Filming and photography requests

Editorial filming and photography

State Library Victoria’s Media and Communications team facilitates photography and filming requests from media outlets for news and editorial purposes. Editorial filming and photography is only permitted with prior approval. All equipment must be battery operated. For media and editorial requests, please contact media@slv.vic.gov.au.

Commercial filming and photography

Commercial filming and photography featuring the Library’s façade, spaces or venues are prohibited without prior written consent. Commercial photography or filming includes films, television shows, fashion shoots, music videos, promotional shoots, advertisements and social media shoots. This category also includes wedding and other photography where a professional photographer has been engaged to take photos. For more information about using the Library for commercial filming and photography, please contact commercial@slv.vic.gov.au.

General photography and filming

You are welcome to take photos or film within the Library unless signage explicitly states otherwise, provided it is for non-commercial purposes and is not disruptive to visitors and staff. Personal filming and photography is limited to wireless handheld cameras and devices, without the use of flash or tripods. Non-commercial purposes include personal, educational, or scholarly projects that are not intended for sale, promotion, marketing, or financial gain of any parties including the photographer.

Guidelines:

• Please follow staff directions and signage with regards to filming and photography.
• Please be mindful of others and ensure Library staff and visitors are not filmed or photographed without their consent.
• To photocopy, film or photograph collection materials, please speak to Library staff or get in touch via the Ask a librarian service.
• No flash photography is allowed when photographing collection material or within exhibitions. Please note that some exhibition loan agreements may have specific conditions such as ‘no photography’ – these will be clearly signposted in the exhibition space.
• Please speak to staff in the Heritage Collection Reading Room before copying or photographing heritage collection materials, and read the Heritage Collection Reading Room guidelines.
• Do not flatten or press on collection material. Staff can provide weights if safe to do so.
• Do not remove items from plastic sleeves for the purposes of taking photographs, unless staff have expressly told you that this is possible.

Student filming

You may need special permission from the Library for your student film/photography project if either of the following apply:

• Your filming activity includes more than 3 people (including all production crew and talent).
• Your equipment exceeds one handheld camera or device.

Please submit your student filming request with a minimum of 5 business days' notice to media@slv.vic.gov.au. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and support can only be offered under specific circumstances.