Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY AT UNITY VILLAGE

Unity Village welcomes photographers and their clients to enjoy the beauty of the historic and picturesque campus, but please realize that Unity Village is private property and as such, Unity Village reserves the right to close areas of campus or ask visitors to leave when necessary. Also, there is no access to any restrooms in the buildings or access to any indoor location for clients to change clothes.

A permit is required for all professional or commercial photography.

En Español

• Professional—photographs of formal occasions (for example: weddings, engagements, graduations, quinceañeras, family, fashion, and so on), photos intended to publish or sell, those using props, extra lighting, and/or equipment which includes cameras with more than a single lens.


• Commercial—photography or videography used for the promotion of another business through print/online advertising, promotional materials, or broadcast commercials, including social media.


• Personal—snapshots with a phone or single camera intended solely for personal use. Unity encourages personal photography as long as it does not interfere with scheduled events, visitors/guests, or employees in their workplace.

DO YOU NEED A PHOTO PASS?

Yes, a photo pass is needed if the photo shoot meets these criteria:

• Being paid or paying for photographic services
• Conducting business using space as a studio/set, having appointments with clients
• Commercial, promotional, or advertising shoots
• Intent to sell images (would include fine art, architecture, and nature photography)
• Doing formal posed, portrait photo shoots, weddings, engagements, graduations, quinceañeras, family, fashion, and so on

No photo pass is needed if the photo shoot meets these criteria:

• One camera with a single lens/phone
• Groups smaller than 10
• Not for commercial use
• No props, professional equipment (for example: tripod, lighting equipment) being used

RULES FOR ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS

• Photographers are not permitted in restricted areas.
• Photographers and equipment placement must not impede the flow of employee, vehicle, or visitor traffic.
• Unity has many private residences and multi-resident facilities. Photographers are prohibited from taking photographs near or around any such residence.
• Photographers and their clients must wear appropriate attire while on grounds. No swimwear photography allowed.
• Please do not disturb any flowers or plants.
• Photography is not permitted during scheduled weddings or events.
• Photographers and subjects must not sit, stand, or lay on any structure or balustrade.
• Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Drones are not allowed at Unity Village. Exceptions may be made with prior approval.
• Photographers not adhering to the rules and regulations may be asked to leave the premises immediately, and professionals may forfeit their photographer’s badge without refund.
• No photography is allowed depicting, or appearing to depict, illegal, illicit, or otherwise prohibited actions or situations. Furthermore, Unity reserves the right to prohibit and require the removal of any photography that is inconsistent with its values and vision statement.

PROFESSIONAL/COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

All commercial/professional photographers must properly display an official “Approved Unity Photographer” badge while performing professional photography services at Unity Village.

Any photographer who does not purchase and display their badge will be subject to the following disciplinary actions by the security team, GardaWorld, or deputized Unity personnel:

• 1st inquiry: informational warning with instructions about the policy and signed acknowledgment from the photographer.
• 2nd inquiry: potential trespassing charge and expulsion from Unity Village.

TO PURCHASE AN APPROVED UNITY PHOTOGRAPHER BADGE

• Visit the Unity Village Hotel and Conference Center front desk to purchase a Unity Photographer Badge.
• Photographers have the option of purchasing a 1-day or annual pass (see pricing below). If a photographer has purchased a day pass but decides to purchase an annual pass, then anything they have paid for day pass(es) will be deducted from the total prices of the annual pass for that calendar year.
• Passes will be processed and distributed immediately upon payment.
  • Cash, check, or credit cards are accepted.

UNITY PHOTOGRAPHER BADGE PRICING

• An annual pass is $500 if purchased per calendar year.
  • A half-year pass can be purchased for $250 after June 30.
  • All annual passes expire on December 31.
• A day pass is $100.
  • In the event the day pass is not returned to the hotel, Unity will upgrade the day pass to an annual pass (at the current rate). If a credit card is not being used, Unity Village will retain a valid driver’s license in exchange for the day pass. When the day pass is returned to the hotel, the driver’s license will be given back to the photographer.
• All proceeds from photograph pass sales are used to offset the cost of maintenance of Unity grounds.

PHOTO CREDITS

• Photo credit should be given to Unity Village if the image is used for commercial purposes.
• When photo credit is given, it should be given as “Location: Unity Village, Missouri (unity.org).”
• Tag Unity in social media using Facebook @UnityVillage and on Instagram @Unity.Village.

Download the Map

The above rules and regulations must be followed in order to ensure professional/commercial photographers and visitors will have optimum visual, spiritual, and educational benefits while on the Unity Village campus.