Film & Photography Policies
Thank you for choosing the B&O Railroad Museum as the subject of your photos and videos! Please refer to the policies below regarding film and photography at the Museum. Scheduling can be subject to restrictions based upon Museum hours of operations and special events. Safety guidelines must be followed at all times.
In-the-Moment Photography
Photographs are a special way to remember your visit to the birthplace of American railroading, and that’s why we encourage visitors to freely take in-the-moment photos. These are informal, spontaneous pictures taken of locomotives and rolling stock, individuals, or any other aspect of the Museum that catches your eye. We encourage you to share these photos on social media outlets and tag the Museum. Find our social media pages below!
Portrait Photography
Portrait photographs are posed, professional or semi-professional photos taken with artistic direction and include family, engagement, wedding, maternity, prom, or other special occasion portraits. The photographer may be paid or unpaid. The Museum reserves the right to define what classifies as portrait photography on a case-by-case basis.
| Pricing while open to the public | $150 for the first hour and $100 for each additional hour |
| Pricing while closed to the public | $250 for the first hour and $200 for each additional hour |
To reserve a portrait photography session, email KHargest@BORail.org.
Commercial Photography and Videography
Photography and videography intended for commercial use must be pre-arranged with and approved by the Museum and can only take place outside of posted public hours. Your organization must provide the Museum with a copy of your certificate of insurance. Filming in the Museum or on its grounds shall not include depictions of misconduct, violence, or destruction of railroad property. The Museum reserves the right to cancel any filming activity without any recourse.
Please note that Federal Law allows a train crew to work a maximum 12-hour day. This time is calculated from when they arrive at work, not the time the train is running or moving.
To inquire about pricing for commercial photography or videography, email KHargest@BORail.org.
General Rules
The following rules apply for all photography and videography at the Museum:
- The safety of Museum visitors is of the utmost importance. Film, video and still photography for commercial and non-commercial use will not be permitted if it disrupts or interferes with visitors’ use and enjoyment of the Museum’s facilities during posted public hours.
- All safety guidelines must be adhered to and climbing on equipment is not permitted.
- A tripod or monopod is permitted for film, video, and still photography for non-commercial use on site during normal hours of operation as long as they do not block any walkways or interfere with visitor traffic or our visitor’s experience.
- Flash photography is permitted unless posted.
- No power or electrical hookups will be provided by the Museum for non-commercial film, video and still photography.
- The Museum reserves the right to refuse permission for commercial or non-commercial film, video and still photography that is determined to not be in the best interests of the Museum.
- If personal photos or film footage taken at the Museum are to be sold to an outside source or are to be printed for use in a publication, Museum approval must be given and an agreement stating the intended use must be signed prior to the sale or publication date.
- Any work of a specialized nature or any special request to equipment or site will be assessed and billed on a case-by-case basis.
