Plain words

What to know before you shoot

Who owns the land decides

There is no single Georgia photo permit. The state film office doesn't issue permits at all. The rules come from whoever owns the spot: the city, the county, the state parks system, the National Park Service, a university, or a private garden. Two parks a mile apart can have totally different rules.

Portraits and film are treated differently

A lot of cities only require a film permit for motion work, and treat still photos more lightly. Gardens and historic houses are the opposite: most charge a session fee for any planned portrait shoot, even engagement or family photos, because they're private property.

"Commercial" is wider than you think

If you are paid, it usually counts as commercial, even for a family session. Some places only mean ads, catalogs and TV. Read the definition on the official page.

National parks got simpler in 2025

Since the EXPLORE Act, national parks don't need a permit for 8 or fewer people with hand-carried gear in open areas, as long as you don't take over a spot or harm anything. Photos at a permitted wedding never need a separate permit.

Insurance (a COI)

A certificate of insurance is a one-page proof that you carry liability coverage. Bigger shoots and almost every film permit ask for one, often $1,000,000, and many want the property named as an "additional insured." Ask your insurer for this; it usually takes a day.

Lead time

Plan on 1 to 2 weeks for most places. Georgia State Parks want 10 business days and deny anything 5 days out or less. Rush fees are common.

Drones

Assume no. Most gardens and national parks ban them. Where they're allowed you need an FAA Part 107 license and written approval.

When in doubt

Email the property with your date, crew size, gear and where you want to stand. Keep the reply on your phone during the shoot.

This is a guide, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the official link on each listing.