Grand Canyon National Park charges fees for commercial Photography

[Alain Briot]

It appears that Grand Canyon National Park is now charging fees for commercial photography in the park (meaning taking photographs that will be sold later, in one way or another) in addition to the long-time fees charged for filming and movie-making. Here's the scoop:

http://www.nps.gov/grca/filming/

You can read the park release by downloading them in PDF format directly at this link:
http://www.nps.gov/grca/filming/8Filming Guidelines.pdf

And download an application should you want to shoot photographs of Grand Canyon and sell them at this link:
http://www.nps.gov/grca/filming/3Filming-Application.pdf

 

[Stan Jirman]

This has been discussed on FM a while back (in the context of Yellowstone). The official response from NPS was that this applies only to people who bring large amounts of equipment such as props or who need road closures etc. It was explicitly stated that this does not apply for "normal" photographers, commercial or otherwise, who just set up a tripod and shoot.

 

[Mike Spinak]

Stan's comment reflects what I have been told, that this fee is meant for people who might cause damage, interrupt the flow of traffic or close off an area, bring props and models, need insurance or bonds, etc. I don't think it was meant to apply to anybody who takes a photo in the park for financial gain, if they aren't unduly affecting anybody else.

Mike

www.mikespinak.com

 

[Alain Briot]

I am aware of the previous discussions on other forums. However, each park is free to set their own regulations when it comes to enforcement. There was a news release today from Grand Canyon in which this issue was mentioned again. I posted it in case they decide to enforce it. Grand Canyon is known to be quite tough regarding commercial activities in the park.

 

[ericevans]

It has been like that for a long time Alain . It has always pertained to large commercial productions where additional NPS staff was needed and people had to be kept away from the production . As far as fine art prints I doubt there ever will be a fee for a permit as there is no way to enforce it .

 

[Nathaniel Alpert]

I just came on this post and I beleive I can contribute something concrete to put this matter to rest.
Like many of you I read reports about how the national park service was planning to change the rules about professional photography. I wrote to Lee Dickinson, Special Park Uses Program Manager, and received a very prompt and clear reply. I include an excerpt from that email exchange,

Lee Dickinson wrote:
... There is indeed concern on the part of still photographers about the new rules. But the policy of the NPS has not changed when it comes to requiring still photographers to obtain a permit to shoot. Generally, it you are not using models, sets or props, and are remaining in areas open to the public you do not require a permit. And fees only apply only when a permit is required. ..