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Professional Photography Policy

Effective May 1, 2011, a new policy for Professional Photographers and Videographers took effect at Historic Mill Race Village in Northville. The Northville Historical Society, the non-profit, volunteer organization that operates and finances the Village, has instituted this policy because of overuse and abuse of the Village in the past. This new policy requires that professional photographers or videographers who wish to take photos or videos on the grounds of Mill Race Village to sign a contract, provide a copy of insurance and pay a Yearly Fee of $500 or a One-Day fee of $125 for non-Northville residents, or $100 for Northville residents. This policy is now in effect and will be enforced.

The Village will continue to be closed to the public during weddings held at Mill Race. In addition, professional photographers/videographers are no longer allowed to visit the Village grounds on Sundays, between 1:00pm - 4:00pm when the Village is open to the public, or during any other Historical Society special public event.

The details of this new policy are below and you can download the application to fill out and return with the payment.
Photography Permit Agreement Yearly
Photography Permit Agreement One-Day

After signing the contract and paying the fee, you will be sent a MRV Photographers Badge that must be worn and displayed whenever you are on the grounds of the Village shooting photographs. You will also receive an electronic calendar listing all the weddings and events that close the Village for the current year. You will no longer have to worry about arriving here with a client only to be turned away. This information will not be given out over the phone to non-participating photographers as was done in the past. In addition, we will also give your contact information to parties renting the Village for weddings.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and participation in our new policy. If you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact the Northville Historical Society via email or at (248) 348-1845.

Larry Last, President
Northville Historical Society

Northville Historical Society
Professional Photographer/Videographer Policy

Professional photographers and videographers must sign a yearly contract, pay a yearly fee, and provide an insurance certificate naming the Northville Historical Society as an additional insured, in order to take photos or videos at Mill Race Village. This applies to all Photographers/Videographers who charge a fee or sell their images in any way. The fee is $500 per year, payable at time of application, and renewable each January. If the contract is signed after August 31 in any calendar year, the fee for the remainder of that calendar year is $250. The photography permit fee is non-refundable. The permit must be applied for and payment made prior to the photography. One Permit Badge will be issued and must be worn at all times when on the premises. If the Permit Badge is lost, there is a $50 replacement fee. Photographers and their clients will be asked to leave the grounds if they do not have a permit. City of Northville Police will be called if necessary.

A one-day Photography Pass is also available for a fee of $125 for non-Northville residents and $100 for Northville residents. Arrangements must be made in advance with the Historical Society Office, a contract signed and the fee paid. A one-day pass will be issued and must be worn when on the grounds during the photo shoot.

Professional Photographers/Videographers who sign the contract and pay the fee will receive:

• Notification by email of all weddings and events that close the Village to visitors. This information will not be available to the general public or photographers who do not pay the fee.
• Will be included on our Vendor List given to couples being married at Mill Race Village.

Photographers/Videographers hired by parties who have entered into a written contract with Mill Race Village (such as for a wedding held at Mill Race Village) are exempt from this policy.

This policy does not apply to individuals who are taking photos for their personal use and who do not sell the images in any format.

1. Professional Photographers/Videographers are not allowed on the grounds for filming or taking photographs when the Village is open on Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00pm, or when open for any other special event, such as weddings, etc.

2. No one may walk through the gardens or climb on trees. No one may move furniture, climb on balconies, sit on porch railings or window sills, or otherwise disrespect the buildings. This is a historical site and its historical value must be protected.

3. No pictures or videos may be taken inside any buildings. All booked wedding parties and their photographers may take pictures inside the Church.

4. Professional photographers may not set up tables, signs or other equipment in efforts to solicit business from clients while on the grounds of Mill Race Village.

5. Professional Photographers/Videographers must conduct themselves in an orderly manner, in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and rules. The Professional Photographer/ Videographers assume full responsibility for the conduct of all persons in attendance with them and for any damage to any part of the Village. If members of a photography party are deemed boisterous or unruly, they will be asked to leave the grounds.

6. Professional Videographers, or any corporation, who wish to film video in Mill Race Village for profit must make arrangements in advance, sign a contract, present proof of insurance, and pay a $500 fee per filming event. Student videographers (must show their school ID) who are filming for a school project, and any amateur videographers who are filming for personal use, must make arrangements in advance. There is no charge for student/amateur videographers.

7. Any personal property brought onto the premises shall be at the sole risk of the Professional Photographer/ Videographer and the Northville Historical Society shall not be liable for any loss or damage for any reason.

8. Alcohol is not permitted on the grounds. Candles/open flames are not allowed on the grounds. All vehicles must park in the lot. The dirt lane is a fire lane and must be kept clear. Driving on the lawn is not permitted.