Photography is encouraged at Newfields and we would love for you to share your photos using #DiscoverNewfields. To protect the artworks and living collections being photographed, and for the safety of other guests, the guidelines below must be followed when photographing at Newfields.
GENERAL GUESTS
- Photography must be conducted without disruption to Newfields operations or limitation to the accessibility of exhibitions, entrances/exits, doorways, pathways and high traffic areas.
- To help preserve the outdoor sculptures, entering, climbing or standing on any water features or fountains is prohibited. Do not climb, lean or sit on any artworks or place props or equipment on them.
- Flash photography, tripods, monopods (including selfie sticks) and other photographic equipment are not permitted inside the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Lilly House, Greenhouse or Miller House.
- The use of drones is not permitted on any part of the Newfields campus due to the heavy downdraft and for the safety and security of other guests.
- Photography is permitted for private, noncommercial use only. Photographs may not be published, sold, reproduced, distributed or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner.
- Unless otherwise noted, photography of temporary exhibitions or borrowed works of art is not permitted.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO SHOOTS
The Garden at Newfields locations require a permit for all photography and video shoots.
To ensure a scheduled shoot and obtain a single day pass, complete the online order at least two weeks in advance of intended date(s) of the shoot. Any questions should be submitted to photopass@discovernewfields.org.
HOURS
The Garden at Newfields is open for photography and video shoots during the following times:
- January 4–January 16, 2022: 11am–4pm Tuesday–Sunday
- January 22–February 27, 2022: 11am–4pm Tuesday–Sunday
- March 1–September 25, 2022: 9am–5pm Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and 9am–8pm Thursday–Saturday
- September 27–October 30, 2022: 11am–5pm Tuesday–Sunday
- November 1, 2022–February 26, 2023: 11am–4pm Tuesday–Sunday
- February 28–September 24, 2023: 9am–5pm Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and 9am–8pm Thursday–Saturday
- September 26–October 29, 2023: 11am–5pm Tuesday–Sunday
- October 31, 2023–February 25, 2024: 11am–4pm Tuesday–Sunday
The Garden at Newfields is closed for photography and video shoots on Mondays throughout the year, as well as on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and during the following date ranges:
- January 17–21, 2022
- June 18, 2022
- September 8–11, 2022
- January 16–20, 2023
- June 17, 2023
- September 7–10, 2023
Fairbanks Park and the Sutphin Mall maintain dawn-dusk open hours 7 days a week throughout the year.
GUIDELINES
It is important that all groups planning a shoot at Newfields adhere to the following guidelines to ensure the safety of our collection and the experience of future guests:
- All photography and video shoots with clients, professional or amateur, that utilize professional equipment require a pass.
- The use of drones is not permitted on any part of the Newfields campus due to the heavy downdraft and for the safety and security of other guests.
- Single day pass fee of $50 covers two named photographers from one company.
- General admission is not required in addition to pass fee to access the Garden.
- Students may obtain a free one day pass only for the completion of class assignments by completing the photography application and providing a valid student ID. A maximum of 10 free passes will be permitted per year.
- Photographer(s) are required to visibly display their pass while on any part of Newfields.
- Payment of fees is due with permit application.
- Access is limited to the date approved based upon submitted permit application.
- Original artworks and sculptures in the Garden at Newfields may be protected by copyright and may not be photographed for the purposes of reproduction, publication, or copying.
- Guests and photographers are not permitted to walk in plant beds or to move, rearrange, or handle any plants or planted containers in any way.
- Shoots involving nudity are not permitted.
- Shoots are not permitted inside the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Lilly House, or Greenhouse.
Newfields reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold and/or withdraw permission to shoot on its premises. Newfields staff has the authority to approach anyone suspected of conducting a photography or video shoot and to enforce these rules. Failure to comply may result in removal from the premises. Please follow any verbal instructions you are given.
LICENSING & LOCATION SHOOTS
Newfields welcomes proposals for photography and video shoots in the Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Garden, Lilly House, Miller House and Garden, The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, and other Newfields buildings. The Legal Affairs & Intellectual Property Department will work with your team to assess applications, plan logistics, and oversee on-site production. For additional information and the application, please review the Licensing & Location Shoots page.
MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY
Media may photograph or film within designated areas of Newfields for the purpose of news coverage. All members of the media must make arrangements with the Public Affairs Department prior to their arrival.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why did Newfields institute this policy?
The photography policy was created to protect the grounds and the artwork, both inside the museum and outdoors. Additionally, the policy allows the museum to control the number of photography and video shoots on the grounds at one time to lessen the disruptions to scheduled events.
Where do I check-in for my shoot and access the Garden?
All photographers and their clients should check in at the Garden Entrance (by the Deer Events Pavilion) or the main Welcome Center Entrance to check in for the shoot. The Garden Entrance is staffed starting at 11am daily. Please have your clients provide the booking name “[photographer or studio name]” for entrance. Upon entering, all guests to Newfields are now required to walk through a metal detector. Individuals unable to go through the metal detector will be hand-screened with an electronic wand by Newfields Security. If your shoot is to start before Newfields is open, the only entrance to The Garden will be via the Welcome Center. Please call Security Control at 317-923-1331 ext. 175 for assistance accessing The Garden.
What is the best place to park for my shoot?
We recommend that you park in Lot A or the parking garage and then walk to the security booth where you will check in.
What is considered a photography shoot requiring the purchase of a pass?
The use of a tripod, monopod, lights, umbrellas, diffusers, detachable flash, multiple lenses, large photography bags, reflectors, props, etc. constitute professional equipment. Additionally, shoots that are works for hire, involve client photography, or involve the exchange of money for a service rendered require a pass.
What if I purchase a single day pass and it rains?
Contact photopass@discovernewfields.org to reschedule your shoot. A replacement pass will be issued to you at no charge.
I want to use a video camera on the grounds. Do I need a pass?
Yes, video shoots are handled the same as still photography. Please purchase a pass for your shoot.
I’m just a guest to Newfields. Can I upload my personal pictures to social media sites?
Yes! Newfields encourages you to share the images from your visit, as long as they are not available for someone to purchase or are being used to market a business in any way.
I’m just a guest to Newfields, but I own a SLR or DSLR “professional” camera. Can I bring this camera to photograph while visiting with my family?
Yes, as long as you only have the camera. The addition of multiple lenses, large photography bag, tripod, etc. will give the impression you are here for a shoot and not just visiting Newfields.
We are a group/club of photography enthusiasts wanting to shoot on the grounds. Do we need passes?
Yes, photography groups/clubs should notify the photopass@discovernewfields.org of their intended outing. Documentation from the organizing club/business should be provided and fees, if applicable, for use of the grounds for the shoot will be decided on an individual basis.