Permits Coordinator","cost":"No permit or fee for qualifying groups of 8 or fewer; permitted shoots pay a nonrefundable application fee plus cost recovery and location fees (fee varies, see the park permit page)","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/permits.htm","processingTime":"Contact the Special Use Permits Coordinator in advance; allow more time for activities with significant operational impact","notes":"Groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions (no exclusive use, no adverse impact, no added administrative cost) need no permit. Larger groups or shoots that fail those conditions apply with NPS Form 10-932. No permits or reservations are required simply to access the park, camp, or travel the backcountry. Photography workshops and guided photo tours are commercial services that need a commercial use authorization."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome, including from commercial tour boats."},"practical":["Exit Glacier is the only part of the park you can reach by road; everything else (tidewater glaciers, whales, puffins, sea otters) is shot from boats out of Seward or by air taxi.","Day-cruise decks are crowded and move constantly; fast shutter speeds and image stabilization matter more here than tripods, which are close to useless afloat.","The Harding Icefield Trail is the big landscape payoff on foot: roughly 8 miles round trip and weather-dependent, with the icefield often socked in."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Kenai Fjords Permits (Filming and Photography section)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/kenai-fjords-national-park"},{"slug":"glacier-bay-national-park","name":"Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"alaska","summary":"Glacier Bay follows the EXPLORE Act eight-or-fewer exemption with a $200 application fee for permitted filming; the practical gatekeeper is boat access, not the permit office.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Special Use Coordinator (Commercial Services Office)","cost":"$200 application fee for permitted filming; cost recovery and location fees may be added","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/glba/learn/management/filming-permits.htm","processingTime":"Contact the Special Use Coordinator at 907-697-2567 in advance to discuss the project","notes":"Groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions (no exclusive use, no adverse impact, no added administrative cost) need no permit or fee. The park encourages anyone planning filming activities to contact the Special Use Coordinator first to discuss closures, sensitive resources, and impact mitigation. Applications use the NPS short form (10-931) or long form (10-932)."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome, including from cruise ships and the day boat."},"practical":["There are no roads into Glacier Bay; most photographers shoot from cruise ships or the Bartlett Cove day boat, so focal length and deck position substitute for foot access.","Private vessels need their own park entry permit in the summer season (a boating permit, separate from any photography question).","Tidewater glacier calving is a long-lens waiting game; ships hold position off Margerie Glacier, and the light is usually flat and blue, so expose for the ice, not the sky."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Glacier Bay Filming Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/glba/learn/management/filming-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/glacier-bay-national-park"},{"slug":"katmai-national-park","name":"Katmai National Park and Preserve","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"alaska","summary":"Katmai's bear photography needs no permit for small groups, but permitted productions are capped at 15 people parkwide and 12 at Brooks Camp, and the platforms have their own etiquette.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Katmai National Park and Preserve permits coordinator (katm_dispatch@nps.gov)","cost":"No permit or fee for qualifying groups of 8 or fewer; permitted shoots pay location and cost recovery fees scaled to production size (fee varies, see the park permit page)","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/katm/planyourvisit/permits.htm","processingTime":"Submit applications as soon as possible; wait for final approval before booking travel","notes":"Groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions (no exclusive use, no adverse impact, no added administrative cost) need no permit. The park flags filming projects involving more than five people, wilderness locations, or extensive equipment as candidates for a special use permit. Special stipulations for permitted filming: total group size cannot exceed 15 people, and 12 total at Brooks Camp. No permits are required for ordinary recreation in Katmai."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome, including from the Brooks Falls viewing platforms."},"practical":["Access is by floatplane or boat; most photographers fly from King Salmon or Anchorage to Brooks Camp, and everyone attends mandatory bear-safety orientation on arrival.","The Brooks Falls platform runs a time-limited rotation during July peak season; tripods are workable but be ready to yield your spot, and there is no reserving a rail position.","Peak brown bear action is July (salmon at the falls) and September (fat bears on lower river carcasses); June and August are much quieter for bears.","The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes bus tour is the volcanic-landscape counterpart most bear photographers skip; it is the same permit math, no permit for small groups."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Katmai Permits and Reservations (Filming and Photography section)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/katm/planyourvisit/permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Brooks Falls Photography, Know Before You Go","url":"https://www.nps.gov/katm/blogs/brooks-falls-photography-know-before-you-go.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/katmai-national-park"},{"slug":"lake-clark-national-park","name":"Lake Clark National Park and Preserve","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"alaska","summary":"Lake Clark requires no permit for small-group still photography and no entrance fee at all; the cost of shooting here is the air taxi, not the paperwork.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (contact the Chief Ranger)","cost":"No permit or fee for qualifying groups of 8 or fewer; permitted shoots pay application, cost recovery, and location fees (fee varies, see the park permit page)","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/lacl/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm","processingTime":"Contact the Chief Ranger before your activity if you think a permit may be required","notes":"Groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions (no exclusive use, no adverse impact, no added administrative cost) need no permit, whether commercial, non-commercial, content creation, student, or news work. No entrance fees, reservations, or NPS permits are needed for recreation, including bear viewing. Guided photography and bear-viewing services operate under commercial use authorizations."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["There are no roads into the park; everything moves by small plane, so weight limits shape your kit and weather delays shape your schedule.","Coastal brown bear photography at Chinitna Bay and Silver Salmon Creek is the park's signature work, usually booked through air taxis and guided lodges operating under park CUAs.","Weather holds are routine; build at least a day of slack on either side of a coastal bear trip or you will donate your window to the fog."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Lake Clark Permits and Reservations (Filming section)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/lacl/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/lake-clark-national-park"},{"slug":"wrangell-st-elias-national-park","name":"Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"alaska","summary":"America's largest national park treats small-group still photography as permit-free; special use permits carry a $200 application fee and a 30-day lead time.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Wrangell-St. Elias Special Use Permit Coordinator (907-822-7206)","cost":"$200 application fee for special use permits; cost recovery and location fees may be added for permitted shoots","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm","processingTime":"Complete applications must arrive at least 30 days before the activity start date","notes":"Federal law (54 U.S.C. 100905) exempts filming and still photography from permits and fees when requirements on group size, location, equipment, impacts, and administrative cost are met; the standard EXPLORE Act eight-or-fewer framing applies. Backcountry hiking and camping need no permit. Commercial photography services (guided workshops, tours) require a commercial use authorization."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome, including in the Kennecott historic district."},"practical":["Only two rough gravel roads enter the park (McCarthy Road and Nabesna Road); most rental car contracts prohibit them, and the drive to McCarthy is a slow 60 miles.","The Kennecott mill town is the marquee subject: rust-red mine buildings against the Root Glacier, with guided interior tours run by a concessioner.","Air taxis out of McCarthy or Chitina unlock the big glacier and peak photography; at 13.2 million acres, almost none of this park is reachable on foot from a road.","Check the Superintendent's Compendium for current closures and restrictions; it is the controlling document for on-the-ground rules."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Wrangell-St. Elias Permits and Reservations","url":"https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/wrangell-st-elias-national-park"},{"slug":"gates-of-the-arctic-national-park","name":"Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"alaska","summary":"Gates of the Arctic has no roads, no trails, and no permit for small-group still photography; permit requirements are imposed case by case under Alaska-specific regulations.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve (permit requirements imposed by the superintendent under 36 CFR 13.50)","cost":"No permit or fee for qualifying groups of 8 or fewer; permitted shoots pay application, cost recovery, and location fees (fee varies, see the park permit page)","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/gaar/planyourvisit/film-photography-permits.htm","processingTime":"Contact the park for an application; case-by-case review","notes":"Groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions (no exclusive use, no adverse impact, no added administrative cost) need no permit. A permit is required for activity in closed areas, exclusive use of a site, sets or staging equipment beyond handheld gear (tripods, monopods, and handheld lighting count as handheld), or more than eight individuals. Alaska parks use 36 CFR 13.50 superintendent authority rather than the standard permit regulations."},"drone":{"status":"Banned: launching, landing, or operating unmanned or remote controlled aircraft in Gates of the Arctic is prohibited","notes":"The park states the prohibition directly, consistent with NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome; the entire park is undeveloped backcountry."},"practical":["There are zero roads and zero maintained trails; access is by air taxi from Bettles, Coldfoot, or Anaktuvuk Pass, or by hiking in from the Dalton Highway across the park boundary.","This is expedition photography: everything you shoot with, you carry or fly in, and float trips (Alatna, Noatak headwaters) are how most serious portfolios get made here.","Late August brings autumn tundra color and the first aurora-capable dark skies; summer is 24-hour light with no true golden hour and heavy mosquito pressure."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Gates of the Arctic Film and Photography Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/gaar/planyourvisit/film-photography-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/gates-of-the-arctic-national-park"},{"slug":"kobuk-valley-national-park","name":"Kobuk Valley National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"alaska","summary":"Kobuk Valley needs no permit for small-group still photography, explicitly requires a commercial use authorization for photo workshops, and bans drones outright.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Kobuk Valley National Park (Western Arctic National Parklands, Kotzebue)","cost":"No permit or fee for qualifying groups of 8 or fewer; permitted shoots pay application, cost recovery, and location fees (fee varies, see the park permit page)","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/kova/planyourvisit/film-photography-permits.htm","processingTime":"Contact the park in advance if you believe your activity requires a permit","notes":"Groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions (no exclusive use, no adverse impact, no added administrative cost) need no permit. The park page states a commercial use authorization is required for photography workshops and tours. The southern portion of the park is designated wilderness; filming in wilderness gets extra scrutiny for artificial lighting, large crews, props, and culturally sensitive sites."},"drone":{"status":"Banned: launching, landing, or operating unmanned or remote controlled aircraft in Kobuk Valley is prohibited","notes":"The park states the prohibition directly under superintendent authority, consistent with NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome. Respect subsistence camps and private inholdings along the Kobuk River."},"practical":["Access is by air taxi from Kotzebue (or charters from Bettles); there are no roads, trails, campgrounds, or visitor facilities inside the park.","The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are the signature landscape: 25 square miles of active Arctic dunes, best photographed in low-angle evening light after a bush-plane drop-off.","The western Arctic caribou herd crosses the Kobuk River around Onion Portage in late August and September, the park's marquee wildlife event; note that local subsistence hunting happens at the same time and place."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Kobuk Valley Film and Photography Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/kova/planyourvisit/film-photography-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/kobuk-valley-national-park"},{"slug":"haleakala-national-park","name":"Haleakala National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"hawaii","summary":"Haleakala needs no permit for small groups, charges $150 to apply when one is required, and the rule photographers actually trip over is the summit sunrise reservation.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Haleakala National Park commercial services office (hale_commercial_manager@nps.gov)","cost":"Nonrefundable $150 application fee for permitted shoots; compliance, monitoring, and per-day location fees based on cast and crew count may be added","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/filming-and-still-photography.htm","processingTime":"At least 3 weeks before the activity; complex requests need a minimum of 4 weeks","notes":"Groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions (no exclusive use, no adverse impact, no added administrative cost) need no permit; more than eight individuals requires one. Permitted shoots may need $1,000,000 liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured. Park-specific limits: no filming of anyone swimming or recreating in water features (the Pools of Oheo and other streams), no commercial activity or photography in the Kaapahu section, and water features may only be filmed with no people in frame, best before 9 a.m."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome at the summit and in the Kipahulu district."},"practical":["Sunrise at the summit (3 a.m. to 7 a.m. entry) requires a separate per-vehicle reservation on recreation.gov, released up to 60 days ahead and gone fast; sunset and night-sky shooting need no reservation.","Summit weather runs 20 to 30 degrees F colder than the coast with serious wind; bring layers you would pack for a mainland winter shoot.","The summit district above the clouds is one of the best accessible dark-sky sites in the islands; the crater rim overlooks work for Milky Way panoramas without a hike.","The Kipahulu (Pools of Oheo) district is a separate coastal unit reached by the Hana Highway; stream closures for flash flooding are common and enforced."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Haleakala Filming and Still Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/filming-and-still-photography.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Haleakala Sunrise Reservations","url":"https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/haleakala-sunrise-reservations.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/haleakala-national-park"},{"slug":"hawaii-volcanoes-national-park","name":"Hawaii Volcanoes National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"hawaii","summary":"Hawaii Volcanoes publishes the friendliest fee line in the system (a $0 per day location fee for one or two people with camera and tripod) but draws hard lines at closed lava areas and wilderness.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Hawaii Volcanoes National Park film permit coordinator (808-985-6027)","cost":"Nonrefundable $150 application fee for permitted shoots; the still photography location fee schedule starts at $0 per day for 1 to 2 people with camera and tripod only","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/management/filming.htm","processingTime":"Contact the film permit coordinator to discuss the project first, then apply as far in advance as possible","notes":"Groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions (no exclusive use, no adverse impact, no added administrative cost) need no permit. Except for casual visitor filming, filming in wilderness areas requires a special use permit regardless of group size or equipment. Permits prohibit entry into closed areas including Halemaumau crater and newly created lava deltas. Permitted shoots may need $1,000,000 per occurrence liability insurance from a US company. Photography workshops may need a commercial use authorization."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography in areas open to the public","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome; eruption closures move with the activity, so open areas change."},"practical":["Eruption viewing is from designated overlooks only; closed areas around Halemaumau and active flows are enforced, and rangers move the boundaries as conditions change.","Lava glow photography peaks in the pre-dawn hours: crowds thin after midnight and the glow reads strongest against a dark sky; the park is open 24 hours.","Volcanic gas (vog) is both a health and an optics problem; a telephoto from an upwind overlook usually beats getting closer.","Check the NPS eruption status page before committing to a trip; the caldera can go from incandescent to dark in a week."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Hawaii Volcanoes Filming, Still Photography and Audio Recording","url":"https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/management/filming.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/hawaii-volcanoes-national-park"},{"slug":"national-park-of-american-samoa","name":"National Park of American Samoa","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","summary":"American Samoa's park still publishes the older permit test (models, props, or advertising trigger a permit; hand-carried gear does not), and village protocol matters as much as federal rules.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"National Park of American Samoa (special use permits; Public Information Officer 684-633-7082)","cost":"Fee varies, see the park permit page","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/npsa/planyourvisit/permits.htm","processingTime":"Contact the park in advance; permits are generally not issued for weekends or holidays","notes":"The park's page keeps the pre-EXPLORE Act framing: still photography needs no permit when it uses only hand-carried equipment (tripod, lenses, flash) and involves no professional crews, product or service advertisement, models, props, or sets. A permit is required for advertising work, talent or models, more than hand-carried equipment, closed areas, or after-hours access. The systemwide EXPLORE Act eight-or-fewer exemption also applies; treat the park page as the stricter local reading and call ahead for anything commercial."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography in park areas","notes":"Much of the park sits on land leased from villages; customary rules apply alongside federal ones."},"practical":["The park leases its land from Samoan villages; ask before photographing people or in villages, expect activities to pause on Sundays, and follow fa'a Samoa (customary protocol) as seriously as any regulation.","Units sit on three islands (Tutuila, Ta'u, Ofu); Ofu's lagoon and beach are the postcard shot but require a small-plane or boat connection that deserves schedule slack.","This is the only US national park south of the equator; seasons are reversed and the drier, slightly cooler window is roughly June through September."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: National Park of American Samoa Permits and Reservations","url":"https://www.nps.gov/npsa/planyourvisit/permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/national-park-of-american-samoa"},{"slug":"virgin-islands-national-park","name":"Virgin Islands National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","summary":"Virgin Islands National Park follows the eight-or-fewer exemption; permitted shoots pay a $50 application fee with about ten business days of processing.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Virgin Islands National Park special use permits office","cost":"Nonrefundable $50 application fee for special use permits; monitoring and other cost recovery fees may be billed","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/viis/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm","processingTime":"About 10 business days once the completed application and fee are received; longer for large or complex projects","notes":"Groups of 8 or fewer meeting the EXPLORE Act conditions (no exclusive use, no adverse impact on resources, values, or visitors) need no permit or fee; more than eight individuals requires a permit with cost recovery and location fees. Review does not start until the $50 fee is paid. Photography workshops, guided photo tours, and other paid services in the park require a commercial use authorization through the NPS online CUA system."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome on beaches, trails, and at the plantation ruins."},"practical":["The park covers about two thirds of St. John; Trunk Bay (with its underwater snorkel trail), Maho Bay, and the Annaberg sugar plantation ruins are the standard subject list.","Trunk Bay charges a day-use fee and fills by mid-morning in season; for empty-beach frames arrive at opening or shoot the overlook on Northshore Road instead.","Underwater photography needs no permit for personal work, but any paid instruction or guiding around it falls under the CUA requirement.","December through April is dry season and peak crowds; hurricane season (June through November) brings dramatic skies and genuine weather risk."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Virgin Islands Permits and Reservations (Film, Photography section)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/viis/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/virgin-islands-national-park"},{"slug":"badlands-national-park","name":"Badlands National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"south-dakota","summary":"Badlands needs no permit for small-group still photography under the EXPLORE Act; permitted shoots pay a $100 application fee plus daily location fees.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Badlands National Park special use permits office (badl_permits@nps.gov)","cost":"$100 nonrefundable application and administrative charge when a permit is needed; still photography location fees start at $50/day for 1-10 people","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/badl/planyourvisit/permits.htm","processingTime":"Park asks for applications 45 days before the activity","notes":"Under the EXPLORE Act, groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use and without extra cost to the park, need no permit. Shoots that fail any of those conditions need a special use permit: short form for small shoots, long form for large ones, submitted to badl_permits@nps.gov."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome; the permit question is about shoots that need exclusive use or park support."},"practical":["The Badlands Loop Road (SD 240) strings together the classic overlooks; most formations shoot best at low sun when the banding lights up.","Wildlife (bison, bighorn sheep) roams near roads; long lens from distance, never approach.","The park is a strong night-sky location; no permit is needed for a small astro setup on public overlooks."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Badlands Permits (filming and still photography section)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/badl/planyourvisit/permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/badlands-national-park"},{"slug":"wind-cave-national-park","name":"Wind Cave National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"south-dakota","summary":"Wind Cave still photography rarely needs a permit above ground, but anything involving the cave itself means a permit and at least 21 days of processing.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Wind Cave National Park Commercial Filming Coordinator (605-745-1151)","cost":"$50 nonrefundable application fee when a permit is needed; still photography location fees $50/day (1-10 people), $150/day (11-30), $250/day (over 30)","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/wica/getinvolved/filming-and-photography-permits.htm","processingTime":"Applications at least 10 days out; cave filming, multiple locations, or complex logistics need a minimum of 21 days","notes":"The park page states still photographers need a permit only when shooting where the public is not allowed, using models, sets, or props that are not part of the location, or when the park would incur monitoring costs. Requests involving filming inside the cave get the longest lead times. Liability insurance naming the United States may be required."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: the park page declares a No Drone Zone; launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and Interior Secretary's Order 3379 close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography above ground and on cave tours","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome; the cave interior is only accessible on ranger-led tours."},"practical":["Cave access is by ranger-led tour only; any filming inside the cave triggers a permit with at least 21 days of processing, so ask the park before planning interior work.","Tour groups move on a schedule in tight, dim passages; ask ahead about tripods and large bags before booking a tour with gear.","The surface prairie holds bison and prairie dog towns; the mixed-grass prairie at golden hour is the underrated shot."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Wind Cave Filming and Photography Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/wica/getinvolved/filming-and-photography-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/wind-cave-national-park"},{"slug":"theodore-roosevelt-national-park","name":"Theodore Roosevelt National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"north-dakota","summary":"Theodore Roosevelt follows the standard EXPLORE Act rules: eight or fewer with hand-carried gear means no permit; larger or supported shoots apply through the park.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Theodore Roosevelt National Park special use permits office","cost":"Fee varies, see the park permit page; location and cost-recovery fees apply when a permit is required","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/filming-still-photography-and-audio-recording.htm","processingTime":"Contact the park ahead of any shoot that may need a permit","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer using hand-carried equipment in public areas, without exclusive use, resource impact, or added administrative cost, need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Commercial, non-commercial, content creation, and news shoots are all treated the same. Permitted shoots apply with the NPS special use permit form linked on the park page."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["The park is split into North and South Units about 70 road miles apart; plan them as separate shoots.","Bison, feral horses (South Unit), and prairie dogs work the scenic loop roads; shoot from the vehicle or at distance.","Painted Canyon overlook is right off I-94 and delivers at first and last light without a hike."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Theodore Roosevelt Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording","url":"https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/filming-still-photography-and-audio-recording.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/theodore-roosevelt-national-park"},{"slug":"voyageurs-national-park","name":"Voyageurs National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"minnesota","summary":"Voyageurs needs no permit for small-group photography, but permitted shoots must apply at least 21 days out, and almost everything here happens from a boat.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Voyageurs National Park Special Use and Filming Permit Coordinator, International Falls, MN","cost":"Fee varies, see the park permit page; location and cost-recovery fees apply when a permit is required","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/filming-and-photography.htm","processingTime":"Applications and payment at least 21 days before the requested date; 30 days for larger or complex projects","notes":"A permit is required for groups of nine or more, for equipment beyond handheld or tripod, or when the activity could disrupt visitors, harm resources, or occur in a congested area. The eight-or-fewer EXPLORE Act exemption covers ordinary small-group shooting in public areas. Applications cannot be rushed."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["This is a water-based park: the interior islands and campsites are reachable only by boat, so plan gear transport and weather margins accordingly.","Voyageurs is a certified International Dark Sky Park; aurora photography over the lakes is a realistic target in the right season.","Winter access flips to ice roads and snowmobile trails; conditions, not permits, are the constraint."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Voyageurs Filming and Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/filming-and-photography.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/voyageurs-national-park"},{"slug":"isle-royale-national-park","name":"Isle Royale National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"michigan","summary":"Isle Royale splits the rules: small groups need no permit in non-wilderness areas, but permits and fees are required for shoots in the island's wilderness, which is most of it.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Isle Royale National Park Special Park Uses Coordinator","cost":"Fee varies, see the park permit page; location and cost-recovery fees apply when a permit is required","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/isro/learn/management/filming-and-still-photography-permits.htm","processingTime":"Contact the Special Park Uses Coordinator well before your trip","notes":"In non-wilderness areas, groups of eight or fewer with hand-carried gear need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. The park states permits and fees ARE required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in wilderness areas, and most of the island is designated wilderness. Photography workshops run as a business need a commercial use authorization."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography in areas open to the public","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome; the wilderness-area permit language is aimed at organized shoots, so ask the park where your plan falls."},"practical":["Access is by ferry or seaplane only, and the park closes entirely in winter; there are no day-trip do-overs, so build weather days into any shoot plan.","Ask the Special Park Uses Coordinator before the trip if your work is more than casual shooting: the wilderness boundary decides whether you need a permit, and it covers most of the island.","Moose and loons are the marquee wildlife; long lens and distance, especially around nursing cows."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Isle Royale Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording","url":"https://www.nps.gov/isro/learn/management/filming-and-still-photography-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/isle-royale-national-park"},{"slug":"cuyahoga-valley-national-park","name":"Cuyahoga Valley National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"ohio","summary":"Cuyahoga Valley needs no permit for small-group photography and explicitly exempts wedding photos; permitted shoots pay a $75 application fee.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Cuyahoga Valley National Park Permit Coordinator (440-546-5904)","cost":"$75 application fee when a filming or photography permit is required; some events carry additional cost-recovery fees","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm","processingTime":"Contact the Permit Coordinator ahead of any shoot that may need a permit","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer with hand-carried gear in public areas need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. The park states plainly that a permit is not required for wedding photos (the ceremony itself needs one). The Boston Mill Visitor Center area is listed as location-restricted for permitted activities."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: drone operation is prohibited and the park will not issue permits for drone use with filming or photography projects","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and the park's Superintendent's Compendium close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["Brandywine Falls is the park's marquee subject and its most restricted: no permitted events there on weekends, holidays, or during October, and the boardwalk gets crowded at peak color.","The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad threads the park and gives you a moving subject with predictable timing.","The Towpath Trail is flat and bike-friendly, which makes moving a kit between locations easy by park standards."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Cuyahoga Valley Permits and Reservations (filming section)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/cuyahoga-valley-national-park"},{"slug":"indiana-dunes-national-park","name":"Indiana Dunes National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"indiana","summary":"Indiana Dunes still photography needs a permit only for closed areas, models and props, or shoots the park must monitor; applications go in 30 days ahead.