For more than a two years, ASMP and NANPA, along with their sister organizations PPA and NPPA, have been working on a problem that has plagued photographers and videographers across the country. For many who photograph in National Parks, they had been told by officials that they would need expensive and time-consuming permits to do so. This often lumped in individual photographers into antiquated rules that were designed for large-scale productions and could penalize (and even impose criminal sentences) on photographers who took a great image one day, and happened to sell it years later.
Now, as signed into law by President Biden on January 6, 2025, these rules have been changed as the result of the passage of the EXPLORE Act which includes these specific provisions in the FILM Act.
As a result of this advocacy work, groups with fewer than six photographers who are there to document permitted activities on National Park Service property will no longer need a commercial photography permit, regardless of whether any individual receives or intends to receive compensation for their photography or videography. The most important part is that the focus is not on whether or not the individual makes money from their work, but rather the impact on the land.
You can read all the details on the U.S. Congress’ website, but the primary takeaway is that most photographers and videographers will no longer need to apply for and pay for filming permits in National Parks.
The work is not over, however, as there are still ways to strengthen photographers rights in the National Parks, and ASMP & NANPA will be at the forefront of this advocacy.
Below, see the introduction of the EXPLORE Act by Senators Manchin & Barrasso. We thank them for their work and efforts!
This is Advocacy in Action!