Version February 12, 2011. Prepared by Max A. van Balgooy.
To assist Sites in communicating its policies regarding photography on site, the following standard statements are recommended for use in signs, publications, and staff training. The Site Director determines the policy that is most appropriate for his or her Site, with the approval of the Vice President of Historic Sites. These statements pertain to property owned by the National Trust, unless superseded by other written agreements; properties owned by others should be revised and reviewed accordingly. Please be aware that photography is allowed without restrictions from any public right-of-way, such as a highway or sidewalk, and that any photography of children (especially those under 13 years) may be regulated by state and federal law. For additional details or unusual situations, please contact the Historic Sites or Legal Department of the National Trust. If you have suggestions or recommendations, please contact Max van Balgooy.
1. Most Lenient
Visitors are welcome to take photographs of this National Trust Historic Site for personal or private use during regular public hours. All other uses, including public and commercial uses, require the written permission of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. To ensure that other visitors can also enjoy this site, please do not block paths with equipment, such as bags or tripods, or monopolize an area with group or extended photography. Visitors are responsible for their own equipment and any damage caused through their photography.
Because the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and security of the buildings and collections are paramount, the site staff may restrict the time, manner, and location of photography at any time without advance notice. Although this property is privately owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, we endeavor to make it accessible, memorable, and enjoyable for as many people as possible. If you wish to photograph this site (including buildings, landscapes, or collections) for public or commercial purposes, please contact any staff member.
2. Photography with Conditions (examples)
Example A: Specific Locations or Times [optional conditions in square brackets]
Visitors are welcome to take [exterior] photographs of this National Trust Historic Site for personal or private use during the special [Extended Tour]; photography is not permitted at other times or locations. All other uses, including public and commercial uses, require the written permission of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. To ensure that other visitors can also enjoy this site, please do not block paths with equipment, such as bags or tripods, or monopolize an area with group or extended photography. Visitors are responsible for their own equipment and any damage caused through their photography.
Because the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and security of the buildings and collections are paramount, the site staff may restrict the time, manner, and location of photography at any time without advance notice. Although this property is privately owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, we endeavor to make it accessible, memorable, and enjoyable for as many people as possible. If you wish to photograph this site (including buildings, landscapes, or collections) for public or commercial purposes, please contact any staff member.
Example B: Use Fee
Visitors are welcome to take photographs of this National Trust Historic Site for personal or private use for an additional fee of [$10 per day]. Fees support the care and preservation of the Site, while allowing special use of the site to many visitors. All other uses, including public and commercial uses, require the written permission of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. To ensure that other visitors can also enjoy this site, please do not block paths with equipment, such as bags or tripods, or monopolize an area with group or extended photography. Visitors are responsible for their own equipment and any damage caused through their photography.
Because the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and security of the buildings and collections are paramount, the site staff may restrict the time, manner, and location of photography at any time without advance notice. Although this property is privately owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, we endeavor to make it accessible, memorable, and enjoyable for as many people as possible. If you wish to photograph this site (including buildings, landscapes, or collections) for public or commercial purposes, please contact any staff member.
3. Most Restrictive
Because the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and security of the buildings and collections are paramount, photography is prohibited. Visitors may not take photographs of this National Trust Historic Site at any time. Photographic equipment, including cell phones, may not be brought on site unless is it secured in a closed bag or within clothing so that it is not visible. The photography of any building, landscape, or collection for any purpose, including for personal, public, and commercial uses, requires the written permission of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. To apply for permission to photograph, please contact any staff member.