Photography & Videography
Become a certified park photographer or videographer and experience a side of the park few get to see.
LC Nature Park photographers and videographers get exclusive opportunities to capture the beauty of LC Nature Park across seasons. Through a park access pass, quarterly access perks, behind-the-scenes experiences, and curated shooting opportunities, the program supports creatives in telling compelling visual stories of the park’s landscapes and wildlife.
General Visitor Photography & Videography
- Photography and videography are permitted for private, non-commercial use only.
- Photography and videography for personal enjoyment are encouraged! Share your photos with us via our social media accounts using the hashtag #LCNaturePark
- Tripods and a standard flash are permitted, additional photographic equipment and props are not permitted.
- To help us preserve the delicate and beautiful landscape at the park please do not climb, lean, move, sit on, or otherwise disturb any of the natural elements (trees, logs, rocks), stay on the trail, and do not use glitter, confetti, or other man-made materials.
Groups
Artists or nature photographers seeking to bring a class for a field trip to LC Nature Park, or photo clubs seeking to visit, must register their groups in advance. Such groups may be asked to restrict their activities to certain places or times, depending on the Park’s schedule and the size of the group. You can sign up for a tour on the Group Tours page. Be sure to let us know this is a photography class in the “Tell us about your perfect tour” section.
Professional Photography & Videography
Professional/Commercial photography and videography is defined as:
- Photography and video shoots involving props, changes of clothing or makeup, or more equipment than a tripod and standard flash.
- Shoots which are:
- works for hire that involve client photography or videography (portrait, family, special occasion photo sessions, commercials or ads, etc.),
- involve the exchange of money for a service,
- or with the intent to sell the photographs or video for monetary value
Anyone wishing to take photographs or videos of the park that fall under the definition of professional/commercial can apply to be part of our Photographer Program at LC Nature Park. All photographers and videographers, either portrait, nature, or both, must apply to be part of the program. Once approved, they will need to purchase a photographer membership and attend a training before they will receive an access pass.
There are additional permits needed to host a portrait photography session at the park. You can learn more about types of photography and videography at the park, program requirements, membership benefits, permits, and rules below.
Types of Photography & Videography
Nature Photography
Photographers and videographers who plan to mainly focus on the animals, plants, or natural features of the park fall under this category. This would include wildlife, landscapes, macro, and other types of nature photography and videography that you intend to sell, trade, market, or enter into any type of contest. Please note that, for the safety of our animals and guests, drones are prohibited at the park. When applying to our program, make sure to select the “Nature” option.
Portrait Photography
Photographers and videographers who plan to mainly focus on people as their subjects fall under this category. This would include portrait, staged, family, special occasion, and other types of photography sessions. When applying to our program make sure to select the “Portrait” option.
Program Requirements
- All program members must pay an annual fee of $150.00. This membership fee will directly support the protection and restoration of LC Nature Park and help us serve our mission.
- Volunteer at least 10 hours at the park throughout the year. Failure to meet volunteer requirements will result in automatic denial the following year.
- Sessions with 3 or more people in the party (not just photography subjects, this includes family, friends, assistants, etc) will require a permit. Permit pricing will vary based on day, time, and season.
- Agree to abide by all LC Nature Park rules and guidelines.
- Attend a yearly training with LC Nature Park staff, to be scheduled after successful membership application.
- Notify LC Nature Park staff of when you will be on the property at least 1 week in advance. LC Nature Park reserves the right to deny anyone access based on activities and conditions at the park.
- Sign in and out at the Mills Education Center with a note of where you intend to be on the property.
- Wear a special badge while at the park so staff and volunteers can identify you.
- Share photographs and videos with LC Nature Park for our use in marketing and promoting the park.
- Use the following photo credit in all commercial uses of images taken at LC Nature Park: LC Nature Park, Roanoke, IN
Membership Benefits
- Be part of a select group allowed to take photographs and videos at LC Nature Park, including the prairies, dune forest, trillium tent, Mills Education Center, and bison and elk.
- Once trained, you will be able to access areas outside the enclosure without staff needing to be present.
- Special photographer-only programs including inside the enclosure events, displaying photographs at the park, selling prints at the park, and contact information listed on the website (if you want).
- Access to special events and programs.
- Herd Membership level benefits (see membership page for full details).
