The 2015 requirements for commercial photographers conducting business in local parks and the start-up of an Ambassadors Club for photographers go into effect as of July 1, 2015. The changes to the permits reflects concerns aired by commercial photographers regarding costs for permitting and the Fairfax County Park Authority Board’s decision to continue to implement fees for those conducting business in parks. The Park Authority is authorized by Virginia Code §15.2-5704: Powers of Authority and §15.2-5709: Rates and Charges to promulgate Business Activity Licenses and Fees.
Recreational photographers are not impacted by the permitting requirement. However, on July 1, 2015 all commercial photographers conducting business in FCPA at park properties must have an annual Photographer’s Permit. The $25 permit can be purchased online by credit card. For information about annual permits and a link to purchase visit online athttp://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/press/photography-permit.htm
The commercial photography permit has been in place since 2011. The fee defrays the costs of the impact to the parks including but not limited to: staffing cost for management of the activity, staff cost to prepare the area, damage to flora, interruption of programming and removal or destruction of park furnishings.
Our most popular sites for working photographers include Green Spring Gardens, Colvin Run Mill, Sully Historic Site and Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. While the annual fee covers more than 400 parks in the system, reservations at these four sites have fees based on the size of the group, and the impact on the photo location. For more information about photo permits call 703-324-8516.
- For small group photo sessions (total of 11 people or less, including photography staff), no additional fees or site Photo Session Reservations are necessary.
- For groups of 12-19 people (including photography staff), a Photo Session Reservation (with additional fees) is required. The fees are $25 per hour with a two-hour minimum.
- For large groups of 20-74 the fees are $100 for each two-hour photo session and an additional $50 per hour thereafter.
- The two-hour minimum was established to ensure photographers have sufficient time to prepare, conduct and clean up after the session. Photo Session Reservations and fees are processed by the individual sites, on a space-available basis.
- If an FCPA venue is rented for an event, then photographer fees are waived.
Permit holders will automatically become part of the Photographer’s Ambassador’s Club which will include periodic newsletters and information about Park Authority sites that are perfect for photo shoots, as well as opportunities to participate in photography shows, and to learn about classes and other activities related to photography. Those who wish to participate in the creation of Ambassador’s Club activities and materials are asked to contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
Fairfax County Park Authority
12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 927
Fairfax, VA 22035-1118
703-324-8662, TTY 703-803-3354, Fax 703-324-3974
E-mail: parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov
Web page: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks