Professional Photography at Rhode Island State Parks
Professional Photographers interested in providing services within RI State Parks must become an approved vendor. Photographers need to become approved vendors if they are charging for their services, which constitutes “doing business” in state parks.
Professional photographers will remain on the list of approved vendors from the date of approval to the last day of the year (12/31/2025), as long as the Certificate of Insurance (COI) that was provided to RI State Parks remains up to date.
Submission of an application does not guarantee that a photographer will be approved. Approval of events, services and vendors is at the discretion of RI State Parks.
Photographers are responsible for the set-up, breakdown and complete removal of all items immediately after use. Moving or changing any natural or physical elements of the park is prohibited. RI State Parks has a carry in-carry out policy, which means there are no trash cans for general use.
Photography at reservable sites, fields or shelters: Any rentals must be made directly through the Parks Permit Office and paid for in advance of the date of use, regardless of whether you are a professional or hobbyist.
Props should be limited to handheld items.
If you are not a professional photographer and you are not charging for your services, you do not need to become an approved vendor for groups of 15 or less, as long as you remain in general use areas and do not infringe on the ability of other patrons to enjoy the park and recreate in general use areas.
Photo shoots that have more than 15 people, use props, or in any way interfere with normal park activities will require a Special Use Permit in addition to becoming an approved vendor.
Special Use Permits require prior approval from the District Manager of the property. Plan ahead!! **Special Use Permit applications must be submitted online, at least 30 days in advance of your intended use of the property**
Events that require a Special Use Permit typically require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) be obtained that meets the requirements set by the RI DEM Division of Legal Services.
Photographers hired for events that require a Special Use Permit from RI State Parks (e.g., wedding, fundraiser), do not need to be approved vendors, as long as the event organizer indicates that there will be a photographer on site, and they take full responsibility for the activity, on their Special Use Permit application.
For a list of approved Professional Photographers go to the RI Parks Events & Rentals-Special Use Policy & Permits Page
How To Apply To Become An Approved Professional Photographer
As long as the Certificate of Insurance (COI) that we have on file for your business remains up to date, you will remain on the list of approved vendors until the last day of the year (12/31).
1. Create your Community Profile with login and password. Once you're logged in, you can proceed. Every time you use the site, start by logging in.
3. Email a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that meets the requirements set by the RI DEM Legal Division to erin.rogers@dem.ri.gov for approval. See COI requirements below. **DO NOT UPLOAD YOUR COI TO THE VENDOR PROFILE FORM**
4. Once your insurance is approved your business will be added to the RI State Parks approved vendor list.
Certificate of Insurance (COI) Requirements:
- Your COI must indicate the State of Rhode Island and the Department of Environmental Management as additionally insured on a primary and non-contributory basis.
- Your COI must indicate a waiver of subrogation.
- The Certificate Holder on your COI must be the "State of Rhode Island, Department of Environmental Management, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908".
If you have any questions, contact RI State Parks at 401-667-6200, or email erin.rogers@dem.ri.gov.
