How to Get Location Permits and Property Access Right
Getting permission to photograph on private property, in public spaces and at managed sites.
Imogen Clarke
The key figures
- Private property
- owners control commercial photography on their land
- Public land
- agencies may require permits for commercial shoots
- Property releases
- may be needed to publish recognizable private property
- Insurance
- venues often require proof of liability cover
Why this is worth getting right
Being shut down mid-shoot is expensive, and some images cannot be published without property releases.
Do this, not that
Do
- Confirm permissions in writing
- Check permit requirements for public spaces
- Carry insurance documentation
- Get property releases where needed
- Plan backup locations
Don’t
- Assuming public access allows commercial shooting
- Verbal permissions only
- Publishing property images without releases
- Shoots with no contingency
When to bring in help
Our advice Bring in help when campaigns shoot at multiple locations.
Where this comes from
- U.S. Copyright Office — Frequently asked questions
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Business insurance
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
Working on something like this?
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Where to go next
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