Working in the great outdoors means embracing unpredictability. Whether you’re trekking through rain-soaked forests, scaling rocky cliffs, or setting up near rivers and waterfalls, your gear is exposed to elements and hazards that can damage or destroy it.
Essential Insurance Coverages for Nature Photographers
1. Equipment Insurance: Replacement Cost Coverage
Your camera gear is the heart of your business, and the rugged environments you work in put it at constant risk of damage, loss, or theft. Equipment insurance provides financial protection, ensuring you can replace or repair your equipment hassle free.
Nature photographers travel frequently to capture stunning landscapes, often transporting expensive gear. Equipment insurance provides worldwide coverage. With some exclusions, your equipment is covered for accidental damage whether in your home state or traveling outside the United States to make sure you capture stunning images.
Example Scenario:
You’re photographing a canyon during sunset when a sudden gust of wind knocks over your tripod, sending your camera tumbling onto rocky terrain. Equipment insurance covers the repair costs, so you’re not out of pocket.
2. General Liability Insurance: Coverage for Bodily Injury & Property
Nature photographers often work in public spaces like parks, hiking trails, and beaches. General liability insurance protects you if someone is injured due to your setup or property is accidentally damaged during a shoot on location.
Example Scenario:
While setting up for a landscape shot in a state park, a hiker trips over your camera bag and injures their ankle. Liability insurance covers medical expenses and legal fees if they decide to file a claim.
3. Drone Insurance: Aerial Photography Coverage
Many nature photographers use drones to capture stunning aerial shots of landscapes, rivers, and cliffs. However, drones come with additional risks, such as crashes that can cause damage to the Drone and/or property. Drone insurance provides coverage for damage, repairs, and liability claims. More about Drone Insurance
Example Scenario:
While flying your drone to capture aerial footage of a mountain range, it malfunctions and crashes into rocks. Drone insurance covers the replacement cost, so your project isn’t delayed.
Common Risks Nature Photographers Face
1. Weather-Related Damage
Sudden rain, wind, or snow can damage gear. Waterproof bags and covers help, but insurance ensures protection from accidental damage.
2. Accidents and Falls
Climbing hills, navigating rocky trails, or setting up near water increases the likelihood of slips and equipment drops. With insurance, accidents don’t have to ruin your shoot—or your finances.
3. Permit and Compliance Issues
Did you know some national and state parks require proof of insurance before issuing commercial photography permits? Without coverage, you may miss out on these prime shooting locations.
Top Insurance Tips for Nature Photographers
1. Read Your Policy Details
Read policy language to make sure you are covered for the types of shoots you are doing.
2. Keep an eye on your equipment
Do not leave your equipment unattended.
3. Protect Your Drone
If you use drones, make sure your policy covers crashes, damage, and liability claims.
4. Severe weather events
RVNA’s Equipment Insurance provides coverage for photography and business equipment against accidental damage when damage occurs from a flood, fire, hurricane, tornado, and more.
We specialize in protecting photographers who work in unpredictable environments. Our plans include: