Photography and Filming Policy

Pacific Bonsai Museum is a cultural gem and a popular place for photographers. While personal use photography is encouraged at the Museum, it must be conducted without disruption to Museum operations or visitors and with the safety of both the art collection and our visitors in mind.

Filming Requests
Filming at the museum for documentaries or educational purposes requires permission from the museum. Please complete this questionnaire to provide pertinent information on your project. 

Personal Use Photography
Personal photography is allowed in the collection. This includes cell phones, handheld cameras and video cameras. Use of tripods requires permission issued in the Museum office.

Commercial Shoots
Photo shoots for commercial purposes (advertising, book publication, etc.) must be approved and scheduled in advance. A fee will be charged for use of facilities and staff time. If interested in requesting the use of the museums’ professional photography, please contact our office to learn more.

Wedding and Portrait Photography
Photo shoots in the collection and on the Museum grounds require advance scheduling. Unscheduled photo shoots may be declined.

News Media
Members of the media must be escorted by a Museum staff member at all times or have permission from the Museum office to shoot independently. All organized photo shoots inside the Museum—for news coverage, school projects, tourism programs—require an escort. Call to schedule your visit to ensure a staff member is available. Unscheduled photo shoots that cannot be staffed may be declined.

Rights and Reproductions
Photography is permitted for private use only. Photographs may not be published, sold, or otherwise distributed for commercial purposes. Visitors may post images from their visit on personal social media sites, so long as they are not used for profit.

The Museum may photograph or videotape visitors for educational and promotional purposes. Attendance on Museum property is implied consent for the use of visitors’ likenesses for marketing purposes.

The Museum reserves the right to withhold or withdraw permission to photograph on the premises and to halt any photo shoot that is deemed disruptive or unsafe. Museum staff has the authority to approach and verify the intent of photography, and to enforce the Museum Photography Policy. Questions? Call (253) 353-7345 or email info@pacificbonsaimuseum.org