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Indiana Dunes National Park Commercial Services Office, Porter, IN","cost":"Application fee of $65 for simple activities or $200 for complex events; still photography location fees $50/day (1-10 people), $150/day (11-30), $250/day (over 30)","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm","processingTime":"Applications at least 30 days, and up to 12 months, before the activity","notes":"The park page states still photographers need a permit only when shooting where the public is not allowed, using models, sets, or props that are not part of the location, or when the park would incur monitoring costs. A valid entrance pass is required for everyone, including permit holders. Photography workshops run as a business may need a commercial use authorization."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome; an entrance pass is required regardless."},"practical":["The Chicago skyline sits across Lake Michigan from the beaches; clear winter air after a front is the classic skyline-at-sunset condition.","Indiana Dunes State Park sits inside the national park's footprint with its own separate rules and fees; know which agency's land you are standing on.","Dune grass restoration areas are closed to foot traffic; shoot dunes from marked trails to avoid a citation."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Indiana Dunes Permits and Reservations (filming and photography section)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/indiana-dunes-national-park"},{"slug":"gateway-arch-national-park","name":"Gateway Arch National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"missouri","summary":"Gateway Arch states no special use permit is needed for still photography of any group size that meets the EXPLORE Act conditions, and the airspace over the Arch is FAA-restricted.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Gateway Arch National Park permits office (Gateway_Arch_Permits@nps.gov)","cost":"Fee varies, see the park permit page; special events carry a $200 application fee","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/jeff/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm","processingTime":"Email the permits office ahead of any shoot that may need a permit","notes":"The park page states a special use permit is not required for still photography for ANY group size that meets the standard conditions: public areas, hand-carried gear, no exclusive use, no resource impact, no added administrative cost. Filming and photography that fail those conditions need a permit via the NPS long-form application."},"drone":{"status":"Banned twice over: NPS prohibition on the ground plus FAA-restricted airspace above the park","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 closes the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5, and the park page notes the airspace above is restricted by the FAA with no permits issued for drones. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography on the Arch grounds","notes":"The park is a compact urban riverfront site; adjacent St. Louis streets and the Eads Bridge area are city jurisdiction, not NPS."},"practical":["The park boundary is tight: many classic Arch compositions (Old Courthouse axis, city streets, Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park across the river in Illinois) are shot from outside NPS land under different rules.","Tram rides to the top are ticketed and enclosed; expect reflections and shoot through glass at the observation windows.","The stainless steel skin is effectively a giant mirror: overcast gives an even tone, low sun gives the dramatic edge light."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Gateway Arch Permits and Reservations (filming and photography section)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/jeff/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/gateway-arch-national-park"},{"slug":"hot-springs-national-park","name":"Hot Springs National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"arkansas","summary":"Hot Springs follows the standard EXPLORE Act rules; permitted shoots use a short-form application emailed to the park, and the park itself is woven into a working downtown.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Hot Springs National Park permits office (hosp_permits@nps.gov)","cost":"Fee varies, see the park permit page; location and cost-recovery fees apply when a permit is required","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/hosp/planyourvisit/filming-and-still-photography.htm","processingTime":"Contact the park ahead of any shoot that may need a permit","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer with hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use or added cost to the park, need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Permitted shoots download the filming and still photography short-form application and email it to hosp_permits@nps.gov."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Bathhouse Row fronts a city street; the park boundary and the city of Hot Springs interleave, so adjacent sidewalks and businesses may be city or private property."},"practical":["Bathhouse Row is the signature subject and it is architectural work: interiors like the Fordyce bathhouse museum are indoor, tripod-unfriendly spaces at busy times, so ask staff before setting up.","The Grand Promenade behind Bathhouse Row gives elevated angles on the historic facades without traffic in frame.","Steam off the open thermal features reads best in cold morning air."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Hot Springs Filming and Still Photography","url":"https://www.nps.gov/hosp/planyourvisit/filming-and-still-photography.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/hot-springs-national-park"},{"slug":"mammoth-cave-national-park","name":"Mammoth Cave National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"kentucky","summary":"Mammoth Cave needs no permit for small-group surface photography; permitted shoots pay a $180 application fee, and anything inside the cave takes extra processing time.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Mammoth Cave National Park Special Use Permit Coordinator (270-758-2184)","cost":"$180 nonrefundable application fee when a permit is needed; still photography location fees $50/day (1-10 people), $150/day (11-30), $250/day (over 30)","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/filming-photography-audio-recording.htm","processingTime":"Handled in order received; requests involving cave interiors, multiple locations, or complex logistics may need additional processing time","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer with hand-carried gear in public areas need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Permitted shoots pay the $180 application fee via Pay.gov or check, and applications must include a production schedule that flags any filming inside the cave. Liability insurance naming the United States may be required."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: the park page declares a No Drone Zone; launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and Interior Secretary's Order 3379 close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography above ground and on cave tours","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome; the cave is only accessible on ranger-led tours."},"practical":["The cave is seen on ranger-led tours that keep moving in near-darkness; ask the park before bringing a tripod or large bag on a standard tour, and treat serious interior work as a permit conversation.","Handheld cave shots mean high ISO and wide apertures; the tour lighting is dim and mixed-temperature.","The surface side of the park (Green River, sinkhole terrain, spring wildflowers) is free of the cave's constraints and underused by photographers."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Mammoth Cave Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording","url":"https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/filming-photography-audio-recording.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/mammoth-cave-national-park"},{"slug":"shenandoah-national-park","name":"Shenandoah National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"virginia","summary":"Shenandoah needs no permit for groups of eight or fewer; permitted shoots pay a $150 application fee, and fall weekends bring hard limits at the Skyline Drive overlooks.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Shenandoah National Park Office of Special Park Uses (SHEN_permits@nps.gov)","cost":"$150 nonrefundable application fee when a permit is needed; still photography location fees $50/day (1-10 people), $150/day (11-30), $250/day (over 30)","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/special-use-permits.htm","processingTime":"Complete applications at least 30 days in advance","notes":"A permit is required for groups of nine or more, or when the shoot fails any standard condition (public areas, hand-carried gear, no exclusive use, no resource impact, no added administrative cost). Photographers attached to a permitted wedding need no separate permit. Fees are billed via Pay.gov after the application is received; cost recovery runs about $50/hour if monitoring is needed."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome; entrance fees apply to everyone, including permitted groups."},"practical":["Skyline Drive overlooks carry individual person and vehicle limits for permitted activities (Crescent Rock allows just 4 people), and no special use permits are issued for overlooks or trails after 10am on October and November weekends: peak foliage is locked down.","A permit never grants exclusive use; even a permitted shoot shares the overlook with the public.","Going off trail and shortcutting between switchbacks is a citable offense; rock outcrops host rare plants, so work from the established viewpoints.","White-tailed deer and black bears are roadside regulars along Skyline Drive at dawn and dusk."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Shenandoah Special Use Permits (filming and photography section)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/special-use-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/shenandoah-national-park"},{"slug":"new-river-gorge-national-park-and-preserve","name":"New River Gorge National Park and Preserve","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"west-virginia","summary":"New River Gorge needs no permit for small-group photography; permitted shoots pay a $100 administrative charge, and 1-2 person tripod setups pay no location fee at all.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"New River Gorge Program Specialist for Commercial/Special Park Uses (304-465-6517)","cost":"$100 application and administrative cost-recovery charge when a permit is needed; still photography location fees $0/day for 1-2 people with camera and tripod, $50/day (3-10 people), $150/day (11-30), $250/day (over 30)","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/permits.htm","processingTime":"At least 10 business days after the park receives a completed application","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer with hand-carried gear in public areas need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Even permit-free projects are asked to call the office to check the schedule and avoid conflicts. Liability insurance naming the United States is required for permitted shoots; no fee waivers are allowed."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching drones from park lands is not permitted","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome."},"practical":["The classic New River Gorge Bridge shots come from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center boardwalk and Fayette Station Road switchbacks; Grandview and Endless Wall cover the gorge itself.","Whitewater coverage rides with outfitters licensed by West Virginia, not the NPS; shooting from a commercial raft means the outfitter's rules.","Guided group climbing requires a permit regardless of group size, so climbing-shoot logistics can trigger permits even when the photography alone would not.","Bridge Day (third Saturday of October) is the one day the bridge opens to pedestrians, and it is run as a permitted event with its own rules."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: New River Gorge Permits (filming permit section)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/new-river-gorge-national-park-and-preserve"},{"slug":"congaree-national-park","name":"Congaree National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"south-carolina","summary":"Congaree defers to the NPS-wide EXPLORE Act rules for photography and handles anything bigger through its special use permit office; there is no entrance fee.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Congaree National Park special use permits office (803-776-4396)","cost":"Fee varies, see the park permit page; location and cost-recovery fees apply when a permit is required","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/permitsadnreservations.htm","processingTime":"Contact the park ahead of any shoot that may need a permit","notes":"The park's permits page points filming and still photography to the NPS-wide EXPLORE Act guidance: groups of eight or fewer with hand-carried gear in public areas need no permit. Shoots needing closed areas, exclusive use, or park support go through the special use permit application; call or email the park with 'Special Use Permits' as the subject."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome; the park charges no entrance fee."},"practical":["The elevated boardwalk loop through the old-growth floodplain forest is the workhorse location and is tripod-friendly outside peak visitation.","The synchronous firefly event (late May to early June) is managed with limited access in recent years; check the park's firefly page before planning a trip around it, and expect strict no-flash, no-white-light etiquette.","This is a floodplain: trails flood after rain and mosquitoes rule the warm months. Check water levels before hauling gear in.","Backcountry camping is free but requires a permit requested at least 72 hours ahead, which matters for overnight astro or dawn shoots off the boardwalk."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Congaree Permits and Reservations","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/permitsadnreservations.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/congaree-national-park"},{"slug":"everglades-national-park","name":"Everglades National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"florida","summary":"Everglades needs no permit for small-group photography; permitted shoots pay a $200 application fee through the shared Everglades and Dry Tortugas permit office.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks Special Use Permit Office (ever_sup_office@nps.gov, 305-242-7042)","cost":"$200 application fee when a permit is needed; still photography location fees $50/day (1-10 people), $150/day (11-30), $250/day (over 30)","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/management/filmingpermits.htm","processingTime":"Contact the permit office before your visit and prior to the activity","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer with hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use or added cost to the park, need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Content creators, commercial filmmakers, and media are all treated the same. Photography workshops run as a business may need a commercial use authorization."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography throughout the park","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome; entrance fees apply even when no permit is needed."},"practical":["The Anhinga Trail delivers close-range wading birds and alligators from a boardwalk; it is the highest shots-per-hour location in the park, best in the winter dry season when wildlife concentrates at remaining water.","Feeding or harassing wildlife is a federal offense; alligators that look approachable are the reason the rule exists. Long lens, no baiting, no call playback around nesting birds.","Much of the park is water: backcountry access is by boat or paddle, and the Flamingo and Gulf Coast areas run on tide and wind as much as light.","Summer brings daily thunderstorms and mosquitoes that will end a shoot; December through April is the working season."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Everglades Filming Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/management/filmingpermits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/everglades-national-park"},{"slug":"biscayne-national-park","name":"Biscayne National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"florida","summary":"Biscayne needs no permit for groups of eight or fewer; larger or supported shoots go through a special use permit with a $150 application fee, and 95 percent of the park is water.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Biscayne National Park permits office (BISC_Permits@nps.gov)","cost":"$150 nonrefundable application fee for special use permits; filming and photography permits carry application and location fees when required","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/bisc/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm","processingTime":"About 10 business days once the completed application and fee are received; longer for large projects","notes":"The park states requests involving more than eight individuals require a permit with cost recovery and location fees. Groups of eight or fewer with hand-carried gear in public areas need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Review the Superintendent's Compendium before emailing the permits office."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: drones are prohibited in the park, per the park's own permits page","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5; the park cites disruption to wildlife and visitors. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography in areas open to the public","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome; the Stiltsville houses are closed to the public without a permit."},"practical":["The park is about 95 percent water; nearly every subject (reefs, keys, Stiltsville, Boca Chita lighthouse) requires a boat, so most photography here is trip-planning first.","The Stiltsville stilt houses require permission from the Stiltsville Trust plus, usually, an NPS special park use permit; you cannot just tie up and shoot.","Underwater work on the reefs and the Maritime Heritage Trail wrecks is standard visitor activity; guided snorkel and dive operators are the practical access.","Boca Chita Key's ornamental lighthouse is the park's signature landmark and pairs with the Miami skyline on the horizon."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Biscayne Permits and Reservations (film and photography section)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/bisc/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/biscayne-national-park"},{"slug":"dry-tortugas-national-park","name":"Dry Tortugas National Park","scope":"US National Park","region":"US National Parks","state":"florida","summary":"Dry Tortugas needs no permit for small-group photography; permitted shoots pay a $200 application fee through the shared Everglades office, and the ferry schedule is the real constraint.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks Special Use Permit Office (ever_sup_office@nps.gov, 305-242-7042)","cost":"$200 application fee when a permit is needed; still photography location fees $50/day (1-10 people), $150/day (11-30), $250/day (over 30)","applyUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/drto/getinvolved/filming-permits.htm","processingTime":"Contact the permit office before your visit and prior to the activity","notes":"Groups of eight or fewer with hand-carried gear in public areas, without exclusive use or added cost to the park, need no permit under the EXPLORE Act. Permitting runs through the same office as Everglades. Photography workshops run as a business may need a commercial use authorization."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned: launching, landing, or operating a drone within park boundaries is prohibited","notes":"NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 directs each superintendent to close the park to drone use under 36 CFR 1.5. For airspace, Part 107, and legal flying nearby, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for personal and editorial photography in areas open to the public","notes":"Standard visitor photography is welcome; entrance fees apply even when no permit is needed."},"practical":["Access is by the daily Key West ferry or seaplane, 70 miles offshore; ferry day trips give you only a few midday hours at Fort Jefferson, so golden-hour work effectively requires camping.","The primitive Garden Key campground is small and books out far ahead, but it buys you sunrise, sunset, and some of the darkest night skies in Florida.","Salt spray and fine coral sand are gear killers; bring dry bags and cleaning kit for anything that leaves the boat.","Fort Jefferson's brick arches and the moat wall are the signature frames; snorkeling the moat wall shallows is standard visitor activity."],"sources":[{"label":"NPS: Dry Tortugas Filming Permits","url":"https://www.nps.gov/drto/getinvolved/filming-permits.htm"},{"label":"NPS: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (EXPLORE Act)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/dry-tortugas-national-park"},{"slug":"orlando","name":"Orlando","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"florida","summary":"Orlando's motion photography permit is free, but productions touching city property need one, and the theme parks set their own rules entirely.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Orlando Film Commission (one-stop permitting for city, county, and state property)","cost":"No permit application fee; you pay actual costs for services like off-duty police or fire staff","applyUrl":"https://orlando.org/l/film-orlando/one-stop-permitting/","processingTime":"Allow at least 5 business days","notes":"City Code Chapter 3 requires a Motion Photography Production Permit for productions that affect city property or the public right-of-way. The Orlando Film Commission runs a one-stop process covering city, Orange County, and state jurisdictions. Casual personal photography does not need a permit; commercial productions on public property do. Proof of liability insurance is part of the application. Verify current requirements with the film commission."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city adds insurance and approval requirements","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules, and theme park areas carry flight restrictions. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["The theme parks (Disney, Universal, SeaWorld) are private property with their own strict commercial photography rules; the city permit does not apply there.","Lake Eola Park and its swan boats are city property, so commercial shoots there go through the permit process.","The permit is free but off-duty police or fire support gets billed to the production."],"sources":[{"label":"Orlando Film Commission: One-Stop Permitting","url":"https://orlando.org/l/film-orlando/one-stop-permitting/"},{"label":"City of Orlando Code, Chapter 3: Motion Photography Production Permits","url":"https://library.municode.com/fl/orlando/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIICICO_CH3MOPHPRPE"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/orlando"},{"slug":"tampa","name":"Tampa","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"florida","summary":"Film Tampa Bay issues free permits for Tampa and Hillsborough County; commercial shoots on public property need one, with a small-crew exemption in county parks only.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Film Tampa Bay (Tampa Hillsborough Film and Digital Media Commission)","cost":"Permits are free; production costs like police details are billed separately","applyUrl":"https://filmtampabay.com/permit","processingTime":"Allow at least 5 business days","notes":"Commercial (paid) filming and photography on public property in the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County requires a film permit, applied for online through Film Tampa Bay. In Hillsborough County parks and conservation areas, shoots with a total of 5 people or fewer (photographer and subjects included) are exempt, but that exemption does NOT apply inside City of Tampa parks. A certificate of insurance is required for permitted shoots. Verify current terms with the film commission."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city adds insurance and approval requirements","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["The 5-person exemption is county-only: a small portrait shoot that is fine in a Hillsborough County park still needs a permit in a City of Tampa park.","The Tampa Riverwalk is city property, so commercial shoots there run through the permit.","One Film Tampa Bay application covers Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City, and unincorporated Hillsborough County."],"sources":[{"label":"Film Tampa Bay: Get a Permit","url":"https://filmtampabay.com/permit"},{"label":"City of Tampa: Permission to Film","url":"https://www.tampa.gov/tcc/permission-to-film"},{"label":"Hillsborough County: Film and Photography in Public Spaces","url":"https://hcfl.gov/businesses/economic-development/tourism-development/film-and-photography-in-public-spaces"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/tampa"},{"slug":"st-louis","name":"St. Louis","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"missouri","summary":"St. Louis has no general film permit; you register with the film office and pull department-specific approvals only when a shoot impacts streets or parks.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"St. Louis Film Office (at Explore St. Louis), coordinating with individual city departments","cost":"No general permit fee; department-level permits (streets, parks, police) vary, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://explorestlouis.com/st-louis-film-office/location-manager-toolbox/","processingTime":"Contact the film office ahead of the shoot; department approvals add lead time","notes":"As a general rule you do not need a citywide filming permit in St. Louis. The film office asks productions to register and then routes you to the right department: the Street Department for restricting street or sidewalk traffic, the Parks Department for filming in a park, and the Police Department for driving shots, simulated gunfire, or emergency vehicle activity. Handheld and personal photography needs nothing. Verify specifics with the film office."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["The Gateway Arch and its grounds are a national park (Gateway Arch National Park), so NPS commercial filming rules apply there, not city rules.","Forest Park shoots go through the city Parks Department, not the film office.","Missouri has no state film permit either; the Missouri Film Office confirms most cities in the state work the same way."],"sources":[{"label":"St. Louis Film Office: Location Manager Toolbox","url":"https://explorestlouis.com/st-louis-film-office/location-manager-toolbox/"},{"label":"Missouri Film Office: Permits and Fees","url":"https://mofilm.org/production/permits-fees/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/st-louis"},{"slug":"kansas-city","name":"Kansas City","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"missouri","summary":"Kansas City, Missouri has no citywide film permit, but commercial shoots in any park need a Parks and Recreation permit and the big entertainment districts require their own.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"KC Film Office (advisory); KC Parks and Recreation for parks; city Traffic Control Permits for right-of-way work","cost":"No general city permit fee; parks and right-of-way permits have their own fees, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://kcfilmoffice.com/faqs/","processingTime":"Parks photo/film permits take 2 to 5 business days; contact the film office early","notes":"There is no general permit to film in Kansas City, Missouri. But all film or photo shoots for commercial, promotional, or advertising purposes in any KC park require a Parks and Recreation permit, and working in the right-of-way (sidewalk or lane closures, production parking) requires a Traffic Control Permit. Proof of insurance is usually required for public and private locations. Casual personal photography needs nothing. Verify with the KC Film Office."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Entertainment districts like the Power and Light District, Country Club Plaza, and City Market are privately managed and require their own filming permission on top of anything from the city.","The Parks and Recreation photo/film permit covers commercial portrait sessions in parks, not just film crews.","Kansas City straddles two states; the Kansas side (Kansas City, KS) has separate rules from Missouri."],"sources":[{"label":"KC Film Office: FAQs","url":"https://kcfilmoffice.com/faqs/"},{"label":"KC Parks and Recreation: Photo/Film/Video Permit Form","url":"https://kcparks.org/photo-film-video-permit-form/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/kansas-city"},{"slug":"baltimore","name":"Baltimore","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"maryland","summary":"Baltimore requires a film permit for most location shoots, coordinated through the Baltimore Film Office with a certificate of liability insurance up front.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Baltimore Film Office (Mayor's Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment)","cost":"Fee varies, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://www.baltimorecity.gov/moace/baltimore-film-office/how-to-apply-for-a-film-permit","processingTime":"Registration, an inquiry meeting, then Department of Transportation permitting; start well ahead","notes":"Baltimore City requires permits for most film and commercial photography location shoots. The process starts with a registration form and a Certificate of Liability Insurance sent to the Baltimore Film Office, which then coordinates the permit with the Department of Transportation and other city agencies. Casual handheld personal photography does not need a permit. Verify current requirements with the film office."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Fort McHenry is a national park unit, so NPS commercial filming rules apply there, not city rules.","City parks run permits through Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, separate from the film office pipeline.","Maryland has a state film office too; shoots on state property route through it rather than the city."],"sources":[{"label":"Baltimore Film Office: How to Apply for a Film Permit","url":"https://www.baltimorecity.gov/moace/baltimore-film-office/how-to-apply-for-a-film-permit"},{"label":"Baltimore City Recreation and Parks: Other Permits","url":"https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/other-permits"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/baltimore"},{"slug":"milwaukee","name":"Milwaukee","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"wisconsin","summary":"Milwaukee has no dedicated city film permit; right-of-way impacts go through DPW special events, and the lakefront parks are county-run with their own paid photography permit.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"City of Milwaukee DPW Special Event Permit Office (right-of-way); Milwaukee County Parks for park shoots","cost":"County parks commercial photography permit starts around $206 for 3 hours with $1,000,000 insurance; city right-of-way costs vary","applyUrl":"https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Plan/Get-a-Permit","processingTime":"County parks permits need lead time; city special event applications are due 30 days ahead (90 for downtown)","notes":"Milwaukee has no single city film office or citywide film permit. Shoots that occupy the public right-of-way fall under the DPW Special Event permit process. Most of the signature parks, including the lakefront, are Milwaukee County parks: commercial and advertising photography there requires a county permit, a certificate of insurance for $1,000,000 naming Milwaukee County Parks as additional insured, and posted hourly fees. Casual personal photography needs nothing. Verify with both offices for a mixed shoot."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["The parks split is the trap: lakefront spots like Veterans Park are county property with a paid permit, not city property.","The Milwaukee Art Museum's Calatrava wing is the signature photo subject; the museum sets its own rules for commercial shoots on its grounds.","County park images cannot be used to imply Milwaukee County endorsement of a product or service, per the permit terms."],"sources":[{"label":"Milwaukee County Parks: Get a Permit","url":"https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Plan/Get-a-Permit"},{"label":"City of Milwaukee DPW: Special Event Permits","url":"https://city.milwaukee.gov/dpw/AdministrativeServices/SpecialEvents"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/milwaukee"},{"slug":"columbus","name":"Columbus","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"ohio","summary":"Columbus requires a Recreation and Parks film permit for park shoots and street closures; Film Columbus coordinates the rest.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Columbus Recreation and Parks (film permit); Film Columbus (Greater Columbus Film Commission) as coordinator","cost":"Around $100 for commercial projects and $50 non-commercial, plus a $40 processing fee, per the Recreation and Parks film planning guide","applyUrl":"https://www.filmcolumbus.com/permits-procedures/","processingTime":"Street closure applications are due 30 days before filming; apply early for parks","notes":"A film permit from Columbus Recreation and Parks is required when filming in a city park or closing a street for filming. Film Columbus, the regional film commission, walks productions through permits and city contacts. Proof of insurance is part of the parks permit. Casual personal photography needs nothing. Verify current fees and rules with Film Columbus and Recreation and Parks."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["The Scioto Mile and downtown riverfront parks fall under the Recreation and Parks film permit.","The Ohio Statehouse and Capitol Square are state property with their own permission process, separate from the city.","Franklin Park Conservatory and other ticketed venues set their own commercial photography rules."],"sources":[{"label":"Film Columbus: Permits and Procedures","url":"https://www.filmcolumbus.com/permits-procedures/"},{"label":"Columbus Recreation and Parks: Film Planning Guide","url":"https://columbusrecparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-Film-Planning-Guide.pdf"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/columbus"},{"slug":"cleveland","name":"Cleveland","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"ohio","summary":"Cleveland does not require a permit to shoot unless you obstruct streets or sidewalks or use city parks; three city permit types cover most film situations.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"City of Cleveland (Division of Special Events, Public Works); Greater Cleveland Film Commission assists","cost":"Fee varies by permit type, see the film commission","applyUrl":"https://www.clevelandohio.gov/city-hall/departments/public-works/divisions/special-events/filming-cleveland","processingTime":"Special event permits typically within 5 business days; submit at least two weeks ahead","notes":"Shooting in Cleveland does not require a permit unless the production interrupts traffic, closes a street, or restricts public access. The city uses three permit types for most film situations: street opening and sidewalk obstruction permits for staging equipment, and facility and parks use permits for city parks and property. The Greater Cleveland Film Commission helps route applications. Handheld personal photography needs nothing. Verify with the city or the film commission."