Photography at the Mount

To be a Photography Member, complete the form below. This membership is meant to protect you, our grounds, buildings, the Friars who reside here, and those on retreat who come here for spiritual programs, educational opportunities, and community events.

In order to receive a permit, photographers must submit an application with a $100.00 payment. Permit applications and payment must be received in advance of the intended date of photography. Please allow 7-10 business days for your permit to be processed and delivered to you in the mail. Memberships are good one year from the date of purchase. Permits will be mailed to the address provided on the registration form once processing is complete.

Who needs to purchase a membership?

• Using a professional SLR or DSLR “professional camera” for informal casual photos does NOT require a membership.
• All photography and video shoots with clients, professional or amateur, and utilizing professional equipment require a permit.
• Professional equipment is defined as using the following: tripod, monopod, lights, umbrellas, diffusers, detachable flash, multiple lenses, large photography bags, reflectors, props, etc. and requires a permit.
• All shoots that work for hire, involve client photography or involve the exchange of money or favors for a service rendered require a permit.

 
We all want to keep Mount St. Francis Center for Spirituality open and accessible allowing us to share its history and beauty with the community for many years to come. Please help us accomplish this by adhering to the following guidelines:
 

• Photographer(s) are required to keep permits visible at all times while on any part of Mount St. Francis property. 
• Drone photography is not allowed except through special permission by contacting retreatcommunications@mountsaintfrancis.org or 812-923-8817.
• Guests and photographers are not permitted inside any buildings, including the chapel, gallery, barns, or kiln areas at any time. Failure to honor this request could result in the cancellation of future privileges at Mount St. Francis Center for Spirituality.
• Anyone seen using chalk to write on our buildings or otherwise marking or defacing our buildings will have their permits revoked and asked to leave the premises. Please be respectful of the grounds and buildings as Mount St. Francis is over 100 years old and home to the Conventual Franciscan Friars.
• Please be courteous to other photographers and visitors to the grounds. Mount St. Francis is meant to be enjoyed by all.
• Photographers and clients are not permitted on the grounds during private events. Mount St. Francis Center for Spirituality requests that photographers check date availability prior to shooting by emailing requests to retreatcommunications@mountsaintfrancis.org or contacting our office at 812-923-8817.

Mount St. Francis Center for Spirituality staff has the authority to approach anyone conducting a photography or video shoot and enforce these rules. Mount St. Francis Center for Spirituality reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold and/or withdraw permission to take photographs on its premises. Please make sure your permit is visible. Photographers found shooting on the grounds without the permit will be required to purchase one in the front office or online as soon as possible.

Thanks for making photography at Mount St. Francis an enjoyable experience for everyone!