Filming and photography

General filming and photography

You are welcome to take photos and film with a handheld camera or device at the Library for non-commercial purposes unless signage explicitly states otherwise. Non-commercial use includes personal, educational, or scholarly projects that are not intended for sale, promotion, marketing or financial gain. 

• Exhibitions: no flash photography. Please note that some exhibition loan agreements may have specific conditions such as ‘no photography’ – these will be clearly signposted in the exhibition space 
• Manuscripts/unpublished material: refer to guidelines about manuscripts in the Heritage Collections Reading Room
• Heritage collection material: speak to staff in the room before copying or photographing heritage collection materials.

General guidelines regarding collection material: 

• Follow staff directions with regards to copying
• Do not use flash when photographing collection material
• 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.

Editorial filming and photography requests 

The media and communications team at State Library Victoria facilitates photography and filming requests from media outlets for editorial purposes.

To qualify as editorial, filmmakers must prominently acknowledge State Library Victoria on camera and, when relevant, mention the venue name. Photography must acknowledge State Library Victoria in associated captions.

For media and editorial requests, please contact media@slv.vic.gov.au. 

Commercial filming and photography 

Commercial filming and photography are prohibited without prior written consent and can generally only occur outside Library opening hours. Any photography or filming used for commercial purposes that features the Library’s façade, venues, or spaces – such as in films, television dramas, fashion shoots, music videos or advertisements – is classified as commercial. This category also includes wedding photography.

The Library defines ‘commercial’ as any activity aimed at marketing, promotion or sale that involves a financial transaction.

For more information about using the Library for commercial filming and photography, please contact locationhire@slv.vic.gov.au.