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Edgewater Park and much of the lakefront belong to Cleveland Metroparks, a separate agency with its own permit system.","The script 'Cleveland' signs are popular photo spots; the ones in Metroparks locations follow Metroparks rules, not city rules.","The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and other private venues set their own commercial shoot terms."],"sources":[{"label":"City of Cleveland: Filming in Cleveland","url":"https://www.clevelandohio.gov/city-hall/departments/public-works/divisions/special-events/filming-cleveland"},{"label":"Greater Cleveland Film Commission: Permitting","url":"https://www.clevelandfilm.com/film-in-cleveland/permits/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/cleveland"},{"slug":"indianapolis","name":"Indianapolis","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"indiana","summary":"Indianapolis routes every production through a Film Indy application; the general permit is free, but parks and right-of-way work carry fees.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Film Indy (the city's film office), coordinating Indy Parks and city right-of-way permits","cost":"No fee for general b-roll filming; park commercial shoots around $200 per half day, and right-of-way permits carry application and review fees","applyUrl":"https://www.filmindy.com/filming/","processingTime":"Start at least 15 business days ahead for anything beyond simple b-roll","notes":"All productions are asked to file a Film Indy application before shooting, and proof of liability insurance is required before Film Indy releases the permit. General b-roll filming carries no fee. Commercial shoots in Indy Parks are billed (roughly $200 for a half day, $400 full day), and right-of-way closures go through city permitting with their own fees. Casual personal photography needs nothing. Verify current terms with Film Indy."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Monument Circle and the war memorial plazas are state property under the Indiana War Memorials Commission, which has its own permission process separate from the city.","The Canal Walk is a signature spot; check whether your stretch is city or state managed before a commercial shoot.","Indianapolis Motor Speedway is private property with its own media rules."],"sources":[{"label":"Film Indy: Film in Indy (application)","url":"https://www.filmindy.com/filming/"},{"label":"Film Indy: FAQs","url":"https://www.filmindy.com/faqs/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/indianapolis"},{"slug":"charlotte","name":"Charlotte","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"north-carolina","summary":"Charlotte handles filming through the Charlotte Regional Film Commission's Apply To Film process, which coordinates city, county, and state approvals.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Charlotte Regional Film Commission (CRVA), coordinating City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County departments","cost":"Fee varies by property and impact, see the film commission","applyUrl":"https://www.charlottefilm.com/apply-to-film","processingTime":"Submit the Apply To Film form early; multi-agency approvals add lead time","notes":"Most commercial production in Charlotte requires a permit, and the Charlotte Regional Film Commission is the first point of contact: its Apply To Film form starts the process and the commission routes you to the right city, Mecklenburg County, or state office depending on the location. Proof of insurance is standard for public-property shoots. Casual handheld personal photography needs nothing. Verify specifics with the film commission."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Romare Bearden Park, the classic uptown skyline foreground, is a Mecklenburg County park, so county Park and Recreation rules apply rather than city rules.","The US National Whitewater Center is private property with its own media policy.","Uptown's plazas are often privately owned public spaces; the building owner's rules apply for commercial work."],"sources":[{"label":"Charlotte Regional Film Commission: Apply To Film","url":"https://www.charlottefilm.com/apply-to-film"},{"label":"Charlotte Regional Film Commission","url":"https://www.charlottefilm.com/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/charlotte"},{"slug":"memphis","name":"Memphis","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"tennessee","summary":"Memphis permits are case by case through the Memphis and Shelby County Film Commission, with paperwork due 10 days before shooting on public property.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Memphis and Shelby County Film and Television Commission","cost":"Fee varies, see the film commission","applyUrl":"https://www.filmmemphis.org/permits","processingTime":"Original paperwork must be in the commission office 10 days before the shoot","notes":"You need a permit when filming on public property, meaning property owned by city, county, or state government; the film commission handles it case by case as the official city/county liaison. Insurance documentation is part of the paperwork. Casual handheld personal photography needs nothing. Verify current requirements with the film commission."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Beale Street is a managed entertainment district; commercial shoots there need district permission on top of any government permit.","Graceland and Sun Studio are private property with their own strict photo policies.","Riverfront parks are managed separately from general city property; ask the film commission which manager covers your spot."],"sources":[{"label":"Memphis and Shelby County Film Commission: Permits","url":"https://www.filmmemphis.org/permits"},{"label":"Memphis and Shelby County Film Commission: Streamlined Permitting","url":"https://www.filmmemphis.org/permitting"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/memphis"},{"slug":"salt-lake-city","name":"Salt Lake City","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"utah","summary":"Salt Lake City's film permit kicks in at crews larger than four and costs $142 for up to three locations; Temple Square and the Capitol follow other rules.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Salt Lake City Event Permits office","cost":"$142 for up to 3 locations; about $100 more per 3 additional locations","applyUrl":"https://www.slc.gov/eventpermits/film/","processingTime":"Submit no less than 30 days in advance; insurance evidence due at least 48 hours before the shoot","notes":"A city filming permit is needed when a production crew of more than four individuals shoots on Salt Lake City public property. One permit covers up to three locations. No city permit is needed for shoots entirely on private property with owner approval. Evidence of required insurance must reach the city no less than 48 hours before the start date or the permit is cancelled. Verify current terms with the Event Permits office."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Temple Square is private property of the LDS Church with its own photography rules; the city permit does not apply.","The Utah State Capitol and its grounds are state property; the Utah Film Commission is the contact for state-owned locations.","The four-person crew threshold makes small portrait shoots on city property effectively permit-free; count everyone on the crew."],"sources":[{"label":"Salt Lake City Event Permits: Film Permit Application","url":"https://www.slc.gov/eventpermits/film/"},{"label":"Utah Film Commission: Permits","url":"https://film.utah.gov/permits/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/salt-lake-city"},{"slug":"albuquerque","name":"Albuquerque","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"new-mexico","summary":"Albuquerque requires a film permit for any production on city property or shooting at night, filed at least 72 business hours ahead.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Albuquerque Film Office (City of Albuquerque)","cost":"Fee varies, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://www.cabq.gov/film/request-a-film-permit","processingTime":"Permit and documents due 72 business hours before any filming activity, including load-in","notes":"Filming activity on City of Albuquerque property requires a permit regardless of the size or type of production, and night shoots also trigger the requirement. Producers must review and sign the city's Film, Television and Photography Guidelines, and resident/business notification letters are required for all permitted activity. Casual personal photography needs nothing. Verify current requirements with the film office."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["Old Town's plaza area is city property, so the permit rule applies to commercial shoots there.","Petroglyph National Monument follows NPS rules, not city rules.","The 72-business-hour clock covers move-in, basecamp, and equipment setup, not just the time cameras roll."],"sources":[{"label":"City of Albuquerque: Request a Film Permit","url":"https://www.cabq.gov/film/request-a-film-permit"},{"label":"Albuquerque Film Office: FAQs","url":"https://www.cabq.gov/film/faqs"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/albuquerque"},{"slug":"sacramento","name":"Sacramento","scope":"US City","region":"US Cities","state":"california","summary":"Sacramento requires a film permit for all commercial filming, public or private property, with insurance required for every production.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"yes","issuer":"Sacramento Film + Media (Sacramento Film Office, City of Sacramento)","cost":"$100 permit fee plus service fees, covering two consecutive weeks or up to 10 locations","applyUrl":"https://filmsac.com/permitting/","processingTime":"Simple shoots can be permitted in about 3 business days; closures and notifications take longer","notes":"All commercial filming in the City of Sacramento requires a film permit, on both public and private property; only sound stage work is exempt. Insurance is required for all productions regardless of size. Casual personal photography is not commercial filming and needs nothing. Verify current terms with the film office."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions","notes":"Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law."},"practical":["The State Capitol and Capitol Park are state property; permits for state-owned locations go through the California Film Commission, not the city.","Old Sacramento's waterfront includes a state historic park; confirm which manager covers your exact spot.","Sacramento is one of the stricter cities in this list: the commercial permit requirement extends to shoots on private property."],"sources":[{"label":"Sacramento Film + Media: Permitting","url":"https://filmsac.com/permitting/"},{"label":"City of Sacramento: Film + Media","url":"https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/ccs/esd/film-media"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/sacramento"},{"slug":"alabama","name":"Alabama","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Alabama has no statewide photo permit; the Entertainment Office coordinates, cities issue permits, and ADCNR clears commercial shoots in state parks.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Alabama Entertainment Office (Alabama Department of Commerce)","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://www.alabamafilm.org/","notes":"There is no single statewide film or photography permit. Permits are issued by cities and counties (Film Birmingham, the Mobile Film Office, and the North Alabama Film Commission are the active regional offices); the state Entertainment Office acts as liaison and handles production registration for incentives. On state land, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) requires advance approval for commercial photo and video shoots in state parks, Forever Wild areas, and wildlife management areas: coordinate with ADCNR communications about 30 days ahead, register with the Entertainment Office, and carry liability insurance. Casual personal photography in the parks needs nothing. Verify current requirements with the film office and ADCNR before a shoot.","processingTime":"ADCNR advises about 30 days notice for commercial shoots on its properties"},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"ADCNR treats drones as production equipment that pushes a shoot into permit territory on its lands. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Alabama State Parks (Gulf State Park, Cheaha, DeSoto) fall under the ADCNR commercial photo and video policy, not a parks-counter permit; the same policy covers wildlife management areas.","Gulf Shores and Orange Beach run their own beach permitting for commercial shoots; the beach itself is not state film office territory.","For anything on city streets, start with the regional film office (Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville area) rather than the state."],"sources":[{"label":"Alabama Entertainment Office","url":"https://www.alabamafilm.org/"},{"label":"ADCNR Commercial Photo and Video Policy (Outdoor Alabama)","url":"https://www.outdooralabama.com/media/adcnr-commercial-photo-and-video-policy"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/alabama"},{"slug":"alaska","name":"Alaska","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Alaska closed its state film office in 2015; commercial shoots on state land run through DNR, with a dedicated permit for state parks.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Alaska DNR Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (state parks); DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water (general state land)","cost":"Permit fees vary by land unit; see DNR","applyUrl":"https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/permit/index.htm","processingTime":"Allow up to 30 days for state park filming permits","notes":"Alaska has no active state film office: the film incentive program and film office positions were eliminated in 2015, so there is no central coordinator. What the state does permit is its land. Commercial filming and photography in Alaska State Parks requires an advance permit from the DNR Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, with a certificate of insurance on an ACORD form naming the state. On general state land outside the parks, commercial operations (including filming) go through the DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, which publishes a commercial filming factsheet and a Commercial Recreation Permit for multi-day access. News gathering is exempt in the parks. Verify current forms and fees with DNR before a shoot."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Drone use on state park land counts as part of a commercial filming operation and belongs on the permit application. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property, Native corporation land, and tribal land set their own rules; much of scenic Alaska is not public land."},"practical":["Denali State Park and Chugach State Park are DNR parks, not national parks; the state park permit applies there while Denali National Park runs on NPS rules.","Native corporation lands cover large areas photographers assume are public; access and photography permissions come from the corporation, not the state.","With no film office, plan on contacting each land manager directly (DNR, NPS, USFS, municipality) and allow 30 days per permit."],"sources":[{"label":"Alaska State Park Permits (DNR Parks and Outdoor Recreation)","url":"https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/permit/index.htm"},{"label":"Alaska DNR: Commercial Filming factsheet (Mining, Land and Water)","url":"https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/cdn/pdf/factsheets/commercial-filming.pdf"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/alaska"},{"slug":"arizona","name":"Arizona","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"No single Arizona state permit: register with the state film office, pull free ADOT permits for highways, and apply separately for state parks.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Arizona Film and Digital Media (Arizona Commerce Authority)","cost":"State film office registration and ADOT highway permits are free; state parks require insurance and a permit application","applyUrl":"https://www.azcommerce.com/film-media/permits/","processingTime":"ADOT wants applications 10 business days out; Arizona State Parks up to 30 days","notes":"There is no singular state film permit in Arizona; each jurisdiction has its own process, and cities and counties issue most filming permits. The state film office at the Arizona Commerce Authority asks productions to register their project and points them to the right authority. What the state itself permits: ADOT issues no-cost film permits for shoots on or along state highways (insurance and a traffic control plan required), and Arizona State Parks and Trails requires a permit application for commercial photography, video, and film, emailed to the parks PIO with a 1 million dollar insurance certificate. Personal and portrait photography (engagement, family, graduation) no longer requires a state parks permit. Verify current requirements with the film office and the parks agency."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"State parks expect drone use to be declared on the film permit application. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley are on Navajo Nation land: tribal photography permits apply, and no state or federal permit substitutes for them.","Horseshoe Bend is City of Page and NPS territory, not state land; check the local rules rather than the state film office.","Sedona, Flagstaff, and Tucson each run their own film permit processes; the state page links out to them."],"sources":[{"label":"Arizona Film and Digital Media: Permits","url":"https://www.azcommerce.com/film-media/permits/"},{"label":"Arizona State Parks: press and filming contact","url":"https://azstateparks.com/press"},{"label":"ADOT Film Permits","url":"https://azdot.gov/business/permits/film-permits"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/arizona"},{"slug":"arkansas","name":"Arkansas","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Arkansas has no state-level film permit; the AEDC film office handles registration, and state parks shoots go through the parks department.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Arkansas Film Office (Arkansas Economic Development Commission)","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://www.arkansasedc.com/film","notes":"Arkansas does not have a state-level film permit requirement; cities and counties set their own rules, and many locations need only landowner permission. The Arkansas Film Office (a division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission) asks productions to register and file an expenditure estimate before preproduction, mainly for incentive eligibility, and acts as liaison to other agencies. Filming or commercial photography on state-owned property, including state parks and government buildings, requires permission from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, typically with proof of insurance. Verify specifics with the film office and the parks department before a shoot."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Declare drone use when seeking permission on state park land. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Buffalo National River, the state's marquee landscape, is NPS land: federal filming rules apply, not state ones.","Petit Jean, Devil's Den, and other state parks route commercial shoots through the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism; ask the individual park office first.","Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville, Fayetteville) has its own regional film resource; city permission is handled locally."],"sources":[{"label":"Arkansas Film Office (AEDC)","url":"https://www.arkansasedc.com/film"},{"label":"Arkansas State Parks","url":"https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/arkansas"},{"slug":"california","name":"California","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"California is the exception: the California Film Commission itself issues free permits for all state property, including state parks, beaches, and highways.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"California Film Commission (CFC)","cost":"The CFC permit is free, but state parks charge cost-recovery fees and monitors, and CHP or ranger staffing is billed to the production","applyUrl":"https://film.ca.gov/state-permits/","processingTime":"At least 4 business days before first prep or shoot day; some state parks want 14 to 30 days","notes":"Unusually, California has a real statewide permitting body: the California Film Commission issues permits for commercial still and motion photography on all state property, including state parks and beaches, freeways and roads (with Caltrans and CHP), and state buildings. Anyone shooting commercially on state property needs one, students included; personal-use photography without commercial equipment at a state park or beach does not. The permit itself is free, but parks apply cost-recovery fees and may require monitors. City and county land is separate: local permits (for example through FilmLA in Los Angeles) still apply off state property. Verify lead times with the specific park before applying."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Drone use on state property must be declared on the CFC permit, and individual park districts can restrict or refuse it. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Many iconic California beaches are state property, so a commercial beach shoot often needs a CFC permit even when the nearest city requires nothing.","Freeway and highway shots run through the CFC with Caltrans and CHP coordination; budget for CHP officer time.","Big Sur pullouts on Highway 1, state beaches, and state parks each have their own cost-recovery quirks; contact the park district before filing."],"sources":[{"label":"California Film Commission: State Film Permits","url":"https://film.ca.gov/state-permits/"},{"label":"California Film Commission: State Parks and Beaches","url":"https://film.ca.gov/state-permits/state-parks-beaches/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/california"},{"slug":"colorado","name":"Colorado","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Colorado's film office coordinates but does not permit; Colorado Parks and Wildlife requires permits for commercial photography in state parks, portraits included.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (OEDIT)","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-office-of-film-television-media","notes":"Colorado has no statewide film permit. The Office of Film, Television and Media inside OEDIT handles incentives and coordination, and twelve regional film commissions cover local permitting knowledge; actual permits come from cities, counties, and land agencies. The layer photographers hit most is Colorado Parks and Wildlife: commercial photography in state parks, explicitly including portrait businesses shooting seniors or families, requires a permit from the park before arrival, and organized activities may need a special activity agreement filed well in advance (CPW has cited 90 days for events). CPW has been consolidating its commercial and special use permits, so check current rules with the specific park. Federal land (BLM, USFS, NPS) permits separately."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"CPW restricts drone use in most state parks except designated areas; declare drones on any park permit. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["The CPW portrait rule is the trap: a paid family session at a state park like Roxborough or Eldorado Canyon needs a permit even with one photographer and no crew.","Maroon Bells is US Forest Service land and Garden of the Gods is a Colorado Springs city park; neither goes through the state, and both have their own commercial photo policies.","Hanging Lake and other permit-entry locations layer access reservations on top of any photography permission."],"sources":[{"label":"Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (OEDIT)","url":"https://oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-office-of-film-television-media"},{"label":"Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Commercial Use Fees and Regulations","url":"https://engagecpw.org/commercial-use"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/colorado"},{"slug":"connecticut","name":"Connecticut","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Connecticut runs filming on all state-owned property, state parks and forests included, through one office: DECD's Office of Film, TV and Digital Media.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Office of Film, Television and Digital Media (Department of Economic and Community Development)","cost":"Varies by property; insurance is required for state-property permits","applyUrl":"https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Film-TV-Digital-Media/01_Producing_in_Connecticut/04-Permits","notes":"Connecticut is one of the few states with a true single point of contact: by statute (Conn. Gen. Stat. 32-1u), the DECD film office coordinates permits for filming and photography on all state-owned property, including state roads and highways, state parks and forests (DEEP land), rail stations, airports, and seaports. Filming on limited-access highways needs separate DOT permission arranged through the same pipeline. Municipal property is still local: each of Connecticut's 169 cities and towns handles its own streets and parks. Insurance naming the state is required for state-property permits. Verify current forms with the film office."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Declare drone use on the state-property application; DEEP restricts drones in many state parks. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["State parks and forests are DEEP land but the film permit comes through the DECD film office, not the park; that routing surprises people used to parks-counter permits.","Shoreline parks like Hammonasset fill in summer; the film office will steer shoot windows around peak capacity closures.","Yale and other private campuses permit independently; town greens belong to the municipality."],"sources":[{"label":"CT Office of Film, TV and Digital Media: Permits","url":"https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Film-TV-Digital-Media/01_Producing_in_Connecticut/04-Permits"},{"label":"Conn. Gen. Stat. 32-1u: Permits for filming on state-owned property","url":"https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-32/chapter-578/section-32-1u/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/connecticut"},{"slug":"delaware","name":"Delaware","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Delaware has no dedicated state film office; the layer that matters is Delaware State Parks, which requires an annual permit for professional portrait photography.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Delaware Division of Small Business (state contact for film); DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation for state parks","cost":"Varies by property; state parks charge a fee for the professional photography permit","applyUrl":"https://business.delaware.gov/","notes":"Delaware has no dedicated state film office or film incentive; the Division of Small Business is the state-level contact, and the industry group Film Delaware fills the promotion role. There is no statewide filming permit; municipalities like Wilmington handle their own streets. The rule photographers actually hit: DNREC's Division of Parks and Recreation requires professional photographers to hold an Annual Portrait Photography Permit to shoot paid sessions in Delaware State Parks, and film productions and drone flights on park land need a special use permit. Third-party sources cite a fee and liability insurance requirement for the parks permit; confirm current figures with the Division of Parks and Recreation."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"A special use permit is required to operate a drone on or over any land or water administered by DNREC Parks and Recreation. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Delaware's best beaches (Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore, Fenwick Island) are state parks, so the parks portrait permit covers the classic beach-session business model.","The annual portrait permit is a business license model, not a per-shoot permit: one permit covers the season's sessions.","Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach boardwalks are municipal, not state park land; check the town's own rules."],"sources":[{"label":"Delaware Division of Small Business","url":"https://business.delaware.gov/"},{"label":"Delaware State Parks: Doing Business (photography permits)","url":"https://www.destateparks.com/business-opportunities/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/delaware"},{"slug":"florida","name":"Florida","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Florida abolished its state film office in 2023; county film commissions issue permits, and state parks run their own DEP photography permit with fees and insurance.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"County and city film commissions (no state film office since July 2023); Film Florida is the industry association","cost":"Varies by county; state parks charge an application fee plus a daily permit fee and require insurance","applyUrl":"https://filminflorida.com/permitting/","notes":"Florida eliminated its Office of Film and Entertainment effective July 1, 2023 (HB 5, Chapter 2023-173), so there is no state film commissioner or statewide coordinator; the nonprofit association Film Florida and a dense network of county and regional film commissions (Film Miami, Film Tampa Bay, FilmLauderdale, and others) handle production support and permits. On state land, the DEP Division of Recreation and Parks requires a photography permit for commercial shoots in Florida State Parks that need park participation, resources, or facilities; expect an application fee, a daily permit fee, and liability insurance naming DEP and the Board of Trustees, all arranged with the individual park manager. Casual photography in the parks is free. Verify current fees with the park before booking."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; Florida preempts most local drone ordinances by statute","notes":"Florida law centralizes drone regulation at the state level, and state parks restrict launching and landing. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Florida beaches below the mean high tide line are public; dry sand above it can be private. Private property sets its own rules."},"practical":["With no state office, the county film commission is your first call: Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, and Orange County all run mature permit systems.","Popular state parks for shoots (Bill Baggs Cape Florida, Honeymoon Island) process photo permits through the park manager, and some county film offices host the forms.","Theme park property is private; Disney and Universal do not permit commercial photography through any government channel."],"sources":[{"label":"Film in Florida (Film Florida): Permitting","url":"https://filminflorida.com/permitting/"},{"label":"Florida DEP Division of Recreation and Parks: photography permit form (DRP-067)","url":"https://www.floridastateparks.org/sites/default/files/media/file/DRP-067%20ENABLED.pdf"},{"label":"Florida HB 5 (2023), Chapter 2023-173","url":"https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/5"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/florida"},{"slug":"georgia","name":"Georgia","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Georgia's film office issues no permits (that is municipal), but Georgia DNR runs a formal film and photography application for state parks with a 200 dollar processing fee.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Georgia Film Office (Georgia Department of Economic Development)","cost":"No state permit fee; Georgia State Parks charges a 200 dollar application processing fee","applyUrl":"https://georgia.org/industries/film-entertainment/georgia-film-tv-production/permits","processingTime":"State parks want applications at least 10 business days before filming","notes":"The Georgia Film Office explicitly does not issue filming permits; permitting happens at the municipal level, and the state maintains Camera Ready liaisons in every county to route you to the right office. The state layer photographers actually encounter is the Department of Natural Resources: commercial film, video, and photography projects in Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites require a Commercial Film/Photography Request Application emailed to the DNR film office, with an automatic 200 dollar processing fee and a minimum of 10 business days lead time. Drone use on park land requires including the pilot's Part 107 certificate and drone registration with the application. Verify current terms with the parks division."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Georgia State Parks requires a copy of the Part 107 certificate and drone registration with any film application involving drones. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Atlanta has its own Office of Film and Entertainment with a separate city permit; the state's Camera Ready county liaisons cover everywhere else.","Marquee state parks like Tallulah Gorge, Cloudland Canyon, and Providence Canyon all sit under the DNR film application and its 200 dollar fee.","Savannah's historic district is city jurisdiction with its own film services office; it is not state property."],"sources":[{"label":"Georgia Film Office: Permits","url":"https://georgia.org/industries/film-entertainment/georgia-film-tv-production/permits"},{"label":"Georgia State Parks: Film and Photography","url":"https://gastateparks.org/Film"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/georgia"},{"slug":"hawaii","name":"Hawaii","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Hawaii actually has a statewide film permit: the Hawaii Film Office permits all state land, including beaches, state parks, trails, and harbors, with counties covering the rest.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Hawaii Film Office (DBEDT), permitting for DLNR and other state lands","cost":"Permit fees vary by land type and permit class; a certificate of insurance naming the state is required","applyUrl":"https://filmoffice.hawaii.gov/state-film-permits/","notes":"Hawaii is one of the few states where a state film permit is a real, routine document. The state controls the coastlines of every island, ocean waters out three miles, state parks, forests, trails, small boat harbors, and highways; commercial filming and photography on any of it requires a permit processed by the Hawaii Film Office on behalf of DLNR and other agencies. Two tracks exist: a streamlined Open and Accessible ePermit for low-impact shoots at designated sites, and a Standard Film Permit for everything else. The four county film offices (Honolulu, Maui County, Kauai, Hawaii Island) permit county roads, parks, and facilities separately. Insurance naming the state (and county where relevant) is required. Verify site lists and fees with the film office."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Drone use on state land goes on the film permit, and DLNR restricts drones in state parks and forest reserves. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Beaches are public in Hawaii, but commercial activity on them is what triggers the state permit; private resorts control their own grounds."