San Antonio Museum or Art

Dining at SAMA

Photography

Photography Policy

General Photography Rules

Visitors to the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) are welcome to take souvenir photos and video of the exterior and interior of the museum for their personal use. Flash photography and tripods may not be used in the galleries; they may be used on the grounds with advance permission from SAMA staff. Visitors are asked to stay at least one foot away from works of art and display cases. SAMA cannot authorize photography of works of art in special exhibitions or on loan to the museum. 

Subjects are asked to wear appropriate attire, and not to block walkways, doorways, entrances, or climb on any sculptures or trees. The San Antonio Museum of Art reserves the right to restrict access to photographers during museum events and activities. In order to avoid conflict with certain large groups, please contact the Museum in advance. 

Please ask a Visitors Services representative if you have any questions concerning these rules. 

Portrait Photography

On the Grounds: The San Antonio Museum of Art requires a $20 fee from photographers, both professional and amateur, taking formally posed, portrait-type photographs on the museum grounds. For groups of ten or more, the fee is $50.00. This fee, either in cash or check, is required for each separate photo session and can be paid at the front desk upon arrival. SAMA does not provide changing rooms, and restrooms may not be used as dressing facilities.  

Inside the Museum: SAMA is pleased to make available limited opportunities for professional and amateur photographers to take formal photographs in the museum. Portrait photography inside the museum is available by appointment only for a fee of $100, payable by cash or check. Photographers pay upon arrival for the photo session.  Photographers must make appointments at least 48 hours in advance by calling (210) 978-8148 on Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Commercial Photography

Commercial photography and filmmaking at the San Antonio Museum of Art can be arranged. However, we require that sufficient advance notice be given to the Director of Marketing at (210) 978-8136. Commercial photography and videography sessions will be supervised by one or more members of the Museum staff.

Fees for Commercial Photography: 

  • Non-member San Antonio businesses - $500 (reduced rates are available for SAMA’s Corporate Members)
  • Out-of-town businesses - $1,000
  • Full payment of the location fee must be received prior to the start of the shoot.

Additional fees may include: 

  • Police/Security (mandatory for large sessions) -  $150 
  • Overtime - $30 for each additional hour after four hours
  • Interior photography after museum hours  - $500 per hour

If closure of any property is required due to a film or photo shoot, an additional cost will be incurred. 

All photographers using the San Antonio Museum of Art grounds and/or buildings exteriors and interiors must acknowledge the Museum in any printed or audio-visual materials. The credit line should read: "Photographed at the San Antonio Museum of Art in San Antonio, Texas."