The architecture and stunning views at the Rio Tinto Center prompt many photographers to inquire about conducting private Portrait Photography sessions at the Museum.  To support these requests while maintaining a positive experience for our visitors, the Museum has instituted the following Portrait Photography Program.

Photographers are eligible to shoot private portrait photographs of their clients at the Rio Tinto Center:

• with advance reservations
• by purchasing a Portrait Photography Permit for the day of the shoot
• and by working in accordance to the Portrait Photography Policies as stated below

What is "Portrait Photography"? The Natural History Museum of Utah defines portrait photography as wedding, engagement, family portraits, or other posed portraiture of individuals by professional photographers or by amateurs acting in the role of a professional.

What is a Portrait Photography Permit? A Portrait Photography Permit for non-exclusive use of the Museum may be purchased for $100 per day and covers the admission fee for the photographer and one assistant.  Photographers and clients are limited to the public areas of the Museum. 

Click Here to Request Portrait Photography Permit and Session Date Now

For other questions, email the Director of Media Relations.

Portrait Photography Policy

• All portraits must schedule their session a minimum of seven days in advance, but not more than 30 days in advance
   
• Portrait Photography sessions can be scheduled:
  • Monday through Friday 6:00 – 9:00 a.m.
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday and Saturday 6:00 – 9:00 a.m. or 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. are available for $200 per day to cover additional security requirements.
     
• The primary function of the Rio Tinto Center is as a museum and facility for the conservation and preservation of natural history collections.  Museum galleries, exhibits, and collections objects must not be disturbed, moved, or harmed in any way.
   
• Be courteous of other people working in and visiting the Museum.  Keep exhibit areas, public areas, and walkways accessible. Access to exhibits, walkways, outdoor exhibit areas, hallways, stairways and rooms may not be blocked.
   
• Any party who has booked a private event in a particular location of the Rio Tinto Center has exclusive right to that reserved area. Such circumstances will be communicated when scheduling a session, if necessary.
   
• The Museum’s staff may be working in the Museum at any time. Please do not interrupt their work by asking them to move.
   
• Family restrooms may be used for changing. Personal belongings may not be left in the restrooms during the photo shoot. The Natural History Museum of Utah assumes no liability for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings.
   
• Portraits must conclude and participants ready to leave by the stated end time (Mornings at 9:00 a.m.; evenings by 8:00 p.m.)
   
• The Natural History Museum of Utah assumes no liability for loss, theft, or damage to equipment.
   
• A valid Portrait Photography Permit is required for each scheduled session. Portrait Photography Permits are valid for one day only.
   
• Photographs taken during Portrait Photography Sessions are for the exclusive use of the photographer’s client.  The photographer may not use them for any other commercial purposes.  Usage of photographs taken at the Museum may be used for marketing purposes for the photographer/photography studio with written permission from the Museum.
   
• While portrait photographs may result in the inclusion of Museum collections objects as part of the background of a photograph, the Portrait Photography Permit does not provide permission to photograph any objects as the primary subject of the photograph.  Photographs of objects require permission by submitting an Image Reproduction Request Form to the Museum’s Registrar.  Photography of objects is not included in the Portrait Photography Permit, nor are photographers allowed to take photographs of objects that are then included in the client’s photo selection.

The photographer agrees to abide by the Portrait Photography Policies outlined below. Failure to follow these rules may result in expulsion from the Museum during the photography session and/or denial of future requests.

Click Here to Request Portrait Photography Permit and Session Date Now

While the photographer with a Portrait Photographer Permit has permission to work inside the Natural History Museum of Utah on the designated day, he/she must adhere to the Museum’s overall Photography Policies as stated in the Visitor Information and Policies Document and excerpted here:

• Photography and videography by our general gallery visitors is encouraged. However, all media created by visitors must be for personal, noncommercial use only.
   
• Media composed primarily of exhibition objects, rather than museum visitors, may not be posted publicly or offered for sale by the photographer.
   
• Anyone wishing to create any form of media for commercial use must make advance arrangements with NHMU, execute a written agreement, and pay any applicable location shooting and royalty fees. For additional information, contact the Museum’s media relations director at 801-585-6369.
   
• Media equipment such as tripods, lighting, etc, which impedes other visitors or obstructs walkways is prohibited during open hours.