Permit Pricing - Portrait Photographers
*Permits are good for 2.5 hours
Main Season (April-October)
- Week Day (M-F)
- Daytime (10am-3pm)
- $50 3-5 people
- $100 6-10 people, 10 is the maximum
- Golden Hour (7-10am & after 3pm)
- $100 3-5 people
- $150 6-10 people,10 is the maximum
Weekend (Sat & Sun)
- Daytime (10am-3pm)
- $100 3-5 people
- $150 6-10 people, 10 is the maximum
- Golden Hour (7-10am & after 3pm)
- $150 3-5 people
- $200 6-10 people,10 is the maximum
Off Season (November-March)
Week Day (M-F)
- Daytime (10am-3pm)
- $25 3-5 people
- $50 6-10 people, 10 is the maximum
- Golden Hour (7-10am & after 3pm)
- $50 3-5 people
- $100 6-10 people,10 is the maximum
Weekend (Sat & Sun)
- Daytime (10am-3pm)
- $50 3-5 people
- $100 6-10 people, 10 is the maximum
- Golden Hour (7-10am & after 3pm)
- $100 3-5 people
- $150 6-10 people,10 is the maximum
Rules & Guidelines
Restrooms & drinking fountain
Restrooms and a drinking fountain are available in the Mills Education Center.
Parking
Please park in the lot on the right side of the entry drive. Cars may pull up to the roundabout at the Mills Education Center to drop off passengers before parking in a designated space.
Cancellation Policy
LC Nature Park is subject to weather variations and temporary closures. The Park will attempt to reschedule should a session need to be canceled, but there will be no refunds. Shooting dates may be adjusted in the event of inclement weather; any changes must be agreed upon by our staff. For more information, please contact us at 260-999-3153.
Props, backgrounds, & other materials
Balloons, glitter, confetti, rice, flower petals, and flying lanterns — or any other materials that leave waste or residue —are strictly prohibited.
Props such as a table, chair, mirror, environmentally unfriendly materials that may harm wildlife, or any unusual props that may be dangerous or disruptive to other visitors, are strictly prohibited.
Please contact us for the full list of props that are not permitted. You must let us know ahead of time what items you plan to bring.
Do not hang drapes or leave items on trees, signs, fences, or other features.
Do not climb trees or stand on walls, rocks, logs, or other elements.
Moving or removing plants or other elements that are part of the Park—such as displays, signs, fences, logs, rocks etc.—is strictly prohibited.
Accessibility
We wish to provide a safe and comfortable experience for all guests at LC Nature Park. If you require reasonable accommodations to make your visit accessible, please get in touch with us at least 48 hours in advance at info@lcnaturepark.org or 260.999.3153.
The Mills Education Center is fully accessible and includes a lift to allow access between the main and lower floors. All trails in the park are on gravel or dirt.
Cars, vehicles, bikes, and the like are not allowed past the Mills Education Center. Access to the trails and property is by walking only. If you have a legitimate accessibility need please reach out to park staff.
Access & behvior
Please keep your confirmation email or payment receipt (as proof of payment), your personal items, and equipment with you at all times. If you do not have proof of purchase, you and your party may be asked to leave the property.
LC Nature Park staff reserves the right to determine when a photographer and/or their party meet the requirements for purchasing a photography permit and may deny entry or remove them from the grounds if a permit is not available or acquired.
LC Nature Park staff have the authorization to intervene in any photo shoot that violates any stated policies.
Everyone in your party must check in and sign a liability waiver before leaving the Mills Education Center for their shoot.
No photographers, assistants, or subjects may go in the enclosure or places other than on designated trails. Climbing or mounting equipment in trees, on fences, or other structures is not permitted. Tripods must also stay on paths.
Do not place equipment or subjects where they will block pathways or restrict visitor access.
All photo subjects must be fully and appropriately clothed. Swimsuit, underwear, and boudoir photo shoots are not permitted.
Photographers with permits must display their permits visibly on their clothing or equipment.
Clients must arrive camera-ready, as there are no dressing room facilities.
The photographer is responsible for the conduct of their party.
You must set up your shoot in a manner that does not impact visitors or disrupt events or park maintenance.
Please be advised that some areas of LC Nature Park may not be accessible or available at times due to restoration, programs, rentals, or unforeseen circumstances.
Interested in taking photos and videos at LC Nature Park?
If you have additional questions, please contact Annika Rae, Program Coordinator at Annika@LCNaturePark.org.