by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
So, you are all packed up for your first trip to that oasis in southeastern Utah known as Moab.
You’ve got the vehicle all set up, collected the gear, made appropriate modifications, packed clothes and trail snacks, and, yes, even have your smartphone and camera along for the adventure. Pretty much everything you’ll need to tackle the trails and capture the experience.
But while all of that is important, something else just as important is ensuring you are able to legally take those photos.
That’s because many trails around the Moab area sit on Bureau of Land Management land — which leads to the question for those wielding a camera ‘Do I need a BLM permit to take photographs?’
Whether you are coming for the annual Easter Jeep Safari, or some other event/experience, the answer really depends on whether you're a casual shutterbug or a commercial photographer shooting for a business or publication.
Here's a general breakdown to clear the confusion:
Casual Photography
If you are headed to the area for a personal vacation and just want to shoot pictures for the memories, then breathe easy. You don't need a BLM permit. Public lands like those surrounding Moab generally allow casual photography without restrictions.
Commercial Photography
If your photography has a commercial purpose, here is where things get a bit more complex. The BLM considers commercial filming (which includes photography) as any activity involving product or service advertisement, creation of a product for sale, or use of actors, models, sets, or props.
Are you headed to Moab to promote a business, showcase products in your photos, or for some other purpose to create revenue from your work? Do you plan on using the time for photojournalism, or to create stock photography for a website where you’ll receive payment? Or, are you setting up an elaborate event such as a business catalog shoot involving actors and props to highlight certain products?
Well, all of those things most likely will require you to secure a permit, in advance, from the BLM in order to publish those photographs without being fined.
And, yes, the BLM will vigilantly pursue a fine should it discover you releasing pictures without having an appropriate permit.
What To Do If You Are Unsure
The best thing to do if you are unsure is to reach out to the BLM’s Moab Field Office in advance of your trip and explain your plans. Its representatives can provide the most up-to-date information and clarify whether your specific photography goals fall under the commercial category. You can find contact information on the BLM website.
Additional Tips
Once you’ve determined whether you need a permit, there are some other things to know about shooting pictures and videos around the Moab area.
First, like everywhere else, respect private property. While Moab and the surrounding areas are largely public lands, some tracts may be privately owned. Be mindful of signage and avoid trespassing on private property.
Also, be a responsible visitor and tread lightly. Remember, Leave No Trace principles apply to photographers, too. Minimize your impact on the environment, and avoid damaging vegetation or disrupting wildlife while you are on the trail getting that once-in-a-lifetime shot.
For example, the Moab region is filled with areas of soil called Cryptobiotic Crust, which are important spots that, among other things, help absorb water and prevent erosion. These areas are also the foundation for healthy desert plant communities. So watch where you step and try to stay on rocky areas, if possible, so you don’t destroy these important locations.
Next, ensure you are following proper trail etiquette. If you leave your vehicle to take photos, make sure there is plenty of space for other drivers to get around you if needed. Plus, don’t become so engaged in staging a photo that you lose track of other people or vehicles. It can be easy to accidentally wander into a trail path or bump someone near an obstacle and create a problem. Stay focused.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and legal photography experience, not only during Easter Jeep Safari, but all year long in the Moab area as well.
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