PHOTO and VIDEO POLICY

Casual use photography is that of visitors taking candid photos with non-professional equipment. Photos are exchanged freely, and no permit or fees are required for this type of photographic session. We welcome and encourage this type of photography within posted guidelines, including:

• No flash photography is allowed in the galleries or experiences at the Indiana State Museum or in certain areas at the historic sites as posted.
• Visitors are welcome to take photos at all locations for personal use. This can include DSLR or SLR cameras, so long as there is no additional equipment such as multiple lenses, large photography bag or a tripod. Such equipment may interfere with the experience of other visitors.
• Media requests should work directly with the communication team to coordinate any needs, and a team member will accompany all media while on the property of any location.
• Clients renting a space at any location for an event, such as a wedding or meeting, should work directly with the facility rentals team to coordinate any photography needs.
• No drones may take off or land on Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites property without filling out a commercial photography request for approval.

Portrait photography is a contracted service between a photographer and an individual posing for senior, family, or individual portraits. The client pays for the services of the photographer, and the photographer uses the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites as a background, thereby constituting a commercial use of the property, which requires commercial liability insurance.

Commercial photography is a contracted service between a photographer and an advertising agency or corporate client. The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites may be used as a backdrop for a commercial venture generally to promote or advertise a personality, product or service of the corporate client. This also constitutes a commercial use of the property, which requires commercial liability insurance. Commercial photography includes videography.

Media photography is that done for the purpose of news coverage. Media interested in conducting photo or video shoots at any Indiana State Museum or Historic Sites location must make arrangements prior to arrival by contacting the Director of Communications Carla Knapp at 317.234.8146 or [email protected], and a member of the communications team must accompany your crew for the duration of the shoot.

All portrait and commercial photographers and videographers must fill out two items: (1) State Buildings and Land Use Policy, Application and Agreement, and (2) Commercial Photography Agreement. These forms can be downloaded below. Applicants must also show proof of commercial liability insurance at the time the request is submitted.

Approved portrait and commercial photography requests at the Indianapolis museum will only grant access to public areas of the museum, not to museum galleries or experiences. Requests to shoot inside the galleries will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Access to non-public areas of the state historic sites will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

• Property of the Indiana State Museum’s Indianapolis location includes exterior locations as well, including the upper terrace, gardens and mastodon statues by the canal.
• Property at the state historic sites includes the entire site property, including gardens, yards and other wider areas.

Payment for portrait and commercial photography will be determined based on date, duration, location and staff involvement. At the time of shoot approval, a call will be set up to collect payment.

At all locations:

Fees begin at $50/session for portrait photography, including engagement, wedding, family or senior photography. Rates will vary based on amount of time, location and additional needs for the shoot.

Fees begin at $150/session of commercial photography and filming, including commercial shoots or use of the location as a backdrop. Rates will vary based on amount of time, location and additional needs for the shoot.

A regional pass for $250/annually allows unlimited sessions at the sites located in the same regions: Southwest Region (Angel Mounds, Vincennes, New Harmony); Southeast Region (Corydon Capitol, Culbertson Mansion, Lanier Mansion); Central Region (Levi and Catharine Coffin, T.C. Steele, Whitewater Canal); North Region (Gene Stratton-Porter, Limberlost).

An all-locations pass for $500/annually allows unlimited sessions at all 12 locations. Requests for shoots still must be submitted via the process outlined in this document, minus fee payment. Requests are still subject to museum staff approval. To learn more or to purchase the pass, ask at the time of your request.