Professional Photographer Permit

Commercial photography/videography in Town of Holly Springs parks and greenways requires an annual permit. 

The public is welcome to take photographs and videos in our parks. This permit only applies for commercial (client based) work.

Requirements & Information

• Present yourself in a professional manner in your communication with Town staff (phone calls, meetings, e-mails, etc.).
• It is the responsibility of the scout to approach the Town with their own idea(s) for a project. Proposed projects should be mutually beneficial to the scout and the Town.
• The scout must allow a minimum of four months to complete their project. The Town does not accept projects with “emergency” deadlines.
• The scout needs to be prepared to make all contacts and communications required to successfully complete the project.
• The project selected by the scout must be of a scope and level that can be accomplished by the scout and their crew.
• The Town of Holly Springs is not responsible for providing supplies or financial assistance of any kind for scout projects. The scout is responsible for receiving donations or financial assistance for and throughout their project.
• The scout and everyone who is working on the project must sign the Town’s release and liability forms prior to performing any work on Town property.
• A building permit may be required for certain construction projects.
• Call 811 at least three days before you dig and notify the Town at the same time
• Completion of the scout project application does not guarantee a project will be approved; it is just the first step in proposing a project.

Obtaining a Permit

Daily photography permits may be purchased for $25 and are valid only for the date of purchase. Annual permits are $100 and are valid for one year from date of purchase. Permits may be obtained on-line or in person at Bass Lake Park or the Hunt Recreation Center. 

Obtain a Permit Online

Through the online registration process, you must agree to abide by the photography permit rules listed below. Once you register, please print your receipt and keep it with you when you visit the park(s). Physical ID permit tags must be picked up from the Hunt Recreation Center or Bass Lake Park within 30 days of purchasing the online permit. Purchase the permit online. Please note, an online permit could take up to 72 hours to process if you do not already have a Holly Springs Parks & Recreation account.

Obtain a Permit in Person

Permits may also be purchased in person at the Hunt Recreation Center or Bass Lake Park.

Professional Photographer Requirements

While you will not need to check in with staff, permit tags should be displayed on or near the permitted photographer at all times during the photoshoot in Holly Springs' parks and on greenways. Failure to furnish a receipt or permit will result in being asked to end the photo shoot until a permit is obtained.

Professional photographer and videographer permit holders must abide by the following requirements:

1. Photographer/videographer and clients will only use the park during regular park hours.
2. Users must stay out of all restricted areas in parks and greenways. Vehicles must remain in parking lots and on roadways and out of unauthorized areas.
3. Only hand-held or bodily portable (i.e. tripod, blanket, stool, small chair, etc.) props and lighting are permitted. No large props may be used without prior written approval from the Parks and Recreation Director or designee.
4. All photographers/videographers are responsible for litter pick-up and removal of any debris resulting from property use. Damaging and debris generating devices (smoke bombs, candles, sparklers, confetti, glitter, etc.) are strictly prohibited.
5. Photographer/videographer and clients will conduct themselves in a professional manner.
   • Lewd or lascivious behavior including language or photographs is prohibited.
   • Park staff has the authority to expel photographers and/or their clients from the park if the actions of the photographers and/or clients are deemed improper by park staff.
6. Photographer/videographer and clients will not impede normal park operations and programming.
   • The party is not permitted to disrupt park visitors or staff.
   • No associated equipment for a photo shoot is permitted in any indoor buildings or allowed to block visitor entrances and pathways.
7. Photographer/videographer and clients will not disturb any natural or man-made park features, including vegetation and wildlife.
8. Photographer/videographer is responsible for familiarizing themselves and informing all of their clients of all park rules and regulations and then to adhere to them when at the park.
9. Photographer/videographer will be held accountable for damages to property and is responsible for the actions of those associated with the photo shoot. A photography permit is not required for photographs/videos taken during a paid facility rental such as a wedding.
10. Failure to abide by the parks rules and requirements may result in forfeiture of annual permit.