Photo & Video Guidelines

Taking photos or video for editorial purposes

Anyone can take photos and video inside the Aquarium for their private, personal use only. For safety reasons, use of tripods or monopods is prohibited. Media should contact the Public Relations department in advance to arrange to shoot photos and videos that will be used with articles and programs that include the Monterey Bay Aquarium. There are some restrictions on use of tripods and supplemental lighting, which Public Relations staff can explain.

Taking photos or video for commercial purposes

Taking photos or video for commercial purposes, including for stock images, commercial products and other commercial purposes, is prohibited without prior authorization from the Public Relations department. If permission is granted, it would involve payment of a licensing fee and possibly location fees. Read our Location Guidelines for more details.

Providing photos for editorial projects

The Aquarium maintains an extensive library of broadcast-quality video that are available to members of the media for use with stories about the Aquarium. We make these available to media at no charge.

Licensing Aquarium photos & video

We're sorry, but we don't provide Aquarium-owned stock video or images.

Location filming/photography at the Aquarium

We consider each location request on an individual basis, and fees are charged for location shooting. Requests can be accommodated only if they do not conflict with scheduled Aquarium events.

Download a PDF version of Photo & Video Guidelines