The Obsidian Stock Blog

The National Park Service has published new rules authorizing the NPS to begin collecting location fees for video, film, and commercial still photography projects. The new regulations will take effect on May 15, 2006.

So far, film and video permits have been required in National Parks, but there have never been location fees until now. Administration charges to issue the free permits have ranged from no cost at all up to $200 per project.

The new location fees start at $150 per day and – with monitors and other charges – could exceed $500 per day.

Full story from the National Press Photographer’s Association.

Why should you care?

Despite harboring countless areas of mesmerizing natural beauty, Oregon’s only region designated as a “national park” is Crater Lake. A lot of Obsidian Stock contributors go there for fun, relaxation, and of course to capture the lake’s astounding scenery.

Are you really going to have to shell out $150 a day now to snap that shutter?

No, not really. The National Park Service maintains a collection of documents regarding its Management Policies online, and the one that talks about photography rules (Chapter 8 - Use of the Park), defines the need for a permit like this (page 32):

A permit will be required for any filming or photography that (1) involves the use of a model, set, or prop; (2) requires entry into a closed area; or (3) requires access to the park outside normal visiting hours.

So it appears that unless you need to inconvenience the park personnel for a specific commercial shoot, you can safely continue to snap away.

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