Photography Policy
Please see below for information on various types photography at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Fernbank Museum reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold and/or withdraw permission to photograph on its premises or to reproduce photographs of objects in its Collections. Policies have been outlined below to provide further information on how to gain necessary approvals for various photography needs.
Visitor Photography Policy, including Engagement Photos
Visitor Photos
Still photography is permitted for private, noncommercial use only. Visitor photography applies to photos of visitors with tickets taken during their visit. Photography is not permitted in certain special exhibitions or any areas designated "No Photography," including the Giant Screen Theater. Personal video cameras are permitted, except in the Giant Screen Theater, unless otherwise stated and use is subject to the terms above.
Family and Engagement Photos
Family and engagement photos for personal use are allowed, provided the photos can be taken without disruption to normal operations. For full details, please read the personal photography policy. Please note that everyone involved in the photos, including photographers, assistants, etc., must purchase a ticket for entry into the museum or be a current museum member.
Because the museum often has special programming days, please review the calendar of events to ensure you can work around any events and activities on your preferred photography date(s).
Photographs cannot be commercially published, sold, reproduced, transferred, distributed or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner whatsoever.
Press Photography Policy
Subject to prior approval, members of the press may photograph or film within designated areas of the museum for the purpose of news coverage that includes Fernbank Museum of Natural History as the subject. All members of the press must contact the Marketing and Communications Department prior to arrival at the Museum. Unless otherwise arranged, a member of the Marketing and Communications Department must be present to escort members of the press through exhibitions and all other areas of the facility. To make arrangements, email [email protected]. Please schedule press visits at least three business days in advance to ensure staff availability. Marketing and Communications staff is typically not on site during weekends unless previous arrangements have been made.
Commercial and Special Photography Policy
Fernbank Museum charges site fees for all filming and photography intended for commercial purposes. Site fees are also charged for using the museum as a setting for other projects that are not considered personal photography or editorial coverage by the press. Site fees vary based on the details of each project.
Because Fernbank Museum is open to the public every day, no special arrangements can be made to quarantine an area from normal visitor traffic. All filming and photography must be conducted without disruption to museum operations or limitations to access to exhibitions, stairwells, entrances/exits, high traffic areas or other locations of interest to museum visitors.
For filming and photography scheduled to occur outside of normal business hours, the function will be treated as a special event. Fees begin at regular special events rates and may increase to accommodate special requests and circumstances.
The museum reserves the right to approve final content for anything in which the museum or its properties will appear, either by name or by visual representation. For books, videos, films or other projects, Fernbank Museum must receive full details of any dialogue, written content or other accompanying information for review prior to approval. Fernbank Museum reserves the right to decline any request for any reason, including any project that museum personnel believes could reflect negatively upon the museum, its accreditation status or its reputation as a scientific institution.
A contract and 50% nonrefundable deposit are required before any special photography arrangements will be approved.
Commercial and special photography arrangements must be made at least one week in advance by calling 404.929.6334.
Location scout visits can be arranged by calling 404.929.6334.
Disclaimer Concerning All Photography
With respect to any photographs taken at the museum, the museum makes no representations or warranties concerning the subject matter of such photographs. To the extent such photography incorporates the likenesses of individuals or depicts copyrighted materials, the photographer shall have sole responsibility for obtaining any necessary releases or consents to use such likenesses or materials.
Fernbank is a nonprofit natural history museum, giant screen theater and old-growth forest, and is not affiliated with Fernbank Science Center, which operates as a division of DeKalb County Schools.
