Information for Professional Photographers, Filmmakers and Videographers

Thank you for your interest in taking photographs and/or filming at the Desert Museum. While we try to make every effort to accommodate film crews, this is a working museum and the staff's primary responsibilities are the care and welfare of the facility and its visitors. Photography and filming opportunities must be scheduled in a manner that will not interfere with normal Museum operations.

To accommodate either, we ask that a Photography/Filming Request worksheet (PDF) be completed and returned at least six weeks and no later than four weeks prior to the requested production date. Certificates of insurance naming the Desert Museum as secondarily insured are required with details noted on the worksheet.

Once the Desert Museum has received the worksheet, the production needs will be assessed and fees determined. Early- and after-hours filming necessitates higher fees as does special handling of animals. Desert Museum staff and curators are consulted on the projects and they possess the most experience in determining what will be required to obtain the necessary shots.

Please return the completed worksheet to: tholder@miyao2009.com.

Personal photography and filming on Desert Museum grounds is always permitted for non-commercial use. Written permission must be obtained from the Desert Museum to publish any images taken on Museum grounds.

If you are a photographer being paid by a client (engagement photoshoots, headshots, etc.), you will be required to pay admission and notify us that you are coming by emailing tholder@miyao2009.com or calling 520-883-1380.

Please Note:

Due to the safety of our animals and guests, the use of drones is strictly prohibited at the Desert Museum. Thank you for your cooperation!

The Desert Museum is in the flight path of three airports; overhead noise can cause delays. Please plan for this if your project involves sound.