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Aperture
US City

Memphis

Memphis permits are case by case through the Memphis and Shelby County Film Commission, with paperwork due 10 days before shooting on public property.

Verified Jul 1, 2026 2 sources
Permit: conditional

Shoot decision

Depends on setup

Small personal or low-impact work may be fine, but commercial, staged, exclusive-use, tripod, light, or crew-heavy work can cross the permit line.

Permit: conditional

Permit line

Conditional, Memphis and Shelby County Film and Television Commission

Public space

Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US

Drone layer

Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions

Guidance, not legal advice

Rules change and enforcement varies. Confirm with the issuing authority before you shoot. Drone law depth lives at Drone Authority.

Before you go

The field order that prevents wasted trips

Work in this order. Each step answers a different risk, and skipping ahead is how a simple shoot turns into a permit, flight, or gear problem on site.

  1. Confirm the permit answer

    Use the official permit page before you schedule, invoice, or bring a larger setup.

    Open permit page
  2. Build the shot sequence

    Turn the rule answer into a route, frame list, and completion checklist before you are standing there.

    Build shot list
  3. Separate photo rules from flight rules

    If the plan includes a drone, check the flight side separately before you pack batteries.

    Check Drone Authority
  4. Keep the kit easy to explain

    Keep the setup handheld or shoulder-bag small unless the job truly needs stands, cables, or blocked space.

    Match field gear

Aperture workflow

Plan the city shoot

Permits are only one part of city work. Plan the route, support gear, and backup frames before a sidewalk turns into a bottleneck.

Field kit

Low-friction kit for city rules

City permits often hinge on whether your setup looks like exclusive use. Keep the kit small unless the job truly needs stands or production gear.

Match more field gearCheck field deals
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 pocket gimbal camera

Stabilized walk-and-talk footage

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

$499 - $669

9.0

Travel vloggers and solo creators who want smooth footage with the least kit possible.

Skip if: Fixed wide lens

Price-band check

Use the retailer for the current price after the kit still fits the rule constraint.

Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L V2

Small carry for fast sidewalk work

Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L V2

$100 - $130

8.7

Minimal shooters carrying one body and a prime.

Skip if: Limited capacity

Price-band check

Use the retailer for the current price after the kit still fits the rule constraint.

Product links may earn a commission at no cost to you. Verify the rules first, then buy only what keeps the shoot practical.

Permit

Conditional

Issuer: Memphis and Shelby County Film and Television Commission

Cost: Fee varies, see the film commission

Processing: Original paperwork must be in the commission office 10 days before the shoot

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.

Official permit page

Drone / airspace

Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions

Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority.

Street / public space

Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US

Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law.

Practical notes

  • 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

Keep shooting

Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side:

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