fbpx Photography On-Site | George Eastman Museum

The museum will close at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 14 for a private event. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Photography On-Site

Photographer in the terrace garden

Photography Encouraged

Whether you're taking photographs with your mobile device or have a professional DSLR, you are welcome on site, and we invite you to share your photos with #eastmanmuseum. 

Visitor & Personal-Use Photography

Photography is encouraged at the George Eastman Museum, and we invite you to share your photos using #eastmanmuseum. We ask that all visitors follow the guidelines below when photographing or filming on site for personal, non-commercial use in order to preserve and protect the collections, gardens, and mansion.

  • Photography is encouraged in the gardens, galleries and mansion, unless otherwise noted.
  • The following items are strictly prohibited in the galleries and mansion:
    • Flash
    • Selfie sticks
    • Tripods
  • The following items are strictly prohibited in the gardens and grounds:
    • Tripods
    • Lights or light reflectors on tripods or stands
    • Wardrobe racks and garment bags
    • Props
  • The following activities are strictly prohibited:
    • Moving planters, pots, or benches
    • Stepping into garden beds or over plant material
    • Removing or picking plant material
    • Climbing, leaning, sitting, or standing on historic structures, wellheads, or sculptures
    • Climbing trees
    • Climbing, sitting, or standing on rocks
    • Posing in roadways or other vehicle thoroughfares
    • Wardrobe changes
    • Entering any closed or fenced off area

Professional & Commercial Photography

The George Eastman Museum welcomes the opportunity to host professional photographers and their clients. We invest substantial resources each year to ensure that our museum and grounds are beautifully and historically maintained. The George Eastman Museum has become a popular backdrop for family, engagement, and senior photos. In order to work more cooperatively with photographers and aid in compliance of guidelines that directly support the maintenance and preservation of the George Eastman Museum grounds the following policy has been implemented.

Informal Photography in the Gardens and Grounds +

Please note, the gardens are open May 1 through October 31. 

Guidelines

The following items are strictly prohibited:

  • Tripods
  • Lights or light reflectors on tripods or stands
  • Wardrobe racks and garment bags
  • Props

The following activities are strictly prohibited:

  • Moving planters, pots, or benches
  • Stepping into garden beds or over plant material
  • Removing or picking plant material
  • Climbing, leaning, sitting, or standing on historic structures, wellheads, or sculptures
  • Climbing trees
  • Climbing, sitting, or standing on rocks
  • Posing in roadways or other vehicle thoroughfares
  • Wardrobe changes
  • Entering any closed or fenced off area

During Photo Shoots

  • All photographers must sign in and out upon arrival and departure at the security entrance.
  • A temporary badge will be issued at sign in and must be worn at all times.
  • Photographers are welcome to bring a partner/assistant with them during photo shoots.
  • We appreciate your help in maintaining our standards and protecting both the museum grounds and historical structures while on the property.
  • Photographers will be held accountable for themselves as well as their clients while working on the grounds.
  • We ask that while on George Eastman Museum grounds, your group upholds the integrity of our facility in dress, actions, and content of photographs.
  • Photographers and clients must stay on walkways or grass at all times.
  • Please be respectful of all visitors and other photographers by not restricting access to any part of the museum.
  • Photographers and clients may not go inside museum buildings for photo shoots or wardrobe changes.
  • Please do not leave any props or equipment unattended on any walkways. Photographers assume full responsibility for their property while on George Eastman Museum grounds.
  • Failure to adhere to photography guidelines may result in the termination of photography privileges and/or revoking of membership.

Formal Photography in the Gardens, Galleries and Mansion +

Formal Photography Inside the Museum or on Museum Grounds

To make arrangements for formal wedding or prom photography inside the museum or on museum grounds, please contact Allen Buell, Director of Special Events, (585) 327-4888 or [email protected] (we do not take reservations by e-mail). Fees apply.

To make arrangements for formal photography of any other type inside the museum, please contact [email protected] 

Photo Credit

The George Eastman Museum requires the location credit “George Eastman Museum, Rochester, NY” in all commercial uses of images taken at the museum. And feel free to tag us at #eastmanmuseum!