},"practical":["A paid beach portrait session is commercial activity on state land almost anywhere in Hawaii, so the permit question comes up faster here than in any other state.","Check the Open and Accessible site list first: if your beach or trail is on it, the ePermit is dramatically simpler than the standard permit.","Haleakala, Hawaii Volcanoes, and Pearl Harbor are federal (NPS) sites with their own filming rules; Waikiki Beach fronting the hotels involves both state and city jurisdiction."],"sources":[{"label":"Hawaii Film Office: State Film Permits","url":"https://filmoffice.hawaii.gov/state-film-permits/"},{"label":"Hawaii Film Office: DLNR lands and permits","url":"https://filmoffice.hawaii.gov/dlnr/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/hawaii"},{"slug":"idaho","name":"Idaho","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Idaho issues no statewide permits and most cities require none; the real rule is the Idaho state parks filming permit with its 100 dollar application fee.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Idaho Film Office (Idaho Department of Commerce)","cost":"No statewide permit; Idaho state parks charge a 100 dollar nonrefundable filming permit application fee","applyUrl":"https://commerce.idaho.gov/tourism-resources/film/","notes":"Idaho does not issue statewide film permits, and most Idaho cities do not require film permits at all; the Idaho Film Office inside the Department of Commerce is a coordination and support resource, not a permitting authority. The layer that bites: the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation requires a filming permit for commercial filming and photography in state parks, submitted to the specific park with a 100 dollar nonrefundable application fee, with possible additional charges for facility use, staff time, or operational impact. The rule explicitly exempts casual photographers; it targets people recording images to sell. Federal land (USFS, BLM) dominates the Idaho backcountry and permits separately. Verify with the park before a shoot."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Declare drone use on the state parks filming permit; individual parks can restrict flights. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["The Sawtooths, Idaho's signature landscape, are US Forest Service land: federal commercial filming rules apply, not the state parks permit.","Shoshone Falls is a City of Twin Falls park, not a state park; commercial shoots go through the city.","Boise maintains a city film permit process and Coeur d'Alene is a noted exception among Idaho cities that otherwise require nothing."],"sources":[{"label":"Idaho Film Support (Idaho Commerce)","url":"https://commerce.idaho.gov/tourism-resources/film/"},{"label":"Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation: Filming Permit Application","url":"https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/Film-Permit-Application.pdf"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/idaho"},{"slug":"illinois","name":"Illinois","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"The Illinois Film Office issues no permits; municipalities do, Chicago charges per day, and IDNR requires an activity permit plus filming questionnaire in state parks.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Illinois Film Office (Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity)","cost":"Varies by municipality; Chicago's film permit runs 250 dollars per day per location","applyUrl":"https://dceo.illinois.gov/whyillinois/film.html","notes":"The Illinois Film Office explicitly does not provide filming permits; permits are authorized by the municipality where you shoot, and the film office's role is incentives, locations, and pointing you to the right local contact. Chicago is its own world: the Chicago Film Office permits streets at 250 dollars per day per location, and the Park District, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the CTA each issue separate permits. On state land, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources requires an Activity Permit plus a Filming Questionnaire for any filming used for commercial purposes, publication, or advertising at state parks and IDNR sites, arranged with the site superintendent; visitors shooting for private use are exempt. Verify current requirements with the site office."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"IDNR sites and the City of Chicago both restrict drone operations; clear flights with the land manager. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law. Chicago's famous Cloud Gate sits in Millennium Park, which permits commercial photography separately."},"practical":["Starved Rock and other flagship IDNR parks route commercial shoots through the site superintendent via the Activity Permit and Filming Questionnaire.","In Chicago, budget for stacked permits: city film permit, then Park District or Navy Pier or CTA depending on the frame.","Outside Chicago, call the municipality; many suburbs and downstate towns have no formal process, and the film office will tell you who to ask."],"sources":[{"label":"Illinois Film Office (DCEO)","url":"https://dceo.illinois.gov/whyillinois/film.html"},{"label":"Illinois DNR: Permits (state parks)","url":"https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/permits.html"},{"label":"Illinois Film Office: FAQs (permitting)","url":"https://dceo.illinois.gov/whyillinois/film/filminginillinois/faqs.html"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/illinois"},{"slug":"indiana","name":"Indiana","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Indiana has no statewide photo permit; cities issue film permits, the IDOA approves shoots on state property, and Indiana DNR permits commercial work in state parks.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Film Indiana (Indiana Economic Development Corporation)","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://www.iedc.in.gov/","notes":"There is no single statewide filming or photography permit; day-to-day permits come from cities and counties (Indianapolis shoots go through Film Indy, which requires an application and proof of liability insurance). Film Indiana at the IEDC handles the state's Film and Media Tax Credit and production coordination rather than routine permits. Filming in state buildings or on state land needs prior written approval from the Indiana Department of Administration, with at least 7 days notice and $1,000,000 liability coverage naming the State of Indiana. The layer photographers actually hit is Indiana DNR: commercial filming and photography on DNR properties (state parks, reservoirs, forests) requires a Commercial Film and Photography application, and DNR asks you to contact the property manager well in advance, up to 90 days for larger productions."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Check individual DNR property rules before launching on state land. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Indiana Dunes is a national park, not a state property: NPS rules and the EXPLORE Act small-group exemption apply there, not DNR rules.","For Indianapolis, budget lead time: Film Indy wants applications at least 5 business days out and recommends 15."],"sources":[{"label":"Indiana Economic Development Corporation (Film Indiana)","url":"https://www.iedc.in.gov/"},{"label":"Indiana DNR: Commercial Film and Photography Application Instructions","url":"https://www.in.gov/dnr/communications/files/56490-Commercial-Film-Photography-App-INSTRUCTIONS.pdf"},{"label":"Film Indy: Filming in Indianapolis","url":"https://www.filmindy.com/filming/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/indiana"},{"slug":"iowa","name":"Iowa","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Iowa requires no state filming permit; Produce Iowa asks productions to register, and state parks need advance authorization from Iowa DNR.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Produce Iowa, State Office of Media Production (Iowa Economic Development Authority)","cost":"No state permit fee; location costs vary by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://opportunityiowa.gov/community/arts-culture/produce-iowa/permits-resources","notes":"Permits are not required for filming in Iowa at the state level; Produce Iowa is a coordination and support office, not a permitting authority, though it asks productions to register with it. The permits that do exist are local: cities and counties handle street closures and right-of-way use, and some require proof of insurance. On state land the agency that matters is Iowa DNR, which manages state parks, forests, and recreation areas; commercial shoots and anything resembling an organized event should be cleared in advance with the park office or through the DNR's special events application system."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Confirm rules with the individual state park before flying. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Courts in the Eighth Circuit, which covers Iowa, have upheld local bans on unpermitted commercial activity in public parks, so treat 'commercial' shoots in parks as permission-first.","Registering with Produce Iowa is free and unlocks help with state agencies, locations, and the State Patrol for traffic-involved shoots."],"sources":[{"label":"Produce Iowa: Permits and Resources","url":"https://opportunityiowa.gov/community/arts-culture/produce-iowa/permits-resources"},{"label":"Iowa DNR: State Parks","url":"https://www.iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/iowa"},{"slug":"kansas","name":"Kansas","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Kansas has no state filming permit; cities and counties permit their own streets, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks controls commercial shoots in state parks.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Kansas Film Commission (Kansas Department of Commerce)","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/filming-in-kansas/","notes":"The Department of Commerce states plainly that there are no state filming permits; individual cities and counties may require them, and shoots on city streets or county roads should be coordinated with local police or the county sheriff. The Kansas Film Commission assists with locations and points productions at the right local authority. The layer photographers actually hit is the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP): commercial filming and photography in state parks and on KDWP-managed lands is a commercial use that needs permission from the department, arranged through the individual park or regional office."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"KDWP applies additional requirements to commercial drone use on the lands it manages, so confirm with the park office before flying. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Kansas City area shoots straddle two states: the Kansas City Film Office covers the metro, but the Kansas and Missouri sides permit separately.","KDWP fee schedules for commercial shoots are set per property; ask the specific park office rather than assuming a statewide rate."],"sources":[{"label":"Kansas Department of Commerce: Filming in Kansas","url":"https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/filming-in-kansas/"},{"label":"Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks: Licenses, Permits and Fees","url":"https://www.ksoutdoors.gov/licenses-permits-fees"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/kansas"},{"slug":"kentucky","name":"Kentucky","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Kentucky's film office runs the incentive program, not permits; commercial shoots in Kentucky State Parks need a permit application to the park manager and Central Office consent.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Kentucky Film Office (Cabinet for Economic Development)","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://newkentuckyhome.ky.gov/Locating_Expanding/KEI","notes":"The Kentucky Film Office within the Cabinet for Economic Development administers the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive (KEI) program and acts as the state's production resource; it does not issue a general filming permit. Routine permits come from cities such as Louisville and Lexington. The layer photographers actually hit is Kentucky State Parks: commercial photography requires a permit application submitted to the park manager, commercial filming is prohibited without written consent from the Kentucky State Parks Central Office, and location fees for advertising, fashion, and catalog photography are negotiated case by case."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Kentucky State Parks drone applications must include a copy of the operator's license, and parks on US Army Corps of Engineers land require a separate federal request. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Several Kentucky State Parks sit on Corps of Engineers property; if your shoot or drone flight crosses that boundary you need two separate approvals.","Bourbon distilleries are private property with their own photo policies; the state permit question never arises there."],"sources":[{"label":"Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development: KEI Program (Kentucky Film Office)","url":"https://newkentuckyhome.ky.gov/Locating_Expanding/KEI"},{"label":"Kentucky State Parks: Media and Filming","url":"https://parks.ky.gov/media"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/kentucky"},{"slug":"louisiana","name":"Louisiana","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Louisiana permits filming parish by parish; Louisiana Entertainment coordinates state property case by case, and the Office of State Parks controls commercial shoots at parks and historic sites.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Louisiana Entertainment (Louisiana Economic Development)","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://www.louisianaentertainment.gov/film/resources","notes":"There is no single statewide permit: filming permits are issued by parishes and cities, with Film New Orleans covering Orleans Parish and Film Baton Rouge covering East Baton Rouge, each with its own fees and insurance requirements. Louisiana Entertainment, the state's LED-run film office, handles the tax credit program and coordinates use of state property, where location fees are assessed case by case. The layer photographers actually hit is the Louisiana Office of State Parks (Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism): commercial filming and photography at state parks and state historic sites requires advance permission from the office, and insurance is commonly required for commercial productions."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Check with the individual state park or historic site before flying. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["New Orleans is the strictest jurisdiction in the state: even student shoots in Orleans Parish need a Film New Orleans permit.","Plantation homes and swamp tour operations are mostly private; arrange access and fees directly with the property."],"sources":[{"label":"Louisiana Entertainment: Film Resources","url":"https://www.louisianaentertainment.gov/film/resources"},{"label":"Louisiana Office of State Parks","url":"https://www.lastateparks.com/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/louisiana"},{"slug":"maine","name":"Maine","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Maine has no general filming permit, just a registration form with the Maine Film Office; state parks go through the Bureau of Parks and Lands, which also bans drones.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Maine Film Office (Department of Economic and Community Development)","cost":"No state permit fee; location costs vary by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://filminmaine.com/permits-procedures/","notes":"Maine does not require a general filming permit. The Maine Film Office asks productions to complete a Maine Media Production Registration form before shooting, and it acts as the liaison to other state agencies. Cities such as Portland issue their own park and right-of-way permits. The layer photographers actually hit is the Bureau of Parks and Lands (Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry), which manages Maine's state parks and historic sites; the film office asks productions shooting in any state park to contact it first, and commercial activity in parks may need a Special Activity Permit. Acadia is a national park and permits separately under NPS rules."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; drones are prohibited in Maine State Parks without a Special Activity Permit","notes":"The Bureau of Parks and Lands bans general drone use in state parks, historic sites, and DACF boat launches unless flown under law enforcement oversight or a Special Activity Permit. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Acadia National Park follows NPS and EXPLORE Act rules, not Maine state rules; do not assume the state's no-permit posture applies there.","Lighthouses are a patchwork: some are state park land, some Coast Guard, some private or nonprofit-run, and each controls its own commercial access."],"sources":[{"label":"Maine Film Office: Permits and Procedures","url":"https://filminmaine.com/permits-procedures/"},{"label":"Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands","url":"https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/"},{"label":"Maine DECD: Maine Film Office","url":"https://www.maine.gov/decd/maine-film-office"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/maine"},{"slug":"maryland","name":"Maryland","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Maryland's film office markets the state rather than permitting it; commercial shoots on Maryland Park Service land need a permit or right-of-entry agreement under DNR Policy 19-29.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Maryland Film Office (Maryland Department of Commerce)","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://marylandfilm.org/","notes":"The Maryland Film Office is a marketing arm of the Department of Commerce that attracts and assists productions; it does not issue a statewide permit. Routine permits are local: the Baltimore Film Office covers the city, and counties such as Montgomery run their own film and park permit programs. The layer photographers actually hit is the Maryland Park Service (Department of Natural Resources): under MPS Policy 19-29, commercial photography and filming on state park land requires a permit or a standard right-of-entry agreement plus applicable service charges, with a $500 one-time administrative charge cited for commercial filming. Private, non-commercial photography in public areas of state parks is expressly exempt."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Maryland state law reserves drone regulation to the state, so check DNR and park-level rules rather than expecting county drone ordinances. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Assateague's wild ponies live on a mix of national seashore (NPS) and state park land; the rules change at the boundary.","Montgomery and Prince George's county parks (M-NCPPC) run their own photography permits separate from both the state and the counties' film liaison offices."],"sources":[{"label":"Maryland Film Office","url":"https://marylandfilm.org/"},{"label":"Maryland Park Service Policy 19-29: Commercial Filming and Photography","url":"https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Documents/MPSPolicy19-29.pdf"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/maryland"},{"slug":"massachusetts","name":"Massachusetts","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Massachusetts permits shoot by shoot through towns and agencies; DCR issues the state parks photography and film permits, with a $1 million insurance requirement.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Massachusetts Film Office","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://mafilm.org/filming-in-massachusetts/permits/","notes":"There is no blanket state filming permit. Each of the Commonwealth's 351 cities and towns permits its own streets and property (Boston has its own application process), and the Massachusetts Film Office is the point of contact for locations owned or controlled by the Commonwealth. The layer photographers actually hit is the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR): professional photography and film/video production at DCR state parks, beaches, and reservations requires a special use permit, applied for through the EEA ePLACE online portal, with the Commonwealth/DCR named as additional insured at a minimum of $1,000,000 liability."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"DCR and individual municipalities add their own approval layers for takeoff and landing on their property. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Portrait photographers are squarely in scope for DCR permits: wedding and family session photography at DCR parks is a listed permit category, not just film production.","The Massachusetts Film Office maintains a town-by-town permit directory, which is the fastest way to find the right local contact."],"sources":[{"label":"Massachusetts Film Office: Permit Overview","url":"https://mafilm.org/filming-in-massachusetts/permits/"},{"label":"Mass.gov: Apply for a state parks photography or film/video production permit","url":"https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-state-parks-photography-or-a-filmvideo-production-permit"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/massachusetts"},{"slug":"michigan","name":"Michigan","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Michigan has no statewide film permit; the MFDMO coordinates, MDOT permits highway shoots, and Michigan DNR treats commercial photography as a permitted commercial use of state land.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Michigan Film and Digital Media Office (Michigan Economic Development Corporation)","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office; the DNR commercial use application carries a $50 fee","applyUrl":"https://www.michiganbusiness.org/industries/mfdmo/film/","notes":"The Michigan Film and Digital Media Office is a coordination and incentive office, not a permitting authority; it directs productions to verify requirements with the city, township, or county where they are shooting. Filming on state property needs approval from whichever state department manages it: MDOT issues permits for commercial filming in state highway right-of-way, and the layer photographers actually hit is Michigan DNR, which classifies commercial filming and photography as a commercial use of state lands. DNR applications go to the unit supervisor at each individual state park, recreation area, harbor, or boating access site, with a $50 application fee and possible additional usage fees, and a separate application per location."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Michigan DNR rules govern takeoff and landing on the state lands it manages; check the specific park. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Popular DNR locations like Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks-adjacent state land each need their own application; there is no bundle permit across parks.","Sleeping Bear Dunes, Isle Royale, and Pictured Rocks are federal NPS units with their own rules, separate from Michigan DNR."],"sources":[{"label":"Michigan Film and Digital Media Office","url":"https://www.michiganbusiness.org/industries/mfdmo/film/"},{"label":"Michigan DNR: Commercial Use of State Lands","url":"https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/public-land/permission/commercial"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/michigan"},{"slug":"minnesota","name":"Minnesota","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Minnesota permits locally with a film-friendly posture; DNR state parks require permits for advertising and staged shoots, and the state adds its own MnDOT drone registration on top of Part 107.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Minnesota Film and TV (Explore Minnesota Film)","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office; local permits are typically low-cost or free","applyUrl":"https://mnfilmtv.org/permits","notes":"Minnesota has no statewide filming permit; cities and counties issue their own (Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board each run separate photo/film permit programs), and Minnesota Film and TV guides productions to the right authority. The layer photographers actually hit is Minnesota DNR: in state parks and recreation areas, a permit is required for filming or photography for commercial advertising, for shoots using props, sets, or compensated models or actors, and for anything that disrupts visitors or impacts resources. Applications start with the park or area supervisor and review can take up to 30 days."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107, and Minnesota adds state-level requirements: commercial drones must be registered with MnDOT (annual or per-event), operators advertising drone services need a MnDOT Commercial Operations License, and proof of insurance is required under Minn. Stat. 360.59","notes":"This is one of the few states with a real drone paperwork layer beyond the FAA. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Casual and editorial photography in Minnesota state parks does not need a permit; the DNR trigger is advertising use, staging, or disruption.","Budget for the MnDOT drone layer before a commercial aerial job: registration and the operations license are cheap but must be in place at flight time."],"sources":[{"label":"Minnesota Film and TV: Production Resources and Permits","url":"https://mnfilmtv.org/permits"},{"label":"Minnesota DNR: State park and recreation area rules","url":"https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/rules.html"},{"label":"MnDOT: Commercial drone operators","url":"https://www.dot.state.mn.us/aero/drones/commercial.html"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/minnesota"},{"slug":"mississippi","name":"Mississippi","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Mississippi requires no state filming permits or fees; the film office keeps your location agreement and insurance on file, and state parks arrange commercial shoots park by park.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Mississippi Film Office (Film Mississippi)","cost":"No state permit fee; location costs vary by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://filmmississippi.org/production/quick/","notes":"The State of Mississippi requires no permits or fees for filming, one of the most permissive state postures in the country; the film office asks that a copy of your standard location agreement and insurance certificate be on file with it. Cities and counties may still require local permits for streets and public property. The parks layer is the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), which manages the state parks; there is no published statewide commercial photography permit, so arrange commercial shoots in advance with the individual park office."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Confirm with the individual MDWFP park before flying. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["The Natchez Trace Parkway and the Mississippi National River sites are NPS-managed; federal filming rules apply there, not the state's no-permit posture.","Even with no state permit, productions claiming the Mississippi incentive must have paperwork on file with the film office, so register early."],"sources":[{"label":"Film Mississippi: Quick Resources","url":"https://filmmississippi.org/production/quick/"},{"label":"Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks: State Parks","url":"https://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/mississippi"},{"slug":"missouri","name":"Missouri","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Missouri has no general state filming permit; state parks require a Commercial Production Application a month ahead, and Conservation areas use a free special use permit for large shoots.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Missouri Film Office (Department of Economic Development)","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://mofilm.org/production/permits-fees/","notes":"Missouri does not issue a general statewide filming permit; cities such as St. Louis and Kansas City permit their own streets, and the Missouri Film Office publishes the permit and fee landscape. The layer photographers actually hit is Missouri State Parks (Division of State Parks, Department of Natural Resources): commercial productions must submit a Commercial Production Application to the facility manager of the specific park at least one month before the shoot, and approval brings a proof-of-liability-insurance requirement. Separately, the Missouri Department of Conservation dropped its old commercial photography permits; on MDC conservation areas a no-cost special use permit is required only in some cases, such as when more than 10 people are involved in a day's shoot."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Missouri State Parks and MDC areas each control takeoff and landing on their own land; ask the facility manager. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Know which agency owns your location: state parks (DNR) and conservation areas (MDC) look similar on a map but run entirely different permit processes.","The one-month lead time for the state parks Commercial Production Application is the binding constraint; portfolio and editorial work without staging generally is not what the application targets, but confirm with the park."],"sources":[{"label":"Missouri Film Office: Permits and Fees","url":"https://mofilm.org/production/permits-fees/"},{"label":"Missouri Film Office: Filming in Missouri State and National Parks","url":"https://mofilm.org/filming-in-missouri-state-and-national-parks/"},{"label":"Missouri Department of Conservation: Photography","url":"https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities/photography"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/missouri"},{"slug":"montana","name":"Montana","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Montana has no statewide photo permit; the film office coordinates, FWP permits state parks, and only Bozeman and Livingston mandate city film permits.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Montana Film Office (Montana Department of Commerce)","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://www.montanafilm.com/permits/","notes":"There is no single statewide photography permit; permits attach to whoever manages the land you are standing on, and the Montana Film Office acts as coordinator rather than issuer. State and federal agencies manage roughly 35 percent of Montana, so land manager matters: state trust forests go through DNRC, and state parks go through Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP). FWP requires a Commercial Use Permit when a shoot involves two or more people (crew, models, or client reps); a solo photographer operating their own equipment does not need one. A small-crew annual state parks permit has been offered at 50 dollars with liability insurance naming the state. Among cities, only Bozeman and Livingston currently require municipal film permits."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Land manager rules (state parks, wildlife management areas) sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law, and Montana is heavily checkerboarded with private ranchland; know whose land you are on."},"practical":["The solo-photographer carve-out in FWP's commercial use rule is the practical line for state parks: alone with your own gear is fine, add a model or an assistant and you need the permit.","Glacier and Yellowstone are federal, not state; NPS rules apply there, not Montana's."],"sources":[{"label":"Montana Film Office: Permits","url":"https://www.montanafilm.com/permits/"},{"label":"Montana FWP: Commercial Use Permit Application (state parks)","url":"https://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/stateparks/generic-commercial-use-permit-application-may-2015_hq.pdf"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/montana"},{"slug":"nebraska","name":"Nebraska","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Nebraska's film office registers projects but issues no permits; commercial shoots in state parks need a Game and Parks special occasion permit.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Nebraska Film Office (Nebraska Department of Economic Development)","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://film.nebraska.gov/permits/","notes":"The Nebraska Film Office states plainly that it does not issue permits; permitting happens at the city, county, or land-manager level, and the office helps you find the right desk. Registering a project with the office is free and unlocks its permitting assistance. On state park land, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission requires a Special Occasion Permit for commercial photography and videography involving models, sets, or props, applied for at least 30 days ahead with a production amendment. Amateur and recreational photography, including client portrait sessions in the ordinary sense, is explicitly allowed without a permit."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"State park areas and local ordinances add takeoff and landing restrictions on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Game and Parks draws the commercial line at models, sets, and props, not at whether you charge; straightforward nature and portrait photography in state parks is permit-free.","A state park entry permit for your vehicle is a separate, universal requirement regardless of what you are shooting."],"sources":[{"label":"Nebraska Film Office: Permits","url":"https://film.nebraska.gov/permits/"},{"label":"Nebraska Game and Parks: Special Occasion Permits","url":"https://outdoornebraska.gov/permits/park-permits/special-occasion-permits/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/nebraska"},{"slug":"nevada","name":"Nevada","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Nevada asks production companies to register with the state film office, but real permits come from cities, counties, and a strict state parks photo permit system.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Nevada Film Office","cost":"Registration with the film office is free; local permits vary (Clark County around 45 dollars, City of Las Vegas free)","applyUrl":"https://film.nv.gov/filming-in-nevada/permit-info/","notes":"Production companies are expected to register with the Nevada Film Office before shooting in the state; registration is free and is not itself a location permit. Actual permits are local: the larger cities and counties typically want a permit application, 1 million dollars in general liability insurance, and a hold-harmless agreement. Nevada Division of State Parks runs its own photography and filming permit program: a permit is required when a shoot uses models, props, or sets, impacts park resources, or needs closed areas, with applications due at least 30 days out. An annual Class A commercial photography permit valid at all state parks has been offered at 500 dollars. Valley of Fire in particular runs a well-developed photo permit process."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"State parks and local jurisdictions add their own takeoff, landing, and permit requirements on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"The Las Vegas Strip sidewalks are largely public, but casino properties, interiors, and much of the resort frontage are private and set their own rules."},"practical":["Filming on private property generally needs no permit, with exceptions such as residential shoots inside City of Las Vegas jurisdiction or work that spills onto public areas.","Valley of Fire is the state park where enforcement of the photo permit rules is most visible; budget the 30-day lead time."],"sources":[{"label":"Nevada Film Office: Permit Info","url":"https://film.nv.gov/filming-in-nevada/permit-info/"},{"label":"Nevada State Parks: Photography and Filming Permits","url":"https://parks.nv.gov/fees/photography-permits"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/nevada"},{"slug":"new-hampshire","name":"New Hampshire","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"New Hampshire has no general filming permit at all; the exceptions are state parks (100 dollar special use permit), numbered state highways, and the State House grounds.