Copy of email recieved from NT
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The Trust is more than happy for people to take photographs on their days out for their own personal use, which includes posting them on photo sharing websites such as Flickr. We consider Flickr as 'personal use' so long as any photographer posting works does not pass those works on to third parties for reproduction, which of course would then be in breach of our policy. This of course does not apply to photographing indoors at NT properties, which is not allowed under any circumstances without prior arrangement with the property - for which you would need the necessary £6m liability insurance and a signed contract with the Trust.
A number of responses have been sent out by the Photo Library and the NT Press Office communicating our policy over the past few weeks. The policy communicated on the 'Photographers' tab at
The National Trust Photo Library and printed in the Handbook on page 376 (of the 2009 edition) will in due course be updated to expand the understanding of 'personal use'. We are in no way trying to undermine the enjoyment of visitors to our properties and sharing photographs in the way you describe is perfectly legitimate. We feel that it is more than unfortunate that in addressing unsanctioned commercial exploitation issues such as the one you refer to have been raised and wrongly represented. We do take unsanctioned exploitation very seriously, as do all heritage organisations, but individuals simply wishing to create photographs in the way you describe have always been welcome.
I hope this has answered your concerns.
Regards,
Chris.
Rowlin, Chris [chris.rowlin@nationaltrust.org.uk]