Minnetrista Photography & Videography Policy

Minnetrista is a popular backdrop for family, engagement, bridal, and senior photos. We invest substantial resources each year to ensure that our museum and grounds are beautifully and historically maintained for the entire community. In order to work more cooperatively with professional photographers and ensure a positive experience for all visitors, the following guidelines have been developed.

General Visitor Photography & Videography

  • Photography and videography is permitted for private, non-commercial use only.

  • Photography and videography for personal enjoyment are encouraged! Share your photos with us via our social media accounts using the hashtag #minnetrista.

  • Tripods and a standard flash are permitted, additional photographic equipment and props are not permitted.

  • To help us preserve the outdoor sculptures, gardens, and experience for all visitors, please do not climb, lean or sit on any sculptural elements, remain on the pathways, and do not use glitter or confetti.

  • Staged photography is not permitted inside the buildings. This includes the Center Building, The Orchard Shop, the Oakhurst home, and the LL. Ball home.

Professional Photography & Videography

Professional/Commercial photography and videography is defined as:

  • Photography and video shoots involving props, changes of clothing, or more equipment than a tripod and standard flash.

  • Shoots that are works for hire which involve client photography or involve the exchange of money for a service.

Professional Photographers and Videographers must become a member of Minnetrista at the photographer level ($175/year). Funds directly support the maintenance and development of the grounds at Minnetrista.

    • Membership Benefits:

      • Unlimited outdoor sessions for photographer and up to 2 assistants

      • Explorer membership ($75 value)

      • Member listing on our website

Professional Photographers and Videographers agree to:

  • Keep their photography membership current by renewing annually.

  • Attend an orientation session with Minnetrista Communications staff, to be scheduled following membership application.

  • Display at all times while working on campus, the provided ID badge. This badge will be updated yearly.

  • Contact the Minnetrista Associate Director of Communications at 765.287.3525 during regular business hours to schedule your photo shoot prior to arrival.

    • Minnetrista reserves the right to deny access to the museum and grounds for photography purposes to anyone (including members) if the photo shoot conflicts with other scheduled events. Those renting the grounds for special events and Minnetrista events receive priority.

  • Sign in and out at the front desk upon arrival and departure.

  • Use the following photo credit in all commercial uses of images taken at Minnetrista: Minnetrista requires the locations credit: Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, Muncie, IN

photography at minnetrista

News Media Guidelines

News media may photograph or film at Minnetrista for the purpose of news coverage.  All members of the media must receive approval and make arrangements with the Minnetrista Associate Director of Communications at 765.287.3525 at least two business days prior to their arrival. We ask that you please be mindful and respectful of others and the spaces when taking photos or videos.

Photos Intended for Publication

Minnetrista understands that certain publications would like to use our spaces as backgrounds for photo shoots. In this case, please contact the Minnetrista Associate Director of Communications at 765.287.3525 to discuss your intention for the publication. After the shoot and before the publication date, acknowledge Minnetrista in the by-lines as such: Photo venue courtesy of Minnetrista located in Muncie, IN. We ask that you please be mindful and respectful of others and the spaces when taking photos.

Student Project Guidelines

Students who wish to photograph or video on Minnetrista property or at Minnetrista events for class assignments must obtain approval from the Minnetrista Associate Director of Communications.  All activities must take place during normal business hours. Minnetrista images in assignments may not be used for public dissemination in any form other than classroom or gallery display for education purposes. Please contact the Associate DIrector of Communications at 765.287.3525 at least three days prior to your desired date. We also ask that you please be mindful and respectful of others and the spaces when taking photos.

Wedding/Event Photography Guidelines

Commercial photography is permitted on Minnetrista grounds for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and events hosted at Minnetrista. Photographers who have not been hired for a Minnetrista hosted event must be a photography member in order to photograph on Minnetrista grounds. We ask that you please be mindful and respectful of others and the spaces when taking photos.

Prom Photography Guidelines

The public is welcome to take pictures on Minnetrista grounds for Prom. We ask that you please be mindful and respectful of others and the spaces when taking photos.

Minnetrista Hired Photographers

Minnetrista often photographs our events and programs for commercial use, including advertising, social media, and archival purposes.

Minnetrista will make a reasonable effort to provide visitors with the following:

  • General Notification. Visitors will be notified by event signage, in event programs, and on the Minnetrista website that their photo may be taken for Minnetrista marketing and archival purposes while visiting Minnetrista and that their presence gives Minnetrista permission to photograph them.

  • Respect of privacy. If anyone requests that their photograph not be taken or used, we will honor that request. Please inform the photographer.