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"New Hampshire Film and Television Office (Division of Travel and Tourism Development)","cost":"No general permit; state park special use permit carries a 100 dollar administrative fee","applyUrl":"https://www.visitnh.gov/film","notes":"New Hampshire is one of the lighter-touch states: there is no general filming permit, and shooting on private property with permission needs nothing further from the state. The exceptions are specific properties. The Division of Parks and Recreation (NH State Parks, under DNCR) requires a Special Use Permit for commercial filming, photography, or recording on state park land, with a 100 dollar administrative fee and a certificate of insurance, and an extra 100 dollars if you apply less than 30 days out. Numbered state highways need an application through the Department of Transportation, and the State House grounds go through the Department of Administrative Services. Towns handle their own public property case by case; the state film office notes Portsmouth as the one city with a dedicated filming permit."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"State park and local rules add takeoff and landing restrictions on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["The state park Special Use Permit doubles as your location release: the state treats an issued permit as authority to use the images in perpetuity, which simplifies paperwork for commercial work.","White Mountain National Forest is federal land with its own commercial photography rules; the state permit does not cover it."],"sources":[{"label":"Visit NH: Filming in New Hampshire","url":"https://www.visitnh.gov/film"},{"label":"NH State Parks: Special Use Permits","url":"https://www.nhstateparks.org/fees-reservations/rentals/special-use-permits"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/new-hampshire"},{"slug":"new-jersey","name":"New Jersey","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"New Jersey permitting is municipal; the state film commission smooths the path, and state parks require a special use permit with a long 90-day lead time.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://www.nj.gov/njfilm/","notes":"There is no statewide filming or photography permit. Most New Jersey municipalities, counties, state parks, and agencies run their own permitting, and the Motion Picture and Television Commission's role is liaison: it helps productions navigate local rules and runs the Film Ready New Jersey program that standardizes municipal permitting processes. On state park land, the NJ State Park Service (Division of Parks and Forestry, DEP) requires a Special Use Permit for commercial photography and filming, and asks for applications at least 90 days before the shoot, one of the longest lead times of any state parks system. Palisades Interstate Park runs its own separate photo and film permit."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"State park and municipal rules add takeoff and landing restrictions on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law; boardwalk commercial districts are often privately managed."},"practical":["The 90-day state park lead time is the trap for commercial shoots: a wedding-season editorial in a state park needs paperwork a full season ahead.","Jersey City, Newark, and other larger municipalities have their own film permit ordinances; check the specific town, not just the county."],"sources":[{"label":"NJ Motion Picture and Television Commission","url":"https://www.nj.gov/njfilm/"},{"label":"NJ State Park Service: Special Use Permits","url":"https://dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/special-use-permits/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/new-jersey"},{"slug":"new-mexico","name":"New Mexico","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"New Mexico's film office issues no permits but is the front door to state property; state parks want film and photo applications 30 days out, and public agencies standardize on 1,050,000 dollars of insurance.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"New Mexico Film Office","cost":"Varies by property and locality; public agencies commonly require a 1,050,000 dollar general liability policy","applyUrl":"https://nmfilm.com/whynewmexico/filmmaker-resources/permits-procedures/permit-information","notes":"The New Mexico Film Office does not issue permits; cities, towns, and counties permit their own jurisdictions, and the film office is the stated first contact for state-owned properties. New Mexico State Parks (State Parks Division, EMNRD) requires a Film and Photography Permit for commercial work, submitted at least 30 days in advance. State highways are permitted through the state transportation department, which allows filming on highways and, case by case, the interstates. The recurring number across New Mexico's public permitting agencies is a 1,050,000 dollar comprehensive general liability policy. State trust lands are a separate regime under the State Land Office."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"State parks and land managers add their own drone restrictions on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Pueblo and tribal lands are sovereign and commonly regulate or prohibit photography; those rules are absolute and separate from state law."},"practical":["White Sands is a national park and Bisti is BLM; much of New Mexico's marquee landscape is federal or tribal, so the state parks permit covers less than you might assume.","Photography on pueblo land without permission is the fastest way to lose gear and goodwill in New Mexico; ask first, every time."],"sources":[{"label":"New Mexico Film Office: Permit Information","url":"https://nmfilm.com/whynewmexico/filmmaker-resources/permits-procedures/permit-information"},{"label":"New Mexico State Parks: Commercial Filming and Photography","url":"https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/work-with-parks/filming-photography/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/new-mexico"},{"slug":"new-york","name":"New York","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"New York State runs no statewide photo permit; OPRHP permits shoots in state parks region by region, and New York City is an entirely separate permitting regime.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"New York State Governor's Office of Motion Picture and Television Development (Empire State Development)","cost":"Varies by property and locality, see the film office","applyUrl":"https://esd.ny.gov/industries/tv-and-film","notes":"The state film office is an incentives and liaison shop (tax credits, agency introductions), not a permitting authority; there is no statewide filming or photography permit. Permits attach to the property manager: the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP, NY State Parks) requires filming, photography, and sound recording permits for commercial work in state parks and historic sites, handled by the regional office for each park, with scripts or treatments requested for filming and shoots restricted to the permitted location and hours. State parks inside New York City have their own two-step request process. New York City itself is a separate regime under the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, covered in our New York City record."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"State parks restrict drone use and New York City effectively bans non-approved takeoff and landing. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law; the MTA and Port Authority have their own photography rules on their systems."},"practical":["OPRHP permitting is regional: the office that permits Niagara Falls State Park is not the one that permits Long Island parks, so contact the region, not Albany.","Do not extrapolate NYC rules to the rest of the state or vice versa; the handheld exemption logic of MOME does not exist upstate, and upstate's lighter touch does not exist in the five boroughs."],"sources":[{"label":"Empire State Development: Television and Film","url":"https://esd.ny.gov/industries/tv-and-film"},{"label":"NY State Parks (OPRHP): Filming, Photography and Sound Recording Permit Application","url":"https://parks.ny.gov/documents/regions/FilmingPhotographySoundRecordingPermitApplication.pdf"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/new-york"},{"slug":"north-carolina","name":"North Carolina","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"The NC Film Office assists but does not permit; commercial shoots in state parks need a two-step film permit through the park superintendent, usually with minimal fees.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"North Carolina Film Office (Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina)","cost":"State property fees are minimal or zero; you may reimburse staff or law enforcement costs","applyUrl":"https://www.filmnc.com/regulations","notes":"The North Carolina Film Office states it is not a permitting agency but will help you get permits; cities such as Raleigh, Wilmington, and Charlotte run their own processes, some through regional film commissions. On state park land, the Division of Parks and Recreation requires a permit for commercial film or photography: an initial film permit application followed by direct contact with the park superintendent and an on-site application, submitted at least two weeks before the shoot date. The state charges minimal or no base fees to shoot on available state property, including beaches, parks, and historic sites, though staffing and law enforcement assistance is billed."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"State parks restrict drone takeoff and landing, and North Carolina also runs a state permit process for commercial drone operators on top of Part 107. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["The superintendent conversation is not optional in NC state parks; the written application only counts once the specific park has signed off.","The Outer Banks mixes state, federal (Cape Hatteras National Seashore), and municipal jurisdiction within a few miles; confirm whose sand you are standing on before a commercial shoot."],"sources":[{"label":"North Carolina Film Office: State Parks","url":"https://www.filmnc.com/state-parks"},{"label":"NC State Parks: Permits","url":"https://www.ncparks.gov/about-us/permits"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/north-carolina"},{"slug":"north-dakota","name":"North Dakota","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"North Dakota has no film office and no general filming permit; Tourism handles film inquiries and permitting is local, with federal sites the main exception.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"North Dakota Tourism (Department of Commerce), which handles film inquiries in lieu of a film office","cost":"No general state permit; local and land-manager fees vary","applyUrl":"https://www.ndtourism.com/articles/filming-north-dakota-permits-and-regulations","notes":"North Dakota currently has no film commission or film office; the Tourism Division of the Department of Commerce fields film inquiries and can assist with locations and contacts, but issues nothing itself. No general permit is offered or required to film in the state. Municipal and public locations expect permitting paperwork through the relevant city or county, typically filed at least a week ahead. The state parks system is managed by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department; it publishes no standing commercial photography permit schedule, so contact the department or the individual park directly for commercial shoots. The high-profile exceptions are federal: Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the state's national historic sites require NPS permits."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"North Dakota is a major UAS research state, but that does not change the rules for photographers: FAA airspace rules plus land-manager restrictions apply. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law; much of the badlands viewshed outside the national park is private ranchland."},"practical":["Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the state's marquee landscape and it is federal; budget for the NPS permit process, not a state one.","With no film office, the practical move is to call the city or the land manager directly; there is no intermediary to route you."],"sources":[{"label":"North Dakota Tourism: Filming in North Dakota, Permits and Regulations","url":"https://www.ndtourism.com/articles/filming-north-dakota-permits-and-regulations"},{"label":"North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department","url":"https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/north-dakota"},{"slug":"ohio","name":"Ohio","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Ohio permitting is city by city; the state film office is an incentives and referral shop, and ODNR handles state park shoots through its special activity permit.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Ohio Film Office (Ohio Department of Development)","cost":"Varies by city; ODNR special activity permits carry a 40 dollar processing fee","applyUrl":"https://development.ohio.gov/business/ohio-film","notes":"There is no statewide filming or photography permit. The Ohio Film Office administers the Motion Picture Tax Credit and connects productions to the right authorities, but permits come from individual cities (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton each have their own processes, often via regional film commissions). On state land, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), which runs Ohio State Parks, uses its Special Activity Permit system for organized events and commercial activity in parks, applied for at least 30 days ahead with a 40 dollar processing fee; casual photography by an individual is not the target of that system. Large-crew shoots in state parks are handled case by case with the park office."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"ODNR restricts drone operations in state parks without approval, and cities add their own rules. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Hocking Hills is the enforcement hotspot for commercial photography in Ohio state parks; portrait photographers working there regularly should talk to the park office about what triggers a permit.","Cuyahoga Valley is a national park with NPS rules; the ODNR permit does not apply there."],"sources":[{"label":"Ohio Film Office (Ohio Department of Development)","url":"https://development.ohio.gov/business/ohio-film"},{"label":"ODNR: Special Activity Permit for State Parks","url":"https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/special-use-permits/special-event-special-use/special-activity-state-park"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/ohio"},{"slug":"oklahoma","name":"Oklahoma","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Oklahoma's film office routes you to the right authority rather than issuing permits; state parks require a commercial filming permit by rule, while most still photography is currently fee-free.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Oklahoma Film + Music Office","cost":"Varies by property; state property rates depend on production impact, and most photography in state parks currently carries no fee","applyUrl":"https://www.okfilmmusic.org/faq","notes":"The Oklahoma Film + Music Office does not disburse permits; it runs an intake process that connects productions to the correct permitting authority, and each city, state, or government property requires its own permission. State parks are run by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD): commercial filming requires a commercial permit under the department's administrative rules (OAC 725:30-16-3), and some individual parks ask for a film and photography application with proof of liability insurance. As of the most recent public statements, no fees are charged for most forms of still photography in OTRD state parks, though the department has proposed rule changes that could extend permitting to more commercial photography; treat the fee picture as in flux and confirm with the specific park."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"State park and municipal rules add takeoff and landing restrictions on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law; tribal lands within Oklahoma are sovereign and set their own photography rules."},"practical":["The line OTRD draws is filming versus photography: commercial filming needs the permit by rule, while still photography has mostly been left alone; watch the pending rule changes before pricing a park shoot.","Oklahoma City and Tulsa each run their own municipal film permit processes; start with the film office intake form if you are unsure who owns a location."],"sources":[{"label":"Oklahoma Film + Music Office: FAQ","url":"https://www.okfilmmusic.org/faq"},{"label":"TravelOK (Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department): State Parks FAQs","url":"https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/faqs"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/oklahoma"},{"slug":"oregon","name":"Oregon","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Oregon Film issues no permits; Oregon State Parks charges published commercial film and photo fees by crew size, and the entire ocean shore is public by law.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Oregon Film (Oregon Governor's Office of Film and Television)","cost":"Local permits vary; Oregon State Parks commercial film and photo fees run 100 dollars (1 to 5 people) up to 400 dollars (61 or more), plus a 100 dollar processing fee","applyUrl":"https://oregonfilm.org/article/permitting/","notes":"Oregon Film is explicit that it does not issue permits; permitting is local, and the office helps you find the right contact. The substantial state-level regime is Oregon State Parks: the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) permits commercial filming and photography under its special use permit rules (OAR chapter 736), defining commercial filming as still or video work involving props, sets, lighting, or sound at meaningful scale, with published fees tiered by crew size (100 to 400 dollars) plus a 100 dollar application processing fee, and staff monitoring billed hourly where required. Note that OPRD jurisdiction includes most of the ocean shore, so commercial beach shoots on the coast typically route through OPRD even outside a named park."},"drone":{"status":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"OPRD restricts drone takeoff and landing in many parks and on protected ocean shore areas. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Oregon's ocean beaches are public up to the vegetation line under the 1967 Beach Bill, which makes the coast unusually open for personal shooting; commercial productions still go through OPRD.","The crew-size fee tiers mean a solo or duo commercial shoot in a state park is a 100 dollar permit, not a production-scale negotiation; budget the processing fee and lead time."],"sources":[{"label":"Oregon Film: Permits","url":"https://oregonfilm.org/article/permitting/"},{"label":"OPRD: Special Use Permit Application and Instructions (commercial film and photo fees)","url":"https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=main.loadFile&load=_siteFiles%2Fpublications%2F%2Fscsp-special-use-permit-application-and-instructions-fill-in-form-rev-2024.083106.pdf"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/oregon"},{"slug":"pennsylvania","name":"Pennsylvania","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"No statewide photo permit; the PA Film Office coordinates state property access, DCNR agreements cover state parks and forests, and Philadelphia and Pittsburgh run their own permits.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Pennsylvania Film Office (Department of Community and Economic Development)","cost":"Varies by property and locality; see the film office","applyUrl":"https://filminpa.com/","notes":"There is no single statewide photography or film permit. The Pennsylvania Film Office (DCED) runs the tax credit program and acts as the coordinator for shoots on Commonwealth property; actual permits are issued at the city or county level (Philadelphia and Pittsburgh both have their own film permit processes). For state parks and forests, DCNR requires a special activities or commercial activities agreement for commercial work: requests go in at least 90 days ahead, and approved agreements carry a published administrative fee. Highway shots involving PennDOT rights-of-way need separate coordination."},"drone":{"status":"Legal under FAA rules; commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107. DCNR treats drone use on state park and forest land as a permitted activity handled through its agreement process rather than open flying. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US","notes":"Private property (malls, campuses, building interiors) sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are where you will actually pull permits; the state film office is a coordinator, not an issuer.","For a paid portrait session or commercial shoot in a state park, contact the park office early: DCNR's agreement process has long lead times compared with city permits."],"sources":[{"label":"Pennsylvania Film Office (Film In PA)","url":"https://filminpa.com/"},{"label":"PA DCNR: Group Events and Special Activities in State Parks and Forests","url":"https://www.pa.gov/services/dcnr/request-to-hold-group-events-and-special-activities-in-state-parks-and-forests"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/pennsylvania"},{"slug":"rhode-island","name":"Rhode Island","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Unusually for a US state, Rhode Island asks all productions, including still photography projects, to register with the state Film & TV Office; state parks add a professional photography permit.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Rhode Island Film & Television Office","cost":"The Permission to Film registration is free for productions under $100,000","applyUrl":"https://film.ri.gov/forms/","processingTime":"Submit the permission form about 10 business days in advance","notes":"Rhode Island is a partial exception to the no-statewide-permit norm: the RI Film & Television Office asks all motion picture, TV, commercial, and still photography projects to register, with a free Permission to Film form for productions under $100,000. Cities like Providence still run their own location permits on top of that. In state parks and beaches, the RI Department of Environmental Management (Division of Parks and Recreation) requires a Professional Photography Permit for photographers charging for their services, with an approved certificate of insurance; shoots with larger groups, props, or exclusive use also need a Special Use Permit filed roughly 30 business days out."},"drone":{"status":"Legal under FAA rules; commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US","notes":"Private property (Newport mansions, marinas, resorts) sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["The registration is paperwork, not gatekeeping: it is free and fast for small productions, and skipping it is the thing that gets shoots shut down.","Portrait photographers working state parks and beaches regularly are effectively vendors: DEM expects the insurance certificate on file before you shoot."],"sources":[{"label":"RI Film & Television Office: Forms & Permits","url":"https://film.ri.gov/forms/"},{"label":"RI State Parks: Special Use Policy and Permits","url":"https://riparks.ri.gov/events-rentals/special-use-policy-and-permits"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/rhode-island"},{"slug":"south-carolina","name":"South Carolina","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Few permits statewide, but Charleston, Beaufort, Myrtle Beach and a handful of other jurisdictions require them, and state property shoots carry a $1 million insurance requirement.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"South Carolina Film Commission (SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism)","cost":"Varies by property and locality; see the film office","applyUrl":"https://www.scprt.com/film-commission/filming-in-south-carolina/permits","notes":"There is no statewide photography or film permit, and the SC Film Commission notes that permits in South Carolina are relatively few. The exceptions it lists are the corporate limits of Charleston, Beaufort, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville, plus Horry and Georgetown counties, which run their own special use permits. Shoots on state property go through the Film Commission and SCPRT Park Operations, and permit holders must carry a $1,000,000 liability policy naming the State of South Carolina and its agents as additional insured. South Carolina State Parks are run by the same agency (SCPRT); contact the Film Commission or Park Operations for commercial photography in a state park."},"drone":{"status":"Legal under FAA rules; commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US","notes":"Private property (plantations, resorts, Charleston interiors) sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Charleston's historic district is the enforcement hot spot: the city special use permit is the one most photographers actually run into.","The insurance requirement, not a permit fee, is the real cost of shooting on state property here."],"sources":[{"label":"SCPRT Film Commission: Permits","url":"https://www.scprt.com/film-commission/filming-in-south-carolina/permits"},{"label":"SCPRT: Filming in South Carolina","url":"https://www.scprt.com/film-commission/filming-in-south-carolina"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/south-carolina"},{"slug":"south-dakota","name":"South Dakota","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"No standalone film office anymore; the Department of Tourism points productions to land managers, and Game, Fish and Parks permits all commercial photography in state parks including Custer.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Film South Dakota (South Dakota Department of Tourism)","cost":"Varies by property and locality; see the film office","applyUrl":"https://sdvisit.com/film-south-dakota/filming-resources","notes":"South Dakota no longer operates a standalone film office; the Department of Tourism's Film South Dakota program provides contacts and routes productions to the right land manager. There is no statewide photo permit. On state park lands, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) requires a Filming/Photography Permit for commercial photography and filming, evaluated per request for resource, operations, and visitor impact, with liability insurance scaled to the activity. Custer State Park handles its own film permit applications through the park's visitor services office."},"drone":{"status":"Legal under FAA rules; commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US","notes":"Private property and tribal lands set their own rules; filming on tribal lands requires separate permission from each tribe."},"practical":["The photogenic Black Hills targets split across managers: Custer State Park (GFP), Badlands and Wind Cave (NPS), Black Hills National Forest (USFS). Each permits separately.","Allow extra lead time in peak season (May to October), which is exactly when the wildlife loops and granite spires are most shot."],"sources":[{"label":"Film South Dakota: Permits on State Park and Federal Lands","url":"https://sdvisit.com/film-south-dakota/filming-resources/film-permits-state-park-federal-lands"},{"label":"SD Game, Fish and Parks: Filming/Photography Permit","url":"https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/film/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/south-dakota"},{"slug":"tennessee","name":"Tennessee","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"No statewide permit; the Tennessee Entertainment Commission brokers state property access, state parks welcome hobby photography but permit commercial work, and drones in state parks are near-banned.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Tennessee Entertainment Commission","cost":"Varies by property and locality; see the film office","applyUrl":"https://www.tnentertainment.com/film/resources/","notes":"There is no statewide photography or film permit. The Tennessee Entertainment Commission handles incentives and is the stated channel for professional productions seeking permission to film on state property, which requires a certificate of insurance. City permits are separate (Nashville has its own film, video, and photography permit for parks and rights-of-way). In Tennessee State Parks (Department of Environment and Conservation), recreational photography is generally allowed, tripods included, but commercial photography and videography (paid portrait sessions, weddings, commercial shoots) falls under the business operations rule TCA 0400-02-06-.02 and needs permission from the park manager or, for productions, the Entertainment Commission."},"drone":{"status":"Legal under FAA rules generally; prohibited in Tennessee State Parks except by permit","notes":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107. Tennessee State Parks prohibit drone use except in rare cases with prior park manager approval and a permit, under the parks' aircraft rule (0400-02-02-.02). For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US","notes":"Private property (Broadway honky-tonks, Graceland, studios) sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["The parks' published line for when hobby crosses into 'ask first': detached lighting gear (strobes, bounces, lightboxes) triggers a conversation with the park manager even for non-commercial work.","Fall color at Fall Creek Falls and Cummins Falls draws crowds; Cummins Falls also runs a separate gorge access permit for entry, unrelated to photography."],"sources":[{"label":"Tennessee Entertainment Commission: Filming Resources","url":"https://www.tnentertainment.com/film/resources/"},{"label":"Tennessee State Parks: Photography","url":"https://tnstateparks.com/activities/photography"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/tennessee"},{"slug":"texas","name":"Texas","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"No blanket permit; the Texas Film Commission routes you to each property's process, TPWD permits media production in state parks with 90 days lead, and Government Code Chapter 423 restricts drone imaging.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Texas Film Commission (Office of the Governor)","cost":"Varies by property and locality; see the film office","applyUrl":"https://gov.texas.gov/film/page/permitting_overview","notes":"The Texas Film Commission does not issue permits; it is a liaison that directs productions to the right permitting agency, and there is no blanket state permit. For state-owned property it runs a State Property Use Application as the intake point. In state parks, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) requires a media production application for commercial filming and photography, including scenic photography and drone work sold commercially; applications are due at least 90 days before the shoot, insurance must name TPWD as additional insured, and normal visitor photography plus news media are exempt. Cities (Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio) permit their own streets and parks."},"drone":{"status":"Legal under FAA rules, with state statutory limits on image capture; commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 makes certain drone image capture of people or private property unlawful when done with intent to conduct surveillance, and bars low flights over critical infrastructure, correctional facilities, and sports venues; the Fifth Circuit upheld the statute against a facial First Amendment challenge in 2023, so treat it as enforceable. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US","notes":"Private property (ranches dominate the Texas landscape) sets its own rules; most of Texas is privately owned, so landscape access often means asking a landowner."},"practical":["TPWD's 90-day minimum for media production applications is the longest state park lead time on this list; contact the park superintendent about feasibility before filing.","Everyday visitor photography in state parks needs no application; the line is commercial intent, not camera size.","Chapter 423 has photographer-specific teeth: shooting private property from a drone is where Texas differs most from neighboring states."],"sources":[{"label":"Texas Film Commission: Permitting Overview","url":"https://gov.texas.gov/film/page/permitting_overview"},{"label":"TPWD: Special Events and Media Productions in State Parks","url":"https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information/park-requests-application"},{"label":"Texas Government Code Chapter 423 (drone image capture)","url":"https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.423.htm"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/texas"},{"slug":"utah","name":"Utah","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"The Utah Film Commission assists but does not permit; cities, counties, BLM, and Utah State Parks each permit their own ground, and the Mighty 5 gateway state parks all require Special Use Permits for commercial work.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Utah Film Commission","cost":"Varies by property and locality; see the film office","applyUrl":"https://film.utah.gov/permits/","notes":"There is no statewide photo permit. The Utah Film Commission runs incentives and helps productions find the right permit but does not issue them; permits come from cities and counties, and from land agencies (BLM, US Forest Service, NPS, UDOT, Trust Lands, and Utah State Parks). Utah State Parks (Division of State Parks, DNR) requires a Special Use Permit for commercial activity including filming, photography, and workshops, generally filed at least 30 days ahead, with fees and insurance requirements varying by park; several parks issue a simpler portraiture photography pass for portrait sessions."},"drone":{"status":"Legal under FAA rules; individual state parks publish their own drone restrictions","notes":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107. Several Utah state parks (Dead Horse Point among them) publish park-specific drone rules and require permission or a permit to fly. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US","notes":"Much of Utah's photogenic land is public but federally managed; BLM and Forest Service land has its own commercial filming permit rules distinct from state law."},"practical":["The Mighty 5 gateway state parks (Dead Horse Point, Goblin Valley, Snow Canyon) carry national-park-grade scenery with a state SUP process instead of an NPS one; they are the workaround when NPS permits are slow, not a way to skip permits.","Moab-area shoots often straddle jurisdictions in a single day: city, Grand County, BLM, and state park ground each permit separately.","Utah is one of the most film-permit-mature states; expect enforcement to be organized, especially around Moab and the Wasatch Front."],"sources":[{"label":"Utah Film Commission: Permits","url":"https://film.utah.gov/permits/"},{"label":"Utah State Parks: Special Event Policy and Process","url":"https://stateparks.utah.gov/resources/special-event-policy-and-process/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/utah"},{"slug":"vermont","name":"Vermont","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"No state film office and no general filming permit; you deal with town clerks, and the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation permits commercial use of state lands.