Do we need a permit?
Most people, even photographers, don’t realize that many of our public spaces actually need permits if you plan on taking professional photos there. Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Canon City all have different rules so it’s important to know beforehand. This can increase the cost of your session as well as increase the amount of time needed to plan.
Let’s dive in. Generally, in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and most of southern Colorado, if you are just taking photos of seniors, families, or just because, you do not need a permit. If you plan on using the images for commercial purposes, such as branding photos, headshots, and so forth, that’s when we will need a permit. They have recently required ALL photography to have a permit and need an allowance of 1 month to process the application.
I know it feels complicated, but I have your back. Here is a list of all the local areas where permits are needed, cost, and what to expect the timeline to look like. Now, fees and regulations are changing all the time so before our session, I will of course confirm the pricing and requirements but this is a great starting point!
Colorado Springs
All TOPS Properties including:
Black Canyon Quarry
Blodgett Open Space
Bluestem Prairie Open Space
Corral Bluffs Open Space
High Chaparral Open Space
Jimmy Camp Creek Prairie Preserve
Pikeview Buffer Open Space
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Stratton Open Space
Union Meadows Open Space
Ute Valley Park
Newly Acquired
Austin Bluffs Open Space
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Iron Mountain
Powell Property at North Cheyenne Cañon
No permit required except for commercial work. Permit fees as follows for commercial work:
Application Fee: $25
Permit: $250/day
For more details here is the information sheet from the city: https://coloradosprings.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/commercial_film_policy.pdf
Garden of the Gods
No permit required except for commercial work. Permit fees as follows for commercial work:
Application Fee: $25
Garden of the Gods Park: $500/day
Helen Hunt Falls
No permit required except for commercial work. Permit fees as follows for commercial work:
Application Fee: $25
Permit: $250/day
North Cheyenne Canyon
No permit needed.
Pueblo
City Park
Lake Pueblo/Pueblo Reservoir
Pueblo Union Depot
Neon Alley
Arkansas River Walk
Any public area
The nice thing about Pueblo is the city government is fairly lax on photography permits. I haven’t come across a place that requires one yet. Of course, we will check before your session just to be sure.
Canon City/Florence/Penrose
Arkansas Riverwalk
Brush Hollow
Centennial Park
Ecology Park
Hogback Open Space
Red Canyon Park
River Front Recreation Area
Temple Canyon
Tunnel Drive
Pioneer Park
Fremont County is another great spot for avoiding photography permit fees. It also and beautiful spaces and has a small town feel with some delicious restaurants. You can easily make an entire day out of visiting! P.s. It’s where I live, so I may be a little biased.
