Photo & Video Policy
The Virginia Living Museum welcomes guests to capture their visit through personal photography and video. We encourage you to share your experience and the natural world you discover here.
Because our exhibits include live animals, sensitive habitats, and active guest pathways, photography is guided by the following policy to ensure the safety of animals, guests, and staff.
Personal Photography (Included with Admission)
Guests may take photos and video for personal, non-commercial use.
This includes:
- Phone and personal cameras
- Social media sharing (personal accounts)
Personal photography must follow these guidelines:
- Do not enter or disturb exhibits, habitats, or animal care areas
- Do not block pathways or viewing areas
- Do not touch, move, or alter signs, labels, or exhibits
- No flash photography where posted or when directed by staff
- Do not interfere with animals or animal care routines
The Museum is not responsible for lost, damaged, or unattended equipment.
Photo Sessions & Posed Photography (Application Required)
Professional-style or posed photography sessions require an approved Photo Application and Fee, including but not limited to:
- Portrait sessions (family, senior, engagement, maternity, etc.)
- Professional photography with clients
- Styled shoots or staged setups
- Influencer or content production involving posing or props
- Fees are due upon approval of the application
- Fees may be waived in writing by the Museum
All photo sessions must be scheduled in advance and approved by the Marketing Department.
Permit fees may apply and vary based on:
- Group size
- Duration of session
- Areas requested
- Operational impact
The Museum reserves the right to designate approved locations and time windows to ensure a positive guest experience and animal welfare.
Commercial Photography & Filming
All commercial photography, video production, and media projects must be approved in advance.
This includes:
- Advertising or marketing content
- Brand or product shoots
- Film, television, or documentary production
- Paid influencer campaigns or sponsored content
Additional requirements may include insurance, staffing fees, and written agreements. The Museum reserves the right to decline any project.
Media & Press
Credentialed media may photograph and film for news coverage with prior coordination through the Marketing Department. No fee is charged for approved press coverage.
Questions or Scheduling
For all photography inquiries, permits, or media coordination, contact:
Marketing & Communications Department
Caitlin Doggett, Marketing and Communications Director
757-534-7412 | [email protected]
The purpose of this policy is to protect the Virginia Living Museum’s historic, financial, public relations and ethical interests relative to the sale, use and distribution of photographs and/or other images of museum property, possessions and collections (e.g., artifacts, animals, exhibits, etc.). The museum is a private, non-profit facility and all artifacts and exhibits, live and non-live, are private property and subject to all the usual considerations of ownership and protection for copyrights and other commercial applications by outside organizations or individuals.
The safety and enjoyment of the museum’s visitors and the protection of its collections and animals is of the utmost importance. The Virginia Living Museum reserves the right to cancel permission for commercial photography or filming at any time without penalty or refund.