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (no standalone film office)","cost":"Varies by property and locality; there is no general state filming permit","applyUrl":"https://accd.vermont.gov/economic-development/programs/film/arts-culture","notes":"Vermont dissolved its standalone Film Commission in 2011 and folded film support into the Agency of Commerce and Community Development's creative economy work, so there is no permitting film office. Vermont does not require a general filming permit; the practical starting point for a location is the town clerk's office, with proof of insurance the common ask. On state lands, the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) requires a Special Use Permit or commercial license for organized, publicized, or fee-charging activity, applied for online at least 30 days ahead. State building photography runs through the state's Communications and Marketing Office."},"drone":{"status":"Legal under FAA rules; commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US","notes":"Vermont's iconic barns, sugarhouses, and farm roads are mostly private property; the classic fall-foliage shot usually needs landowner permission if you leave the road."},"practical":["Sleepy Hollow Farm in Pomfret, the state's most Instagrammed driveway, has seen seasonal road closures to photographers in recent foliage seasons; check town notices before planning it.","With no film office to call, the town clerk is genuinely the right first contact; small towns respond faster than you would expect."],"sources":[{"label":"Vermont ACCD: Film, Arts & Culture","url":"https://accd.vermont.gov/economic-development/programs/film/arts-culture"},{"label":"Vermont FPR: Leases, Licenses and Special Use Permits","url":"https://fpr.vermont.gov/state_lands/leases-licenses-and-special-use-permits"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/vermont"},{"slug":"virginia","name":"Virginia","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"The Virginia Film Office helps but does not permit; VDOT highway filming is the one state-level permit it coordinates, and Virginia State Parks require a special use permit for any paid photography.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Virginia Film Office (Virginia Tourism Corporation)","cost":"Varies by property and locality; see the film office","applyUrl":"https://www.film.virginia.org/resources/","notes":"The Virginia Film Office does not issue film permits; it helps determine whether you need one and from whom. The notable state-level exception is highway rights-of-way: filming there requires a VDOT single use permit coordinated through the Film Office under 24VAC30-151-520. Virginia State Parks (Department of Conservation and Recreation) require a special use permit for commercial photography, explicitly including portrait sessions where a fee is charged and photography destined for marketing or sale; fees vary by park, so contact the park directly. Cities and counties (Richmond, Virginia Beach, Fairfax County parks) run their own permits."},"drone":{"status":"Legal under FAA rules; commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US","notes":"Military installations are a Virginia-specific caution: the Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia areas are dense with restricted federal facilities where photography rules differ."},"practical":["Virginia's rule catches wedding and portrait photographers who assume parks are fair game: charging for the session is what triggers the DCR permit, not crew size.","Shenandoah and the Blue Ridge Parkway are NPS-managed and follow federal rules, not Virginia's; do not conflate them with Virginia State Parks."],"sources":[{"label":"Virginia Film Office: Resources","url":"https://www.film.virginia.org/resources/"},{"label":"Virginia DCR: Photography and Parks","url":"https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/photography"},{"label":"24VAC30-151-520: Filming for Movies (VDOT rights-of-way)","url":"https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title24/agency30/chapter151/section520/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/virginia"},{"slug":"washington","name":"Washington","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Washington Filmworks acts as the state film office but issues no permits; Washington State Parks require a commercial filming and photography permit with published fees, plus a Discover Pass to drive in.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Washington Filmworks (designated state film office)","cost":"Varies by property and locality; the state parks film permit is $100 (or $200 if under 7 days out)","applyUrl":"https://www.washingtonfilmworks.org/","notes":"Washington Filmworks, a nonprofit designated as the state's film office, manages incentives and points productions to the right contacts but does not issue permits; permits are city, county, and land-agency level (Seattle's Office of Economic Development handles the city). Washington State Parks requires an approved permit for all commercial and educational filming and photography: $100 when arranged through a region office seven or more days ahead, $200 inside seven days, plus a damage deposit, bond, or insurance binder and site fees depending on the project. DNR and Fish & Wildlife lands have separate processes."},"drone":{"status":"Legal under FAA rules; commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107. Many Washington state parks restrict drone takeoff and landing without permission; ask the park first. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US","notes":"Private property (Pike Place Market is city-owned but heavily managed; tech campuses are private) sets its own rules regardless of state law."},"practical":["Vehicle access to state parks, DNR, and Fish & Wildlife lands requires a Discover Pass; it covers parking, not commercial shooting rights.","Submit the state parks film permit application to the region office about two weeks out; the sub-7-day fee doubling is the penalty for late planning.","Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades are NPS-managed and follow federal permit rules, not Washington State Parks'."],"sources":[{"label":"Washington Filmworks","url":"https://www.washingtonfilmworks.org/"},{"label":"Washington State Parks: Commercial Filming and Photography Permits","url":"https://parks.wa.gov/passes-permits/permits/commercial-filming-and-photography-permits"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/washington"},{"slug":"west-virginia","name":"West Virginia","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"No statewide permit; the WV Film Office brokers locations, and state park rules prohibit commercial enterprise, photography included, without written DNR permission.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"West Virginia Film Office (Department of Economic Development / Tourism)","cost":"Varies by property and locality; see the film office","applyUrl":"https://wvtourism.com/wv-film-office/permits","notes":"There is no statewide photography or film permit. The West Virginia Film Office runs the incentive program and acts as liaison for permits on state-owned land, state parks, and roads, but the underlying permissions come from the managing agencies and municipalities. West Virginia State Parks (Division of Natural Resources) rules prohibit commercial enterprise in parks and forests without written permission from the DNR Director, which covers commercial photography and filming; route requests through the park superintendent or the Film Office."},"drone":{"status":"Legal under FAA rules; commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US","notes":"Private property sets its own rules; the National Radio Quiet Zone around Green Bank restricts radio transmitters (including some wireless gear), not cameras, but it is a real operational quirk for crews."},"practical":["New River Gorge is NPS-managed since 2020 and follows federal filming rules; the surrounding state parks (Hawks Nest, Babcock) follow WV DNR rules. Know which side of the line your overlook is on.","Babcock's Glade Creek Grist Mill is the state's most photographed spot; personal photography is routine, but paid sessions there are exactly what the written-permission rule covers."],"sources":[{"label":"WV Film Office: Permits","url":"https://wvtourism.com/wv-film-office/permits"},{"label":"West Virginia State Parks: Rules and Regulations","url":"https://wvstateparks.com/rules-and-regulations/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/west-virginia"},{"slug":"wisconsin","name":"Wisconsin","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"Wisconsin relaunched a state film office (Film Wisconsin) in 2026 for incentives, not permits; the DNR's $50 per-property Commercial Use Permit is what photographers actually encounter in state parks.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Film Wisconsin (Office of Film and Creative Industries, Department of Tourism)","cost":"No general state permit; the DNR state park Commercial Use Permit is $50 per property","applyUrl":"https://filmwisconsin.com/","notes":"Wisconsin went years without a state film office; the 2025-27 state budget created the Office of Film and Creative Industries in the Department of Tourism, and the new office (Film Wisconsin) launched in 2026 with a film tax credit program. It handles incentives and coordination, not permits. The state does not require a general filming permit. On DNR lands, anyone doing commercial filming or photography at a state park, recreation area, or southern state forest must first obtain a Commercial Use Permit (Form 2200-128) from the property manager: $50, one property per permit, submitted at least two weeks ahead. The DNR has actively reminded professional portrait photographers that this applies to them."},"drone":{"status":"Legal under FAA rules; commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US","notes":"County and city parks (Milwaukee County, Madison) run their own photography permit schemes separate from the DNR's."},"practical":["The per-property rule is the gotcha: a photographer working Devil's Lake and Peninsula State Park needs two separate $50 permits, not one.","Devil's Lake is the busiest state park and the most likely place a working photographer gets asked for the permit."],"sources":[{"label":"Film Wisconsin (state film office)","url":"https://filmwisconsin.com/"},{"label":"Wisconsin DNR: Commercial Use of State Properties","url":"https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/rules/commercialuse"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/wisconsin"},{"slug":"wyoming","name":"Wyoming","scope":"US State","region":"US States","summary":"The Wyoming Film Office (Office of Tourism) smooths access but does not permit; state parks and historic sites require a special use permit, and roughly half the state is federal land with its own rules.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Wyoming Film Office (Wyoming Office of Tourism)","cost":"Varies by property; state park special use permits carry a nominal fee plus insurance","applyUrl":"https://industry.travelwyoming.com/film/permitting/","processingTime":"State parks quote 2 to 4 weeks to process a permit application","notes":"The Wyoming Film Office does not issue permits; its published role is easing the process with land managers. There is no statewide photo permit. Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites (State Parks & Cultural Resources) require a special use permit for shoots, with a nominal fee and adequate insurance; for commercial still photography, the state's published triggers are advertising use, models, sets, or props, and activity with potential for resource damage or visitor disruption. About half of Wyoming is federal land, where BLM, Forest Service, and NPS permitting applies instead."},"drone":{"status":"Legal under FAA rules; commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107","notes":"Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107. Note that drones are prohibited from launching or landing inside Yellowstone and Grand Teton, which dominate the state's northwest. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US","notes":"Working ranches are private property; the classic Wyoming ranch shot needs landowner permission, and corner-crossing disputes make land status worth checking before walking to a viewpoint."},"practical":["Yellowstone and Grand Teton follow NPS rules, not Wyoming's; both parks have tightened commercial-use permitting in recent years, so verify current federal requirements separately.","The 2-to-4-week state park processing window rules out spontaneous permitted shoots at places like Sinks Canyon; file before your trip.","The T.A. Moulton Barn and Mormon Row sit inside Grand Teton National Park: federal jurisdiction, despite every Wyoming tourism brochure using them."],"sources":[{"label":"Wyoming Film Office: Permitting Information","url":"https://industry.travelwyoming.com/film/permitting/"},{"label":"Wyoming Film Office: State Parks Permitting","url":"https://industry.travelwyoming.com/film/permitting/state-parks/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/wyoming"},{"slug":"estonia","name":"Estonia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Estonia allows street photography freely, but its freedom of panorama is non-commercial only: selling images where a copyrighted building or artwork is the main subject needs permission.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality or site manager for commercial productions; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews and managed heritage sites need authorization","notes":"Personal photography in public needs no permit. Commercial productions in Tallinn's Old Town and at managed heritage sites should coordinate with the city or site manager. The Film Estonia cash-rebate scheme (Estonian Film Institute) handles incoming productions."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules; register as a UAS operator under the Open or Specific category, an EU registration from any member state is valid","notes":"For category detail and no-fly zones, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; GDPR and Estonian personality rights apply once you publish an identifiable person","notes":"Personal-use shooting falls under the GDPR household exemption. Publishing or commercial use of a recognizable person without consent is where risk starts, with the usual carve-outs for public events and journalism."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Non-commercial only","notes":"The Estonian Copyright Act permits reproducing works of architecture and art permanently located in public places, except where the work is the main subject of the image and the use is for direct commercial purposes. Editorial and personal use is fine; selling prints of a copyrighted building or sculpture as the main subject is not covered."},"practical":["Tallinn's medieval Old Town is mostly out of copyright, so the FoP restriction bites on modern architecture (e.g. newer Tallinn landmarks) and public art, not the postcard views.","The eastern border area around Narva faces Russia; photographing border infrastructure draws attention from the Police and Border Guard Board.","Museums and churches commonly set their own interior photography and tripod rules; check signage."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Estonia (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Estonia"},{"label":"EASA: Civil drones (EU-wide UAS rules)","url":"https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/civil-drones"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/estonia"},{"slug":"latvia","name":"Latvia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Latvia permits street photography, but Section 25 of its Copyright Law limits public-space works to personal, news, and non-commercial uses, so commercial sale of copyrighted landmarks needs permission.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Riga City Council or site manager for commercial productions; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews and managed sites need authorization","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial productions on Riga streets and at managed monuments should clear access with the municipality or site manager; the Riga Film Fund and national co-financing scheme handle incoming productions."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules via the Civil Aviation Agency of Latvia; register as a UAS operator under the Open or Specific category","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; GDPR and Latvian privacy law apply to publishing identifiable people","notes":"Personal-use shooting is covered by the GDPR household exemption. Publication, and especially commercial use, of a recognizable person without consent carries risk; journalism and public events have exceptions."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Non-commercial only","notes":"Section 25 of the Copyright Law allows images of works of architecture and art permanently displayed in public places for personal use, news reporting, and inclusion in non-commercial works. It expressly does not apply to commercial use of the image. Riga's Art Nouveau facades are old enough to be out of copyright; modern buildings and public art are the live issue."},"practical":["Riga's UNESCO-listed centre (Old Town and the Art Nouveau district) is largely pre-1920s architecture, so copyright rarely blocks selling those images; the Section 25 limit matters for modern landmarks like the National Library.","Border areas with Russia and Belarus are sensitive; do not photograph border infrastructure or crossings.","Riga Central Market and churches set their own interior photography rules."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Latvia (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Latvia"},{"label":"EASA: Civil drones (EU-wide UAS rules)","url":"https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/civil-drones"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/latvia"},{"slug":"lithuania","name":"Lithuania","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Lithuania allows photographing public-space works, but Article 28 of its copyright law blocks commercial use when a copyrighted building or sculpture is the main subject of the image.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality or protected-area administration for commercial productions; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews and protected areas (e.g. Curonian Spit National Park) need authorization","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial productions should coordinate with the municipality; the Lithuanian Film Centre administers the national film incentive. Protected areas such as the Curonian Spit have their own filming rules."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules via the Transport Competence Agency (TKA); register as a UAS operator under the Open or Specific category","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; GDPR and Lithuanian civil-code image rights apply to publishing identifiable people","notes":"Personal-use shooting is covered by the GDPR household exemption. Publishing a recognizable person, particularly commercially, generally needs consent, with exceptions for public figures and public events."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Limited: non-commercial when the work is the main subject","notes":"Article 28 of the Law on Copyright and Related Rights permits reproducing and distributing images of architecture and sculpture permanently located in public places, but the exception does not apply when the work is the main subject of the image and the use is for direct or indirect commercial advantage. Wide cityscapes are safer than single-subject landmark shots."},"practical":["Vilnius Old Town is UNESCO-listed and mostly out of copyright; the Article 28 limit bites on modern architecture and post-war public sculpture.","The border with Belarus is sensitive; keep cameras away from border infrastructure.","Hill of Crosses and church interiors are open to photography but treat them as managed religious sites; commercial shoots should ask."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Lithuania (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Lithuania"},{"label":"EASA: Civil drones (EU-wide UAS rules)","url":"https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/civil-drones"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/lithuania"},{"slug":"slovakia","name":"Slovakia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Slovakia has full freedom of panorama, including commercial use, under its 2015 Copyright Act, making it one of the friendlier EU countries for selling images of public landmarks.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality, castle administration, or national park directorate for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial productions and managed sites (castles, TANAP) need authorization","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial productions should clear access with the site: castle administrations (Spis, Bratislava, Bojnice) and the Tatra National Park (TANAP) directorate set their own filming conditions. The Slovak Film Commission assists incoming productions."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules via the Transport Authority (Dopravny urad); register as a UAS operator under the Open or Specific category","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; GDPR and Slovak civil-code personality rights apply to publishing identifiable people","notes":"Personal-use shooting falls under the GDPR household exemption. Publishing a recognizable person without consent, especially commercially, is the risk point; news and public-interest exceptions exist."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Yes, including commercial use","notes":"Act No. 185/2015 (Copyright Act) permits using works permanently situated in public places, including making copies, communication to the public, and distribution, without the author's consent. It does not permit copying an architectural work by building it. Uses remain subject to the general three-step test."},"practical":["High Tatras: personal photography is unrestricted on marked trails, but commercial shoots and any off-trail work in TANAP need park consent.","The UFO bridge and other modern Bratislava landmarks can be sold under FoP; interiors are the property owner's call.","Military installations should not be photographed; otherwise enforcement pressure on photographers is low."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Slovakia (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Slovakia"},{"label":"WIPO Lex: Act No. 185/2015 on Copyright and Related Rights","url":"https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/16216"},{"label":"EASA: Civil drones (EU-wide UAS rules)","url":"https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/civil-drones"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/slovakia"},{"slug":"bulgaria","name":"Bulgaria","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Bulgaria allows street photography, but its freedom of panorama covers informational and non-commercial uses only, so selling images of copyrighted public works needs permission.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality or site manager for commercial productions; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews and managed heritage sites need authorization","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial productions coordinate with municipalities and site managers; monasteries and archaeological sites set their own photography and filming conditions, sometimes with camera fees at ticketed sites."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules via the Directorate General Civil Aviation Administration; register as a UAS operator under the Open or Specific category","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; GDPR and Bulgarian personal-data law apply to publishing identifiable people","notes":"Personal-use shooting is covered by the GDPR household exemption. Publishing a recognizable person without consent carries civil risk, with exceptions for public events, public figures, and journalism."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Non-commercial only","notes":"Article 24(1)(7) of the Law on Copyright and Neighbouring Rights permits using works permanently exhibited in public places only for informational or other non-commercial purposes. Commercial sale of images where a copyrighted building or monument is the subject is not covered. Most historic architecture is out of copyright, so this mainly affects modern works."},"practical":["Rila Monastery allows exterior photography; interior photography of the main church is restricted, and commercial shoots need the monastery's consent.","Communist-era monuments (e.g. Buzludzha) may still be in copyright; Buzludzha itself is also a hazardous closed structure with restricted entry.","Military sites and some border zones with Turkey are sensitive; avoid photographing installations."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Bulgaria (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Bulgaria"},{"label":"EASA: Civil drones (EU-wide UAS rules)","url":"https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/civil-drones"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/bulgaria"},{"slug":"serbia","name":"Serbia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Serbia has freedom of panorama including commercial use for 2D reproductions with attribution, but its drone regime is one of Europe's most restrictive for visitors.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality or site manager for commercial productions; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews need location clearances","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial productions coordinate through the Serbia Film Commission and local authorities; fortress and monastery sites set their own filming conditions."},"drone":{"status":"National rules via the Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD): foreign EU certificates are not recognized, drones must be registered, and flights need CAD approval, typically requested through a Serbian legal entity, plus Ministry of Defence clearance for import","notes":"Plan several weeks ahead; third-party liability insurance valid in Serbia is required regardless of weight. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; publishing a recognizable person generally needs consent under Serbian personality-rights law","notes":"Serbia is not in the EU, so GDPR does not apply directly, but its data-protection law is modeled on it. Exceptions cover public events, public figures, and journalism."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Yes, including commercial use (2D only, with attribution)","notes":"Article 51 of the 2009 Law on Copyright and Related Rights permits two-dimensional reproduction, distribution, and communication to the public of works permanently displayed in streets, squares, and other open public places, without permission or payment. Attribution of the author and source is required, and 3D reproduction is excluded."},"practical":["Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan are free to shoot; the Church of Saint Sava allows photography, with interior rules set by the church.","Do not photograph military facilities, and treat anything near the Kosovo administrative line with care.","If you need aerials, budget 20 to 25 days of lead time for CAD flight approval or hire a licensed local operator."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Serbia (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Serbia"},{"label":"Civil Aviation Directorate of Serbia: Rulebook on drones","url":"https://cad.gov.rs/en/strana/24621/rulebook-on-drones"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/serbia"},{"slug":"bosnia-and-herzegovina","name":"Bosnia and Herzegovina","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Bosnia and Herzegovina permits street photography, but its freedom of panorama excludes commercial use, and drones over 249 g must be registered with the BHDCA.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality or site manager for commercial productions; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews need location clearances","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial productions coordinate with municipal authorities and site managers; Mostar's old town and religious sites set their own conditions. The Sarajevo Film Fund and entity-level bodies assist productions."},"drone":{"status":"National rules via the BiH Directorate of Civil Aviation (BHDCA): drones over 249 g must be registered before flying, with separate OPEN (non-commercial) and SPECIFIC (commercial) regimes under the 2020 rulebook","notes":"Non-commercial flights are capped lower than commercial ones; BHANSA manages airspace. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; publishing a recognizable person generally needs consent under personality-rights principles","notes":"Not an EU member; data-protection law follows European models. Public events, public figures, and journalism are the usual exceptions."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Non-commercial only","notes":"Article 52 of the 2010 Law on Copyright and Related Rights permits free use of works permanently located in squares, parks, streets, and other publicly accessible places, but the works may not be reproduced in 3D, used for the same purpose as the original, or used for economic advantage. Attribution is required where indicated on the work. Historic architecture (including the rebuilt Stari Most, a 16th-century design) is out of copyright."},"practical":["Mostar's Stari Most and Sarajevo's Bascarsija are the marquee shots and raise no copyright issue; modern monuments and murals are where the non-commercial limit applies.","Unexploded mines remain a real hazard off marked paths in rural areas; stick to cleared routes when chasing landscapes.","Do not photograph military installations; some religious sites restrict interior photography."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Bosnia and Herzegovina (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Bosnia_and_Herzegovina"},{"label":"BHDCA: Drones (registration and rulebook)","url":"http://www.bhdca.gov.ba/index.php/en/drone"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/bosnia-and-herzegovina"},{"slug":"albania","name":"Albania","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Albania adopted freedom of panorama in its 2016 copyright law, allowing reproduction of works permanently in public spaces, and its drone rules closely mirror the EU framework.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality or site manager for commercial productions; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews and managed heritage sites (castles, archaeological parks) need authorization","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial shoots at managed sites such as Berat and Gjirokaster castles or Butrint archaeological park need the site administration's consent; ticketed sites may set camera conditions."},"drone":{"status":"National rules via the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) that mirror EU Regulations 2019/945 and 2019/947 almost 1:1; operator registration required for camera drones, with permits for commercial work","notes":"Albania is not an EASA member state, so EU registrations do not automatically transfer. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; publishing a recognizable person generally needs consent under privacy and personal-data rules","notes":"Albanian data-protection law follows the European model. Public events and journalism are the practical exceptions; commercial use of a person's likeness needs consent."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Yes, with attribution (no 3D copies)","notes":"Law No. 35/2016 on Copyright and Related Rights permits reproduction of works permanently located in streets, squares, parks, and other open public areas without authorization or payment. 3D reproduction is excluded, for architecture the exception covers external appearance only, and source and authorship should be credited where possible."},"practical":["Berat and Gjirokaster (UNESCO) and the Albanian Riviera are unrestricted for personal shooting; commercial shoots at managed castles need site consent.","Communist-era bunkers are everywhere and fine to shoot; active military zones are not.","Infrastructure is thin in the Accursed Mountains; permits are not the constraint, logistics are."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Albania (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Albania"},{"label":"Albanian Civil Aviation Authority (AAC)","url":"https://aac.gov.al/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/albania"},{"slug":"montenegro","name":"Montenegro","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Montenegro allows street photography, but its freedom of panorama excludes any direct or indirect economic advantage, and drones face registration plus an import-permit quirk.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality or site manager for commercial productions; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews need location clearances","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial shoots in Kotor's old town, at Ostrog Monastery, and at managed sites need the site's consent. The Film Centre of Montenegro administers the production incentive."},"drone":{"status":"National rules via the Civil Aviation Agency (CAA): operator registration and an online theory exam for drones of 250 g and up, mandatory third-party liability insurance, daylight VLOS only, and an import permit from the Ministry of Economic Development for drones brought into the country","notes":"The CAA's online registration process for foreign operators has been in flux since early 2025; contact the agency before travel. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; publishing a recognizable person generally needs consent under personality-rights principles","notes":"Data-protection law follows the European model. Public events and journalism are the usual exceptions."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Non-commercial only","notes":"The Law on Copyright and Related Rights (as amended 2011 and 2016) permits use of works permanently exposed in parks, streets, squares, and other public places, but not 3D reproduction, not use for the same purpose as the original, and not use for direct or indirect economic advantage. Kotor's historic architecture is out of copyright; the limit matters for modern works and monuments."},"practical":["Sveti Stefan is a private resort island: the classic view from the coastal road is free to shoot, but the island itself is off limits without arrangement.","The Bay of Kotor serpentines and Lovcen viewpoints are unrestricted; drone use over the bay is popular and frequently non-compliant, which is drawing enforcement.","Ostrog Monastery permits photography in outer areas but restricts the shrine caves; ask on site."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Montenegro (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Montenegro"},{"label":"Montenegro CAA: drone operator registration and exam","url":"https://www.caa.me/en/pilot-examination-and-registration-drone-operators"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/montenegro"},{"slug":"north-macedonia","name":"North Macedonia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"North Macedonia's copyright law allows free use of architecture and sculpture permanently in public places, including the Skopje 2014 monuments, but not 2D works like murals.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality or site manager for commercial productions; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews need location clearances","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial shoots coordinate with municipalities; the North Macedonia Film Agency handles incoming productions. Ohrid's churches and Sveti Naum set their own interior photography rules."},"drone":{"status":"National rules via the Civil Aviation Agency: free online operator registration is required (including for foreigners), flights must be announced to the agency in advance, VLOS only, with licensing for heavier or commercial operations","notes":"Flight announcements are expected at least 24 hours ahead. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; publishing a recognizable person generally needs consent under personality-rights principles","notes":"Data-protection law follows the European model; public events and journalism are the practical exceptions."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Yes for architecture and sculpture; not for 2D works","notes":"Article 52.1.11 of the 2010 Law on Copyright and Related Rights permits use of architectural and sculptural works permanently located in public places (streets, squares, parks) without payment. The exception does not extend to 2D works such as murals and maps still under copyright. Note also that reproducing Macedonian banknotes requires central-bank permission."},"practical":["Skopje's monument-dense centre (Skopje 2014 program) is covered by the architecture-and-sculpture exception, so selling those images is defensible; murals are not covered.","Lake Ohrid and its Byzantine churches are the marquee locations; interiors of St. John at Kaneo and St. Sophia restrict photography variably, ask on site.","Do not photograph military facilities; border areas are otherwise relaxed."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, North Macedonia (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/North_Macedonia"},{"label":"Civil Aviation Agency of North Macedonia: unmanned aircraft","url":"https://www.caa.gov.mk/en/20706-2/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/north-macedonia"},{"slug":"cyprus","name":"Cyprus","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Cyprus has freedom of panorama for artistic works permanently in public view, including commercial use, but the UN Buffer Zone and military areas are strict no-photography territory.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality, Department of Antiquities, or site manager for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial productions and archaeological sites need authorization","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial shoots at archaeological sites (Kourion, Paphos mosaics, Tombs of the Kings) need Department of Antiquities consent; tripods can be restricted at ticketed sites."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules via the Department of Civil Aviation; register as a UAS operator under the Open or Specific category, with substantial no-fly areas around airports, military zones, and the Buffer Zone","notes":"The British Sovereign Base Areas have their own airspace rules. For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; GDPR applies to publishing identifiable people","notes":"Personal-use shooting falls under the GDPR household exemption. Publishing a recognizable person without consent, especially commercially, is the risk point; public events and journalism are excepted."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Yes, including commercial use","notes":"Section 7(2)(c) of the Copyright Law of 1976 (as amended) permits the reproduction and distribution of copies of any artistic work permanently situated in a place where it may be viewed by the public. This covers buildings and public art on the government-controlled side; the north operates under a separate regime."},"practical":["Photographing the UN Buffer Zone (Green Line), crossing points, watchtowers, and any military installation is prohibited and enforced on both sides of the divide.","Varosha (Famagusta) has partially reopened; photography is tolerated in opened streets but the fenced military zone remains off limits.","Aphrodite's Rock and the Troodos monasteries are unrestricted outdoors; Kykkos Monastery restricts interior photography."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Cyprus (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Cyprus"},{"label":"EASA: Civil drones (EU-wide UAS rules)","url":"https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/civil-drones"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/cyprus"},{"slug":"luxembourg","name":"Luxembourg","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Luxembourg has no freedom of panorama: only incidental inclusion of copyrighted works is allowed, so selling images of modern architecture as the subject needs the rights holder's permission.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality (Ville de Luxembourg) or site manager for commercial productions; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews need location clearances","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial productions coordinate with the city and Film Fund Luxembourg; managed sites such as the Bock Casemates set their own conditions."},"drone":{"status":"Governed by EU EASA rules via the Direction de l'Aviation Civile; register as a UAS operator under the Open or Specific category, with tight geography (city no-fly areas, Findel airport) in a small airspace","notes":"For category detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; GDPR and the right to one's image apply to publishing identifiable people","notes":"Personal-use shooting falls under the GDPR household exemption. Publishing a recognizable person without consent, particularly commercially, generally needs consent, with public-figure and news exceptions."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"No (incidental inclusion only)","notes":"The Law of 18 April 2001 on Copyright, as amended in 2015, contains no panorama exception; only incidental inclusion of a protected work in an image is allowed. Selling images whose subject is a copyrighted building or artwork (e.g. the Philharmonie or MUDAM on Kirchberg) requires permission. The UNESCO-listed old town and fortifications are out of copyright."},"practical":["The Grund, Adolphe Bridge, and old-town panoramas raise no copyright issue; the FoP gap bites on Kirchberg's modern architecture and contemporary public art.","The Chemin de la Corniche is the marquee viewpoint and is unrestricted.","EU institution buildings on Kirchberg have security staff attentive to close-up photography of entrances and infrastructure."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Luxembourg (no-FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Luxembourg"},{"label":"EASA: Civil drones (EU-wide UAS rules)","url":"https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/civil-drones"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/luxembourg"},{"slug":"monaco","name":"Monaco","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Monaco has no freedom of panorama, requires government authorization for professional shoots, and operates a near-total drone lockdown: professional use only, with prior approval from the Direction de l'Aviation Civile.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Prince's Government (filming authorization request via the Communication Department / Monaco Press Centre) for professional shoots","applyUrl":"https://en.service-public-entreprises.gouv.mc/Conducting-business/Specific-authorisations/Communications-and-media/How-to-apply-for-approval-to-operate-drones","cost":"No permit for personal tourist photography; professional filming and photography require prior government authorization","notes":"Tourist photography is unrestricted in public areas. Any professional or commercial shoot in the Principality requires a prior authorization request (demande d'autorisation de prises de vues) to the Prince's Government; the Societe des Bains de Mer separately controls its properties, including the Casino de Monte-Carlo."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively closed to hobbyists: only professional-use drones may fly, under an authorization and per-flight approval from the Direction de l'Aviation Civile (Law No. 1.458 of 2017 and Ministerial Decree No. 2021-532); remote-piloted aircraft over 100 g need a certificate of authorization","notes":"Flights within 150 m of the heliport are additionally restricted, and VLOS only. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public areas; publishing a recognizable person generally needs consent under the right to image, and Monaco's privacy enforcement is attentive","notes":"Monaco applies French-style image rights. Celebrity privacy is litigated here; commercial use of a person's likeness without consent is high risk."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"No","notes":"Law No. 491 of 24 November 1948 on the protection of literary and artistic works contains no panorama exception, so there is no statutory right to commercially exploit images of copyrighted architecture or public art. Much of the belle-epoque landmark architecture (Casino, Hotel de Paris) is out of copyright; modern developments are not."},"practical":["The Casino de Monte-Carlo bans photography inside the gaming rooms; the square outside is fine. SBM properties enforce their own image rules.","During the Grand Prix (May) and major events, access, tripods, and rooftops are tightly controlled and commercial shooting without accreditation is unrealistic.","The Rock (palace area) is fine for handheld tourist shooting; the changing of the guard draws crowds and police keep the plaza moving."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Monaco (no-FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Monaco"},{"label":"Prince's Government: new regulations on use of drones","url":"https://en.gouv.mc/Policy-Practice/Security/News/New-regulations-on-use-of-drones"},{"label":"Legimonaco: Ministerial Decree No. 2021-532 (unmanned aircraft)","url":"https://legimonaco.mc/tnc/arrete-ministeriel/2021/08-02-2021-532/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/monaco"},{"slug":"georgia-country","name":"Georgia (country)","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Georgia is welcoming to photographers and has a film cash-rebate program, but its freedom of panorama is non-commercial only and the boundary lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia are genuinely dangerous to photograph.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality or site manager for commercial productions; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews need location clearances","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial productions can route through the Film in Georgia rebate program (Enterprise Georgia); churches under the Georgian Orthodox Patriarchate set their own photography rules, and interiors are often restricted."},"drone":{"status":"National rules via the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency (GCAA): drones over 250 g must be registered (uas.gov.ge), 120 m ceiling, VLOS, no night flights without authorization, and commercial operations need specific GCAA authorization","notes":"Carry your registration certificate; police can ask for it. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; publishing a recognizable person, especially commercially, can require consent under Georgia's personal data protection law","notes":"Street photography is culturally accepted and legally low-risk for personal and editorial use; commercial use of a person's likeness is where consent matters."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Non-commercial only","notes":"The 1999 Law on Copyright and Neighbouring Rights permits reproducing works of architecture and fine art permanently displayed in public places without consent, except when the image of the work is the main object of the reproduction or is used for commercial purposes. Historic churches and vernacular architecture are out of copyright; the limit matters for modern Tbilisi landmarks (Bridge of Peace and similar contemporary works)."},"practical":["Do not photograph the administrative boundary lines with Abkhazia or South Ossetia, their crossing points, or the personnel manning them; detentions along the lines are documented.","Gergeti Trinity Church and Svaneti are unrestricted outdoors; church interiors commonly ban photography or require the priest's consent.","Tbilisi's contemporary architecture (Bridge of Peace, Public Service Hall) is in copyright, so commercial licensing of images where it is the main subject is not covered by the panorama exception."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Georgia (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Georgia"},{"label":"GCAA: drone registration portal (uas.gov.ge)","url":"https://uas.gov.ge/EN"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/georgia-country"},{"slug":"armenia","name":"Armenia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Armenia adopted full freedom of panorama in 2013, including commercial use, but a border-photography ban makes filming near the Azerbaijan frontier without an NSS permit illegal.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality or site manager for commercial productions; National Security Service permit for any photography of border infrastructure","cost":"No permit for personal photography; commercial crews need location clearances","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit in cities and at monasteries. Commercial productions coordinate with municipalities and site managers; monastery complexes (Tatev, Geghard, Khor Virap) are generally open to photography with interior rules set by the church."},"drone":{"status":"National rules via the Civil Aviation Committee: regulation applies to drones of 250 g and up, with low altitude ceilings, daylight VLOS operation, and permits for commercial use; border areas are closed to drones without National Security Service clearance","notes":"The regulatory framework is newer and still developing; verify current requirements with the Committee before travel. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; publishing a recognizable person, especially commercially, generally needs consent under civil-law personality rights","notes":"Street photography for personal and editorial use is low-risk; commercial use of a likeness needs consent."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Yes, including commercial use","notes":"A 2013 amendment to the copyright law permits reproducing, distributing, and communicating works located on streets, parks, squares, and other places open to the public, in any medium and without payment, with no non-commercial restriction. This covers buildings, sculptures, and works of fine and applied art."},"practical":["Photographing border-guard infrastructure, or the territory of the bordering country from the border zone, is prohibited without a National Security Service permit; this applies along the Azerbaijan frontier (including Syunik) and is enforced.","Khor Virap's classic Ararat backdrop sits close to the closed Turkish border; the monastery itself is fine, but stay clear of border engineering works.","Yerevan's Cascade complex and Republic Square are unrestricted; military facilities and checkpoints are not."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Armenia (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Armenia"},{"label":"Armenpress: ban on unlicensed cameras and drones at borders","url":"https://armenpress.am/en/article/1046427"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/armenia"},{"slug":"kazakhstan","name":"Kazakhstan","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Kazakhstan restricts freedom of panorama to non-commercial uses and treats military, border, and strategic facilities as no-photography zones; drones require state registration.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Municipality or site manager for commercial productions; special access regimes for strategic sites such as Baikonur","cost":"No permit for personal photography in ordinary public spaces; commercial crews and restricted sites need authorization","notes":"Personal street photography in Almaty and Astana needs no permit. Commercial productions coordinate with local authorities; Baikonur Cosmodrome is a leased, closed facility where access and photography happen only on authorized tours or accreditation."},"drone":{"status":"National rules via the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan and Civil Aviation Committee: UAS registration runs through the e-government portal (free, up to ten working days), and flights over crowds, government buildings, military bases, and industrial infrastructure are prohibited without written approval","notes":"The framework was updated again by 2026 amendments covering unmanned aviation. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in ordinary public spaces; military sites, border areas, airports, and some official buildings are prohibited subjects","notes":"UK government travel guidance flags photography restrictions near military and strategic sites, with equipment confiscation a real risk. Publishing identifiable people commercially needs consent under personal-data and image provisions."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Non-commercial only","notes":"The 1996 Law on Copyright and Related Rights (as amended in 2015) permits reproducing and communicating works of architecture, photography, and fine art permanently located in publicly accessible places, except when the image of the work is the main object of the reproduction or is used for commercial purposes. Soviet-era and older architecture is generally out of copyright; Astana's contemporary skyline (Bayterek, Khan Shatyr and similar works) is the live issue for commercial licensing."},"practical":["Astana's signature modern architecture is in copyright, so commercial sale of images where one building is the subject is not covered by the panorama exception.","Do not photograph military installations, border zones, or airport infrastructure; police checks of cameras near sensitive sites are documented in official travel advice.","Baikonur launches can be photographed on authorized tours only; the city itself is access-controlled."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Kazakhstan (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Kazakhstan"},{"label":"eGov Kazakhstan: UAS registration service","url":"https://egov.kz/cms/en/government-services/for_busunesses/pass_1102023_mt"},{"label":"GOV.UK travel advice: Kazakhstan (photography restrictions)","url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kazakhstan/safety-and-security"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/kazakhstan"},{"slug":"uzbekistan","name":"Uzbekistan","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Uzbekistan has liberalized tourist photography, but drones remain effectively banned without government permission and freedom of panorama is non-commercial only.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Site administrations for monuments; multiple state bodies for drone filming; no permit for personal street photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; ticketed monuments may charge camera fees, and commercial shoots need site consent","notes":"Personal photography restrictions were rolled back in the post-2016 tourism opening (metro photography was legalized in 2018). Commercial shoots at the Registan and other managed monuments need the site administration's consent; drone filming requires a separate, legal-entity-only government permission process."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned for visitors: import, sale, and use of drones have been prohibited since 2015 without official permission, with liability softened to administrative penalties for first offenses in 2024; legal drone filming requires advance permission involving tourism, culture, defense, and flight-safety authorities","notes":"Drones are routinely confiscated at the border. Do not bring one without pre-arranged authorization. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in ordinary public spaces; military installations, border crossings, security facilities, and some government buildings remain prohibited subjects","notes":"Street and metro photography is now normal in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. Publishing identifiable people commercially still warrants consent."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Non-commercial only","notes":"The Law on Copyright and Related Rights (No. LRU-42 of 2006, as amended) permits reproduction and transmission of works of architecture and visual art permanently located in places open to free attendance, except when the representation of the work is the basic subject of the reproduction or is used for commercial purposes. The Timurid monuments are centuries out of copyright, so this mainly affects modern architecture and monuments."},"practical":["The Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, and Bukhara's old town are open to photography; ticketed sites may charge a camera fee, and commercial shoots need site consent.","Tashkent metro stations have been legal to photograph since 2018 and are a marquee subject; be courteous with station staff.","Leave the drone at home unless a producing partner has secured the multi-agency permission; border confiscation is the default outcome."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Uzbekistan (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Uzbekistan"},{"label":"Gazeta.uz: liability for illegal drone usage softened (2024)","url":"https://www.gazeta.uz/en/2024/03/16/drones/"},{"label":"GOV.UK travel advice: Uzbekistan (photography and drones)","url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/uzbekistan/safety-and-security"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/uzbekistan"},{"slug":"mongolia","name":"Mongolia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Mongolia's 2021 copyright law allows photographing and selling images of architecture and statues in public places, and its vast landscapes are largely permit-free, with drone registration through the CAAM.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"Protected-area administrations and site managers for commercial shoots; no permit for personal photography","cost":"No permit for personal photography; some monasteries and museums charge camera fees, and commercial crews need clearances","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit almost everywhere. National parks and strictly protected areas require entry fees and, for commercial filming, the protected-area administration's consent. Monasteries such as Gandan in Ulaanbaatar charge interior photography fees."},"drone":{"status":"National rules via the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia (CAAM): registration required for drones over 250 g, roughly 120 m ceiling, VLOS and daylight only, 4 km from aerodromes, with permits for commercial operations","notes":"Rules are enforced most visibly around Ulaanbaatar and border regions; the open steppe is operationally easy but the same rules apply. For detail, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph; ask before photographing people, and expect small fees or refusals at religious sites","notes":"There is no general restriction on street photography. Commercial use of a person's likeness needs consent; herder families generally expect a courtesy ask, and sometimes payment, for posed photos."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Yes for architecture and statues, including sale of images; 2D works not covered","notes":"Article 46 of the 2021 Law on Copyright and Related Rights permits painting, filming, and photographing works of architecture, fine art, and statues permanently located in public places, and exploiting the results; what it prohibits is reproducing an identical structure or statue for direct or indirect commercial purposes. The exception does not clearly extend to 2D works such as murals."},"practical":["The Chinggis Khaan equestrian statue at Tsonjin Boldog is the marquee modern monument; photographing and selling images of it is covered by the Article 46 exception.","Gandantegchinlen Monastery charges a fee for interior photography of the Migjid Janraisig statue; flash is restricted.","Stay well away from border zones (Russia and China) with cameras and drones; permits for border-area travel are a separate system handled through the General Authority for Border Protection."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: copyright rules, Mongolia (FoP section)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Mongolia"},{"label":"Drone Laws: Mongolia (CAAM registration and limits)","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-mongolia/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/mongolia"},{"slug":"ecuador","name":"Ecuador","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Ecuador has workable freedom of panorama via the Andean Community, but the Galapagos runs its own strict permit and drone regime.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual street photography; Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD) for commercial shoots in the islands, site authorities for heritage zones","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit on the mainland. Commercial filming and professional photography inside Galapagos protected zones requires a formal GNPD application, reportedly at least 15 working days before the shoot. Historic centers (Quito, Cuenca) may require municipal coordination for production-scale work."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the DGAC on the mainland; effectively banned in the Galapagos without a rarely granted scientific or special permit","notes":"Mainland flights follow DGAC registration and operating rules. Galapagos drone use is prohibited for tourists, and even professional projects need GNPD plus Galapagos Special Regime Council sign-off. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public; Ecuador recognizes image and personality rights","notes":"Editorial and street work is normal practice. Commercial use of an identifiable person's image should have consent. Ask before photographing indigenous people, especially at markets like Otavalo."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, with conditions","notes":"Ecuador's IP law (Codification 2006-13, Art. 83(f)) permits reproducing works permanently located in public places if author and location are credited and the purpose is disseminating art, science, and culture. Andean Community Decision 351 (Art. 22(h)), binding on Ecuador, adds a broader panorama right. Wikimedia Commons classifies Ecuador as FoP OK."},"practical":["Galapagos is its own legal layer: no recreational drones at all, and commercial photography needs advance GNPD permits; visitors caught flying have had gear seized.","Quito's historic center is dense with churches whose interiors set their own photography rules; exteriors from the street are fine.","Carry attribution habits with you: Ecuador's own FoP clause expects the artwork's author and location to be credited."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Ecuador (FoP OK, Art. 83(f) + Decision 351)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Ecuador"},{"label":"Ecuador drone rules summary (DGAC framing)","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-ecuador/"},{"label":"Galapagos drone and filming restrictions","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-the-galapagos/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/ecuador"},{"slug":"bolivia","name":"Bolivia","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Bolivia's national copyright law is silent on panorama, but Andean Community Decision 351 fills the gap; camera drones are treated as aerial work.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual public photography; site authorities and the Ministry of Cultures for heritage and archaeological locations on commercial shoots","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit, including at Salar de Uyuni. Commercial production at archaeological sites (Tiwanaku) and some heritage zones needs authorization. Rules for protected areas run through SERNAP for production work."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by Bolivia's DGAC; camera drones are classified as aerial work, with registration for drones over 250 g and per-flight notification requirements","notes":"Because photography counts as trabajos aereos, private camera-drone users fall under the aerial-work category; sub-6 kg flights are reportedly notified via an online form in advance. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public; consent-first norms apply to identifiable people","notes":"Street photography is lawful. Ask before photographing people in indigenous communities and at ceremonies; commercial portrait use should have a release. Avoid photographing protests and blockades up close."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full (via Andean Community Decision 351)","notes":"Bolivia's Law No. 1322 of 1992 has no freedom-of-panorama provision, but Decision 351 of the Andean Community, binding on Bolivia, permits reproducing architectural works, fine art, photographic works, and applied art permanently located in places open to the public. Wikimedia Commons classifies Bolivia as FoP OK on that basis."},"practical":["Salar de Uyuni allows personal drone use with no site-specific national permit, but shared-tour operators often restrict it; clear it with your driver first.","The salt flat's wet-season mirror is the signature shot (roughly December to March); bring lens cloths, salt spray is corrosive to gear.","La Paz cable cars (Mi Teleferico) are a legitimate aerial platform where drones are impractical; photography from cabins is allowed."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Bolivia (FoP via Decision 351)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Bolivia"},{"label":"Bolivia drone rules summary (DGAC aerial-work classification)","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-bolivia/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/bolivia"},{"slug":"uruguay","name":"Uruguay","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Uruguay pairs statutory freedom of panorama with a strict portrait-consent rule, and DINACIA requires authorization before tourists fly drones.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual public photography; municipal film offices (Montevideo's locations office) for production-scale commercial shoots","notes":"Personal and editorial photography in public needs no permit. Commercial productions that occupy public space typically coordinate with the relevant municipality."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by DINACIA; tourists can fly but need registration or authorization first, with standard 120 m altitude and line-of-sight limits","notes":"No foreign pilot license is required, but visitors are expected to hold DINACIA authorization before flying, and flights over populated areas and crowds are prohibited. Commercial operations need a permit. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph, but marketing a portrait requires the subject's express consent","notes":"Law 9.739 Art. 21: a portrait may not be commercialized without the person's express consent (and heirs' consent after death), with exceptions for scientific, educational, cultural purposes and facts of public interest occurring in public."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full","notes":"Law No. 9.739 Art. 45(8) permits photographic reproduction of paintings, monuments, and allegorical figures exhibited in museums, parks, or promenades, provided the works are held in the public domain of display. Wikimedia Commons classifies Uruguay as FoP OK."},"practical":["Montevideo's Rambla and Ciudad Vieja are unrestricted for handheld work; production gear on public space is what triggers municipal coordination.","The portrait-consent rule is stricter than neighbors: for any commercial image built around an identifiable person, get a signed release.","Casapueblo and Punta del Este landmarks are safe commercial subjects under the panorama provision."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Uruguay (FoP OK, Art. 45.8; portrait rule Art. 21)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Uruguay"},{"label":"Uruguay drone rules summary (DINACIA)","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-uruguay/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/uruguay"},{"slug":"panama","name":"Panama","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Panama allows commercial images of public works (building exteriors only), while the AAC requires drone permits for most tourist-drawn locations.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual public photography; Panama Film Commission (Ministry of Commerce and Industries) for commercial productions; the Panama Canal Authority sets its own rules on Canal property","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial film and photo productions register through the national film commission, and shoots on Canal Authority property require its separate authorization."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the AAC; registration required for drones over 250 g, with a special authorization path for visitors staying under 14 days","notes":"Tourists can fly, but many popular locations (beaches, historic sites, islands) require an AAC permit, and insurance is compulsory for commercial operations. 120 m altitude cap, daylight, line of sight. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public; image rights apply to commercial use of identifiable people","notes":"Street photography is lawful. Government and Canal security zones are sensitive; comply with posted restrictions and guard instructions."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, exteriors only for buildings","notes":"Law No. 64 of 2012 permits reproduction, broadcasting, or public transmission of images of architectural works, fine art, photographic works, and applied art permanently located in places open to the public; for buildings the right is limited to the exterior facade. No non-commercial restriction applies. Wikimedia Commons classifies Panama as FoP OK."},"practical":["Casco Viejo is the money neighborhood and fine handheld; tripod-heavy or crewed shoots draw municipal and police attention, so scale down or get papers.","The Miraflores Locks visitor center allows photography; flying a drone anywhere near Canal operations is a fast way to lose it.","For stays under 14 days, use the AAC short-stay authorization rather than full registration; start the paperwork before travel."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Panama (FoP OK, Law 64 of 2012)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Panama"},{"label":"Panama drone rules summary (AAC)","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-panama/"},{"label":"AAC drone authorization overview (STRI guidance)","url":"https://stri.si.edu/plan-your-visit/scientific-research-permits/aac-authorization"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/panama"},{"slug":"guatemala","name":"Guatemala","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Guatemala grants freedom of panorama with an attribution condition, but Tikal bans drones without CONAP authorization and Antigua limits flights over the historic center.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual public photography; CONAP and IDAEH for commercial shoots at archaeological parks like Tikal; municipal permission in Antigua's historic center","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit, including visitor photography at Tikal. Commercial and production photography at archaeological and protected sites requires authorization from the managing agencies; fees and terms vary by site."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the DGAC with registration for drones over 100 g; drones are banned at Tikal without explicit CONAP authorization, and Antigua restricts flights over the colonial core","notes":"Standard limits: 120 m altitude, line of sight, no night flights without lighting, no flights over crowds. Declare drones at customs. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public; consent norms are strong in Maya communities","notes":"Street photography is lawful. Ask before photographing people, especially children, in highland markets and villages; photographing children without permission is a serious local sensitivity."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, with conditions","notes":"Decree 33-98 Art. 64(d) permits reproducing artworks permanently exposed in public places, and building exteriors, when done in an art form distinct from the original and with the author, title, and location indicated. Photography of public sculpture and architecture qualifies. Wikimedia Commons classifies Guatemala as FoP OK."},"practical":["Tikal: visitor photography is free with entry, tripods and commercial rigs need IDAEH/CONAP paperwork, and drones are a non-starter without CONAP authorization.","Antigua's skyline (Volcan de Agua behind the Arch) is best shot handheld at dawn; drone permits over the UNESCO core are often refused.","Lake Atitlan villages are photogenic and welcoming, but the ask-first rule for portraits is not optional."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Guatemala (FoP OK, Art. 64(d))","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Guatemala"},{"label":"Guatemala drone rules summary (DGAC, Tikal, Antigua)","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-guatemala/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/guatemala"},{"slug":"dominican-republic","name":"Dominican Republic","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"The DR has statutory freedom of panorama and a weight-based drone regime: under 2 kg is permit-free, heavier drones register and insure with IDAC.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual public photography; DGCINE (film commission) for commercial productions; resort and protected-area managers set local rules","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial film and photo productions coordinate through DGCINE, and national parks (Los Haitises, Saona/Cotubanama) apply their own access rules for production work."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by IDAC; drones under 2 kg need no permit, heavier drones must be registered and insured, and tourists are steered to a temporary authorization","notes":"Contact IDAC before travel with dates, model, and serial number; processing is reported at up to 25 business days, and customs may hold undeclared drones. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public","notes":"Street photography is lawful. Resorts and private beaches set their own rules regardless of national law; military installations are off-limits subjects."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, exteriors only for buildings","notes":"Law No. 65-00 Art. 39: works permanently located on public thoroughfares, streets, or squares may be reproduced by painting, drawing, photography, or audiovisual fixation, and the reproductions may be distributed and communicated publicly; for architecture this applies only to the external aspect. Wikimedia Commons classifies the DR as FoP OK."},"practical":["Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial is the strongest commercial subject and fully covered by the panorama provision (exteriors).","Saona Island sits inside a national park: casual photos are fine, but drones and commercial shoots need park-level and IDAC clearance.","All-inclusive resorts are private property; get the property's written OK before shooting anything you intend to sell."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Dominican Republic (FoP OK, Art. 39)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Dominican_Republic"},{"label":"Dominican Republic drone rules summary (IDAC)","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-the-dominican-republic/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/dominican-republic"},{"slug":"jamaica","name":"Jamaica","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Jamaica follows the UK freedom-of-panorama model, but the JCAA expects even visiting hobbyists to hold a permit and bans FPV flying outright.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual public photography; JAMPRO (Jamaica's film commission) facilitates commercial production permits","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial film and photography productions register through JAMPRO for locations, and private resorts and attractions (Dunn's River Falls and similar) set their own commercial terms."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the JCAA; visitors are expected to apply for a temporary permit before flying, registration applies above 250 g, and FPV flight is banned","notes":"Applications (passport, proof of ownership, model and serial number, locations) reportedly take 2 to 4 weeks. Customs officers check for JCAA authorization and can hold drones. 120 m cap, daylight, line of sight. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public","notes":"Street photography is lawful. Ask before close-up portraits; expectations of a tip are common at tourist sites. Avoid photographing police operations."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full for buildings and 3D works (UK model)","notes":"The Copyright Act Section 74 permits graphic works, photographs, films, and broadcasts of buildings, sculptures, building models, and works of artistic craftsmanship permanently situated in a public place or premises open to the public. Two-dimensional works like murals are not covered. Wikimedia Commons classifies Jamaica as FoP OK."},"practical":["Start the JCAA drone paperwork a month before travel; arriving with an undeclared drone risks it sitting in customs for your whole trip.","Murals and painted street art are the FoP gap: buildings and sculpture sell freely, a copyrighted mural as the main subject does not.","Resort beaches are mostly private; the public-space rules apply to genuinely public beaches and streets."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Jamaica (FoP OK, Section 74)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Jamaica"},{"label":"Jamaica drone rules summary (JCAA)","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-jamaica/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/jamaica"},{"slug":"bahamas","name":"Bahamas","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"The Bahamas has unusually broad freedom of panorama (including 2D works visible from public places), and a drone regime built around advance CAA-B authorization plus a refundable customs deposit.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual public photography; the Bahamas Film Commission handles permits for commercial film and photo productions","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial productions apply through the Bahamas Film Commission; private islands and resorts set their own terms."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAA-B); visitors apply online for authorization before arrival, and customs reportedly takes a refundable deposit of about half the drone's appraised value","notes":"CAA-B asks for at least 5 business days to process authorization. Limits include 400 ft altitude, 5 NM from airports, and no flights over congested areas. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public","notes":"Street photography is lawful. Much prime coastline is resort or private-cay property where the owner's rules govern."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, broad (includes 2D works)","notes":"The Copyright Act (Ch. 323) provides that copyright in constructed architectural works and in artistic works does not include the right to prevent making, distributing, or publicly displaying pictures of the work if it is located in or ordinarily visible from a public place. This covers murals as well as buildings and sculpture. Wikimedia Commons classifies the Bahamas as FoP OK."},"practical":["Budget for the customs drone deposit (reported at 50% of appraised value, refunded on departure) and carry the CAA-B authorization letter in print.","The Exuma swimming pigs and most iconic cays are private or tour-controlled; the operator's permission matters more than national law there.","Nassau's murals and colonial architecture are both safely sellable under the broad panorama provision."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Bahamas (FoP OK, Copyright Act Ch. 323)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Bahamas"},{"label":"CAA Bahamas: drone registration","url":"https://caabahamas.com/drone-registration/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/bahamas"},{"slug":"cuba","name":"Cuba","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Cuba welcomes cameras but not drones (confiscated at customs), and photographing military, police, or government sites is prohibited; commercial work runs through ICAIC.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for personal tourist photography; ICAIC (Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry) for commercial filming and photography, usually via an accredited local fixer or producer","notes":"Personal photography is fine. Any commercial, advertising, or professional production needs an ICAIC permit, typically arranged with a Cuban counterpart; journalists need press accreditation. Working on a tourist visa without permits risks arrest and gear seizure."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned for visitors: drones may not be imported, and customs confiscates them on arrival, holding the equipment until you leave the country","notes":"The IACC governs civil aviation, but the practical rule is the import ban; retrieval on departure is standard, with storage fees after an initial free period. Do not pack a drone for Cuba. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for street photography, with hard exclusions","notes":"Do not photograph military zones, military or police personnel, government buildings, airports, ports, or train stations. Police can require you to delete images. Ordinary street scenes, people (ask first), and classic cars are fine."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full, with attribution; excludes exhibitions and museums","notes":"Law No. 14 of 1977 Art. 38(c) permits reproducing, by any non-contact means, artworks of any type on permanent display in public places, with obligatory mention of the author, but excludes works in exhibitions and museums. Wikimedia Commons classifies Cuba as FoP OK."},"practical":["Leave the drone at home: it will not clear customs, and reclaiming it on exit costs time and storage fees.","The military/police prohibition is enforced; that includes uniformed officers on ordinary streets, not just installations.","Habana Vieja and the Malecon are fully shootable; museum interiors and gallery works fall outside the panorama provision."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Cuba (FoP OK, Art. 38(c))","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Cuba"},{"label":"Cuba drone import ban and customs practice","url":"https://drone-traveller.com/drone-laws-cuba/"},{"label":"Film Commission Cuba: filming permits (ICAIC)","url":"https://filmcommissioncuba.org/filming-permits/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/cuba"},{"slug":"oman","name":"Oman","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Oman has no freedom of panorama, licenses recreational drones through a paid CAA platform, and treats aerial photography as separately authorized.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual landscape and street photography; Ministry of Information channels govern commercial filming, and the CAA licenses all drone activity","notes":"Personal photography is generally unrestricted outside sensitive sites. Commercial film productions require government permission; foreign crews typically work through the Ministry of Information and a local production partner. Verify current requirements before committing budgets."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority under CAR-102; registration above 250 g, and tourists reportedly buy a temporary one-month license (about USD 70) via the CAA's Fly Serb platform","notes":"Aerial photography equipment on a drone requires prior authorization from national security authorities, and fines for unlicensed flying are steep (reported 200 to 600 OMR). No-fly within 5 km of airports, ports, and protected places. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for landscapes and general scenes; people and security subjects are sensitive","notes":"Do not photograph military or security sites, personnel, or accidents. Photographing people, especially women, without consent is a serious cultural and legal misstep; ask first, always."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (no FoP)","notes":"Royal Decree 65/2008's free-use provisions (Art. 20) contain no freedom-of-panorama exception, so selling images centered on copyrighted architecture or public art in Oman can require the rights holder's permission. Older and traditional structures out of copyright are safe. Wikimedia Commons classifies Oman as no-FoP."},"practical":["The photogenic subjects that sell (forts, wadis, desert, traditional architecture) are largely out of copyright; the no-FoP risk is modern buildings like the Royal Opera House as a main subject.","Mosque interiors (including Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque) allow photography in visiting hours but with dress and conduct rules; confirm on site.","Sort the Fly Serb drone license and the separate aerial-photography authorization before travel, not after arrival."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Oman (no FoP, RD 65/2008)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Oman"},{"label":"Oman CAA: CAR-102 drone regulation (PDF)","url":"https://www.caa.gov.om/upload/files/CAR%20102%20-%20Remote%20Piloted%20Aircraft%20(Drones)%20-%20v0.20%20-%20JNC%20-%20Revised%20amendment%20251121.pdf"},{"label":"Oman drone rules and tourist licensing summary","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-the-sultanate-of-oman/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/oman"},{"slug":"bhutan","name":"Bhutan","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Bhutan bans private drones outright, requires a government filming permit for commercial work, and prohibits photography inside temples including Tiger's Nest.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for personal photography on a standard tourist visa; BICMA filming permit (with Department of Media clearance) for films, documentaries, and advertisements, plus written permission from each restricted location","notes":"The Bhutan Filming Regulation (2007, amended 2023) requires foreign filmmakers to obtain a permit covering every sequence shot in Bhutan. Monasteries, dzong interiors, and heritage sites need additional site permissions. Personal travel photography is unrestricted outdoors."},"drone":{"status":"Effectively banned for private individuals and tourists; BCAA written approval is mandatory and import permits are issued essentially to government entities only","notes":"Under the BCAA's UAS rules, tourists cannot bring in or fly drones; undeclared drones are held at customs (declared units are returned on exit). Penalties include fines and imprisonment for serious violations. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes outdoors, including dzong courtyards where posted rules allow; interiors are the restriction","notes":"Photography inside temples, monasteries, and shrine rooms is prohibited. Guides enforce this, and violations can jeopardize the guide's license. Ask before photographing monks and locals."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (no FoP)","notes":"The Copyright Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2001 contains no freedom-of-panorama provision among its exceptions (Sections 10 to 17). In practice the flagship subjects (dzongs, traditional architecture) are historic works, but selling images of modern copyrighted structures or public art carries legal uncertainty. Wikimedia Commons classifies Bhutan as no-FoP."},"practical":["Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang): cameras and phones must be deposited before entering the monastery buildings; the classic shot is from the trail viewpoints outside, which is allowed.","Every foreign visitor travels with a licensed guide; your guide is also your photography-rules enforcement layer, so plan shoots with them.","Commercial work needs the BICMA permit chain arranged well before arrival, usually through a Bhutanese tour operator or fixer; fees apply per the filming regulation."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Bhutan (no FoP, Copyright Act 2001)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Bhutan"},{"label":"Bhutan Filming Regulation 2007 (as amended 2023, BICMA PDF)","url":"https://www.bicma.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Bhutan-regulation-on-Filming-2023.pdf"},{"label":"BCAA: prohibition on the use of drones","url":"https://www.bcaa.gov.bt/?p=2354&print=print"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/bhutan"},{"slug":"laos","name":"Laos","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Laos allows only incidental use of public artworks (no real FoP), and drones need Ministry of Public Works and Transport licensing, with Luang Prabang's UNESCO core effectively no-fly.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual public photography; government permission (Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism channels) for commercial filming, and Ministry of National Defense sign-off for aerial work near sensitive locations","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Foreign commercial productions need government approvals and typically a local partner; requirements are opaque, so confirm through official channels or an experienced fixer before budgeting."},"drone":{"status":"Licensed by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (civil aviation department); drones over 200 g require a license, and aerial photography of security-sensitive locations needs Ministry of National Defense permission","notes":"Luang Prabang's old quarter, Mount Phousi, and the riverside temples are effectively no-fly for casual users, and the airport is about 2 km from the center. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public","notes":"Street photography is lawful. At the Luang Prabang morning alms round: no flash, keep distance, do not block the monks; it is a religious ceremony, not a photo event. Avoid military subjects."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (incidental use only)","notes":"Law No. 38/NA of 2017 (Art. 115.3) permits reproducing public artworks only where the inclusion is incidental and the work is not the object of the photograph. A commercial image whose main subject is a copyrighted Lao artwork or modern building has no panorama defense. Temple architecture centuries old is out of copyright and safe. Wikimedia Commons classifies Laos as no-FoP."},"practical":["Luang Prabang rewards handheld dawn work (alms round, Mount Phousi views); treat the whole UNESCO peninsula as drone-free unless you hold written approvals.","Kuang Si Falls and rural landscapes carry no copyright issues; the FoP restriction bites only on modern works as main subjects.","Unexploded-ordnance zones in eastern Laos are a physical hazard for remote landscape work; stay on marked paths."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Laos (no FoP, Law 38/NA Art. 115)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Laos"},{"label":"Lao Trade Portal: UAS over 200 g must be licensed","url":"https://www.laotradeportal.gov.la/en-gb/site/display/1861"},{"label":"Laos drone rules summary","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-laos/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/laos"},{"slug":"bangladesh","name":"Bangladesh","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Bangladesh's 2023 copyright law removed the old UK-style freedom of panorama, and CAAB drone authorization is slow (reportedly 45 days) with security-agency clearances layered on top.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual street photography; government permission for foreign commercial productions, and CAAB plus Ministry of Defence clearance for any drone work","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Foreign film crews and commercial productions need government approvals; drone filming adds CAAB authorization and multi-agency security clearance. Plan long lead times."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the CAAB; authorization requests are reportedly filed about 45 days in advance, camera-equipped drones need clearance even under 250 g, and zones near airports, government buildings, and VVIP areas require high-level security sign-off","notes":"Draft Drone Regulations (2024) formalize licensing for all but camera-free toy drones, with per-flight clearance from air defense and intelligence agencies. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public; Bangladesh has a strong street-photography culture","notes":"Crowded public scenes are lawful and normal to shoot. Avoid military installations, border areas, and government security buildings; ask before close portraits, especially of women."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted / unsettled (2023 law removed the FoP provision)","notes":"The repealed Copyright Act 2000 had a UK-model panorama provision (Section 72), but the 2023 Copyright Act dropped it in favor of US-style fair-use language whose reach is untested. Treat commercial images centered on copyrighted modern architecture or public art as legally uncertain. Historic subjects are out of copyright. Wikimedia Commons classifies Bangladesh as no-FoP under the 2023 Act."},"practical":["Dhaka's Old City, the Buriganga riverfront, and train stations are classic subjects; station and port authorities may still ask for permission for tripod or extended shoots.","The FoP change is recent: images of modern landmarks (for example the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, a copyrighted Louis Kahn work) sold commercially carry new uncertainty.","If a project needs drone aerials, start CAAB paperwork at least two months out and expect security vetting."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Bangladesh (FoP removed by 2023 Act)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Bangladesh"},{"label":"Bangladesh drone rules summary (CAAB)","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-bangladesh/"},{"label":"Daily Star: draft drone regulations with mandatory licence and clearance","url":"https://www.thedailystar.net/tech-startup/news/new-drone-regulations-draft-licence-and-clearance-be-mandatory-3751206"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/bangladesh"},{"slug":"pakistan","name":"Pakistan","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Pakistan's 1962 Copyright Ordinance gives UK-style freedom of panorama, but drones face registration plus security permissions, and military or infrastructure subjects are strictly off-limits.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual public photography; foreign media and commercial productions need government No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and some northern areas require travel NOCs","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit in ordinary public spaces. Foreign journalists and production crews need NOCs through federal ministries; certain regions (border zones, parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir) have their own access permissions."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority with registration requirements; in practice flights also depend on security permissions, and military zones, airports, and sensitive infrastructure are prohibited","notes":"Enforcement is security-driven and regionally uneven; confiscation is a real risk without documented permissions. Commercial aerial work needs special authorization. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public, with hard security exclusions","notes":"Do not photograph military personnel, police checkpoints, dams, power plants, airports, or anything near the Line of Control. Ask permission before photographing women, particularly in rural and conservative areas."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full for buildings and 3D works (UK model)","notes":"The Copyright Ordinance 1962, Section 57(r) and (s), permits making and publishing paintings, drawings, engravings, and photographs of architecture, sculpture, and works of artistic craftsmanship permanently situated in a public place or premises open to the public. Two-dimensional works are not covered. Wikimedia Commons classifies Pakistan as FoP OK for these categories."},"practical":["The Karakoram Highway, Hunza, and Skardu are the draw; carry passport copies and expect checkpoint questions about cameras and especially drones.","Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and other Mughal-era sites are permit-free for visitors and copyright-free as subjects; interiors may restrict tripods.","Treat any drone plan as a permissions project, not a packing decision; undocumented flying near sensitive areas can end with equipment seizure or worse."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Pakistan (FoP OK, Ordinance 1962 s.57)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Pakistan"},{"label":"Pakistan drone rules summary (PCAA)","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-pakistan/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/pakistan"},{"slug":"fiji","name":"Fiji","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Fiji has UK-model freedom of panorama, but the CAAF wants advance authorization for every drone (even sub-250 g) and caps flights at 200 feet.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual public photography; Film Fiji handles permits for commercial film and photo productions","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial productions apply through Film Fiji; resorts and villages control access on their own land, which covers much of the photogenic coastline."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the CAAF under OP 137; all drones including micro-drones require prior authorization, with applications recommended about three weeks before arrival, and altitude capped at 61 m (200 ft)","notes":"No flights within 5 km of Nadi International Airport, and none over villages or resorts without permission. Arriving without printed CAAF approval risks customs holding the drone. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public","notes":"Street and beach photography is lawful. In iTaukei villages, follow protocol: seek permission (often via sevusevu presentation to the chief), remove hats, and ask before photographing people and ceremonies."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Full for buildings and 3D works (UK model)","notes":"The Copyright Act 1999 permits copying, by graphic work, photograph, or film, buildings and sculptures, building models, and works of artistic craftsmanship permanently situated in a public place or premises open to the public. Wikimedia Commons classifies Fiji as FoP OK for these categories."},"practical":["File the CAAF OP 137 form roughly three weeks before travel and carry the approval in print; the 200 ft ceiling is lower than most countries' norms.","Most iconic beach and island vantage points are resort property: the manager's written OK is the real permit for commercial shoots there.","Village photography runs on relationships, not law; the sevusevu visit that gets you access also gets you subjects who are happy to be photographed."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons: Fiji (FoP OK, Copyright Act 1999)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Fiji"},{"label":"CAAF: drones (RPAS) requirements","url":"https://www.caaf.org.fj/drones/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/fiji"},{"slug":"madagascar","name":"Madagascar","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Madagascar limits panorama rights to non-commercial use, and a 2025 regulatory overhaul made ACM registration and advance authorization mandatory for nearly all drones.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual public photography; Madagascar National Parks levies photography and filming fees for professional shoots in parks, and film productions coordinate with national authorities","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial and professional shoots in protected areas pay park filming/photography fees; confirm current terms with Madagascar National Parks before travel."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by Aviation Civile de Madagascar (ACM); since the 2025 overhaul, registration is mandatory for all camera drones and authorization applications are reportedly due at least 30 days before flying, with national parks off-limits","notes":"Penalties for illegal flying are severe under the new rules (reported as imprisonment plus large fines). Flights over crowds, military and government facilities, and airports are prohibited. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public","notes":"Street photography is lawful. Respect local fady (taboos), which can restrict photography at tombs, sacred hills, and during ceremonies; ask a local guide what applies. Ask before portraits."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (non-commercial only)","notes":"Law No. 94-036 (Art. 48) permits reproducing public artworks only where the work is not the main subject or the use is non-commercial, so there is no commercially usable freedom of panorama. Natural landscapes and out-of-copyright structures are unaffected. Wikimedia Commons classifies Madagascar as no-FoP."},"practical":["The Avenue of the Baobabs is a natural subject with no copyright issue; sunset crowds are the real obstacle, arrive early and expect local guides offering angles.","National parks (Andasibe, Isalo, Ranomafana) ban drones and charge professional photo/film fees; lemur photography is handheld work by design.","Start ACM drone paperwork a month-plus before travel or leave the drone home; the 2025 penalty regime is not worth testing."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons FoP Africa: Madagascar (non-commercial only, Art. 48)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Freedom_of_panorama/Africa"},{"label":"Madagascar drone rules summary (ACM)","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-madagascar/"},{"label":"2025 Madagascar drone regulation overhaul (rules, permits, penalties)","url":"https://ts2.tech/en/madagascars-drone-laws-overhauled-2025-guide-to-new-rules-permits-penalties/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/madagascar"},{"slug":"rwanda","name":"Rwanda","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Rwanda bans photography of government and military sites, requires RDB filming permits for professional work, and makes foreigners route drone registration through a Rwandan citizen or entity.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual street photography; Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Rwanda Film Office for filming and professional photography permits (applications via the Irembo portal), plus park permits for wildlife work","notes":"Personal photography needs no permit. Commercial filming and professional photography require an RDB permit; filming gorillas commercially needs a separate filming permit on top of trekking permits."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) with risk-based categories; foreign citizens cannot register drones directly and must have a Rwandan citizen, resident, or entity register and operate on their behalf","notes":"Activity permits are reported at 2 to 4 weeks' processing and registration up to three months, so this is not a spontaneous-flight country. Night flights are prohibited. National parks require additional permissions. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes for ordinary street scenes, with significant exclusions","notes":"It is prohibited to photograph military sites, government buildings, airports, and some public monuments; enforcement around ministries and the presidential area in Kigali is real. Genocide memorials restrict interior photography; follow posted rules and staff guidance."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (non-commercial only when the work is the main subject)","notes":"Law No. 31/2009 (Art. 210) permits reproducing public artworks except where the work is the main subject of the image and the use is commercial, so there is no commercially usable freedom of panorama for copyrighted works. Landscapes and wildlife are unaffected. Wikimedia Commons classifies Rwanda as no-FoP."},"practical":["Gorilla trekking (Volcanoes NP): no flash, 7 m minimum distance, one hour with the family; standard trekking permits cover personal photography, commercial work needs an RDB filming permit.","The government-buildings rule catches people in Kigali; when in doubt about a large official-looking building, do not raise the camera.","Drones are effectively a planned-production tool here, arranged weeks ahead through a Rwandan operator, not a travel accessory."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons FoP Africa: Rwanda (Art. 210, non-commercial)","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Freedom_of_panorama/Africa"},{"label":"Rwanda CAA: unmanned aircraft (drones)","url":"https://www.caa.gov.rw/unmanned-aircraft"},{"label":"Visit Rwanda (RDB): drones","url":"https://visitrwanda.com/facts/drones/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/rwanda"},{"slug":"botswana","name":"Botswana","scope":"Country","region":"Countries","summary":"Botswana prohibits drones in all national parks and game reserves (Chobe, Moremi, the Okavango's protected areas), and its copyright law grants no freedom of panorama.","lastVerified":"2026-07-01","permit":{"required":"conditional","issuer":"No permit for casual public photography; the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) governs commercial filming and photography in parks and reserves, with fees","notes":"Personal photography on safari is unrestricted with park entry. Commercial filming in parks and reserves requires DWNP permits and fees; concession holders in the Okavango Delta add their own terms."},"drone":{"status":"Regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) with registration, security clearance, and permit fees; drones are prohibited in all national parks, game reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries, including Chobe and Moremi","notes":"Special research permits exist but are rarely granted to visitors. Flying without registration risks confiscation and fines. For depth, see Drone Authority."},"publicSpace":{"allowed":"Yes to photograph in public","notes":"Street photography is lawful. Avoid military and government security sites, and ask before photographing people; in rural communities a greeting first is expected courtesy."},"freedomOfPanorama":{"status":"Restricted (no FoP)","notes":"The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act 2006 provides no freedom-of-panorama exception; the only related allowance (Section 18(b)) covers short excerpts for reporting current events. Selling images centered on copyrighted public art or modern architecture can require permission. Wildlife and landscapes, the reason photographers come, are unaffected. Wikimedia Commons classifies Botswana as no-FoP."},"practical":["Okavango and Chobe are helicopter/fixed-wing territory for aerials: licensed scenic flights with doors off are the legal substitute for the banned drones.","Chobe river-boat golden-hour elephant shoots are the signature setup; a long lens and a beanbag beat a tripod in safari vehicles.","The no-FoP issue is nearly academic on safari but matters in Gaborone if you shoot modern buildings or sculpture for stock."],"sources":[{"label":"Wikimedia Commons FoP Africa: Botswana (no FoP, 2006 Act s.18(b))","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Freedom_of_panorama/Africa"},{"label":"CAAB: RPA (drone) registration","url":"https://www.caab.co.bw/rpa-drone-registration/"},{"label":"Botswana drone rules summary (parks prohibition)","url":"https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-botswana/"}],"pageUrl":"https://apertureauthority.com/rules/botswana"}]}