OUR WORK
At Public Land Creatives, we champion equitable access and common-sense permitting for photographers, filmmakers, and creators working on America’s public lands.
We’ve partnered directly with five national parks to prevent the implementation of restrictive permitting policies that would have disproportionately impacted small creators and independent storytellers. Our collaborative approach has helped shape more inclusive systems—ones that protect natural spaces while supporting the creative community.
This is just the beginning. Together, we’re building a future where public lands remain public—and accessible—for all who tell their stories there.
NOW
We’re currently advocating for changes to regulations across National Forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, and National Parks that are misclassifying photographers as commercial guides—forcing them into permitting categories that don’t reflect the nature of their work.
Wins
Where We’ve Made a Difference
At Public Land Creatives, every win—big or small—is a step toward a future where photographers, filmmakers, artists, and storytellers have equal and fair access to America’s wild spaces. Here’s a look at some of the milestones we’ve achieved together:
Explore Act
Updated Feb 2025 The Explore Act: The bipartisan EXPLORE (Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences) Act (HR 6492) containing the FILM ACT has passed the House Of Representatives and was signed by President Biden. This bill will replace the photography and videography laws currently in place for National Forests, National Parks, BLM land, Wildlife Refuges, and other federal lands. This bill does not effect State Park land or any other land not managed by the federal government. What will this new law do? Really important verbiage to read and understand as a photographer working on Public Land about this Bill:…
Glacier National Park
In January of 2022, our group worked to remove restrictions in Glacier National Park that would have forced weddings to take place in the busiest parts of the park during the busiest times and require permits for “the exchanging of words” between people already married.
Grand Teton National Park
In March of 2022, we fought for the removal of the Grand Teton’s commercial use requirement that had been put into place. This requirement would have required photographers to:
■ Have CPR first aid classes
■ Send in financials monthly
■ Pay 3-5% additional “management” fees based on their revenue
■ Wear name tags
■ Have business logos on cars
■ Have their rates determined by the superintendent
■ Be responsible for clients’ behavior or activity.
■ Be forced to give the “United States of America access to its books at any time for the purpose of determining compliance with the terms and conditions of this authorization.”
Due to the hard work of many, the park service eradicated the program and returned the fees photographers’ had paid. Read more about this in the news!
Joshua Tree National Park
In December 2022 we worked with Joshua Tree National Park to remove the restriction of portrait sessions to only be allowed in specific areas. We also worked to remove the requirement of commercial use authorizations for portrait photography that would have required that photographers pay 3% in additional fees for each time they worked in the park.
North Cascades National Park
In May of 2023 we communicated with North Cascades National Park to clarify the requirements of Commercial Use Authorizations for wedding & portrait photographers. We worked to ensure that portrait photography would not have a CUA requirement within the national park and also communicated with the park to make sure their website was up to date on these requirements. If photographers applied and paid the fee, they could contact the park to receive a refund and are now free to photograph within the park without a CUA.
Yellowstone National Park
In September of 2023 we received updates from Yellowstone National Park letting us know that they had officially removed the illegal requirement of Commercial Use Authorizations for portrait photography in the park. Yellowstone has had this strict permit system in place for years. Now Yellowstone National Park will no longer issue CUAs for portrait services or single-session portrait services beginning January 1, 2024.
Rocky Mountain National Park
For years, photographers have had to get permits to do any sort of photography in Rocky Mountain National Park. Our letter & constant communication with the park prompted a review to be done at the regional and federal level. The park received guidance from the National Park Service Special Park Uses Program Coordinator at the Washington and Regional Level informing them that they are no longer allowed to issue CUAs for portrait photography (professional still photography) in 2024.
To continue our work, we need your help!
Learn more about how you can help or share ideas with us by contacting us. We also welcome donations to pay for things like lawyers, our website, and continuing to work to help creatives like you!