from $99/year
Insurance for professional photographers including liability and replacement cost equipment coverage plus twenty more optional coverages specific to photography.
Professional Photographers
"Highly Recommend" RVNA Insurance
Why New Mexico Photographers Need Custom Insurance for Events & Film Work
For photographers in New Mexico, every assignment presents a different challenge. One day, you’re shooting in the controlled setting of a luxury venue, where lighting and conditions are predictable; the next, you’re navigating the unpredictability of an outdoor film set, contending with dust, wind, and rapidly changing schedules.
Some shoots require working in crowded festival environments where space is limited and risks are heightened, while others take place in remote desert landscapes where protecting gear from the severe weather is a priority.
Whether you’re covering cultural events, weddings, or independent films, working in this industry requires constant risk management—not just for the quality of your work but for the safety of your equipment and business operations. That’s why having the right insurance isn’t just a precaution, it’s a business necessity that allows you to work with confidence, no matter the location or conditions.
Key Risks for Photographers in New Mexico
New Mexico offers a vast and varied landscape for photographers, but working in deserts, historic locations, and crowded festivals presents unique risks:
Varied Shooting Environments – Shooting in rugged desert landscapes or historic venues can be tough on equipment and pose liability risks.
Large-Scale Events & Cultural Festivals – Events like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta expose photographers to unpredictable weather and crowds.
Film & Television Productions – Many independent film productions have limited insurance, leaving photographers vulnerable to accidents or damaged equipment.
With the right insurance, photographers can safeguard their business from these challenges while continuing to create stunning imagery across New Mexico’s dynamic settings.
New Mexico Photography Hotspots and Risks
With its iconic adobe architecture, art galleries, and upscale weddings, Santa Fe is a sought-after destination for photographers and frequently serves as a backdrop for independent films and major productions. However, strict venue regulations, potential liability concerns, and high-value equipment risks make insurance coverage essential.
Common Risks: Liability claims from venue property damage, high-end event contracts requiring liability insurance, and theft of expensive photography gear.
Recommended Coverage: General liability and equipment insurance.
Home to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a thriving commercial scene, and a growing film industry, this city offers many photography opportunities. Large crowds, unpredictable weather, and commercial studio requirements make coverage critical.
Common Risks: Accidental equipment damage at events, property damage at rented studios, and liability concerns in public spaces.
Recommended Coverage: General liability protects against bodily injury and event or venue property damage. Equipment insurance to cover gear for accidental damage and theft.
Known for its mountain vistas and rugged outdoor locations, Taos attracts landscape, nature, and adventure photographers. Remote locations, extreme weather, and challenging terrain introduce unique insurance considerations.
Common Risks: Equipment damage in outdoor environments, accessibility challenges in remote locations, and unpredictable weather conditions.
Recommended Coverage: Equipment insurance which includes protection for accidental damage, plus severe weather coverage such as thunderstorms, floods, and wildfires.
As one of the fastest-growing cities in New Mexico, Las Cruces offers a mix of commercial, nature, and university-related photography opportunities. Its desert landscapes and city developments make it a hub for real estate, corporate, and outdoor shoots.
Common Risks: Windstorms that may accidentally damage equipment, property damage at commercial shoots, and liability concerns in rented spaces.
Recommended Coverage: Equipment insurance and general liability (includes property damage and bodily injury).
Known for its sci-fi tourism, UFO festivals, and eerie desert landscapes, Roswell is a destination for conceptual photography, tourism-related shoots, and indie sci-fi film productions.
Common Risks: Equipment loss in remote settings, liability risks from shooting in tourist-heavy areas, and potential weather-related damage.
Recommended Coverage: Replacement Cost Equipment insurance for theft and accidental damage and liability coverage for public spaces where someone could get injured by your setup or your set up accidentally damages property.
Photographer Reviews
“I’ve carried liability insurance with RVNA for a few years now. Just renewed over the phone and it was quick, easy and hassle-free. I would recommend this company to my photographer friends for their business.” —Victor O., Google
“I have been using them for years for my photography business and when I need help they are there for me, stress free and one stop call resolution.” —Jennifer C., Google
“Great firm for photographers who need an insurance company that understands our business. My equipment is covered as I travel or am at home. This is a great company.” —Ngo N., Google
Unlimited Certificates of Insurance (COIs) Free with Liability
With RVNA photographers can manage their policy online and add Additional Insureds instantly or call 1-800-364-2433 to have one of our top-rated insurance professionals do it for you.
New Mexico Photography by Specialty
New Mexico is home to a thriving community of photographers, from event and portrait specialists to commercial and film set professionals. Each type of photographer faces unique business challenges, from working in historic venues to navigating unpredictable outdoor environments. We provide tailored insurance solutions to protect your gear, business, and livelihood. Explore our dedicated photographer specialty pages to learn how we support photographers across New Mexico.
- Architectural Photographer
- Commercial Photographer
- Nature Photographer
- Pet Photographer
- Portrait Photographer
- Real Estate Photographer
- Sports Photographer
- Street Photographer
- Wedding Photographer
- Wildlife Photographer
From protecting valuable equipment to covering liability at shoots, we’re here to help photographers safeguard their businesses.
Top Insurance Coverages for New Mexico Photographers
General Liability Insurance: Protects against property damage or injury claims, with limits up to $6M/$7M. Many New Mexico venues, event spaces, and film productions require proof of liability coverage before allowing photographers on-site. This coverage is crucial for those working in wedding venues, film locations, and commercial shoots to safeguard against legal claims and unexpected accidents.
Property Damage Liability: Essential for commercial shoots, film sets, and studio sessions, protecting against accidental damage to rented locations, high-end properties, or production sets. Included as part of General Liability coverage, this protection ensures photographers are covered if an accident damages client or venue property.
Equipment Insurance: Equipment insurance protects against theft, damage, and loss, including damage caused by severe weather such as floods, fire, or hurricanes. Includes replacement cost coverage for essential items such as cameras, lenses, laptops, monitors, lighting setups, audio equipment, and rented gear (if selected).
Covers theft, accidental damage, and loss of photography and video gear, including cameras, lenses, laptops, monitors, lighting setups, audio equipment, and rented gear (if selected). This coverage includes replacement cost protection, ensuring that if your equipment is stolen or damaged, you can replace it with an equivalent model. New Mexico’s extreme weather conditions, such as flash floods and wildfires, make this coverage especially vital.
No per item or aggregate limit
RVNA places no limits on the value of your camera or equipment. For example, If a photographer selects a $10,000 coverage limit then the equipment is covered up to $10,000 even if that amount is for a single camera accidentally damaged that costs $10,000 to replace. Other insurance places per item limits on camera and gear.
Owned and rented equipment
RVNA’s Photographer Insurance provides coverage for owned and rented equipment. For example: A photographer rents lights for a shoot and a light gets damaged. RVNA’s Camera Equipment Insurance covers the replacement cost of the equipment up to the insured limit. Other insurance excludes rented equipment.
Set Your Own Limits
With RVNA Photographer Insurance, tailor your policy to cover exactly what you need. Our custom policies can be quoted and purchased online instantly. Using our online system, you select only the limits and coverages you need. Other insurance is package-based and costs photographers more money for less coverage.
Drone Insurance (UAV Operators) in New Mexico
Drone photography and videography offer unique perspectives for real estate, tourism, and commercial projects across New Mexico, from the adobe landscapes of Santa Fe to the vast desert expanses of White Sands. However, operating drones introduces specific risks, making specialized drone insurance essential for UAV operators in the state. Our coverage includes:
UAV Liability Coverage:
Liability coverage ranges from $100,000 to $2 million, protecting you from potential claims related to bodily injury or property damage. This includes coverage for non-owned or hired drones, which is especially important as many New Mexico municipalities, national parks, and private venues require proof of liability insurance from professional drone operators. Keep in mind that homeowner policies typically won’t cover commercial UAV operations, so dedicated liability insurance is necessary to protect you and your business.
Physical Damage (Hull) Coverage:
This covers your drone and its payload (such as attached cameras) against theft and accidental damage, safeguarding the valuable equipment you depend on for your business. Given New Mexico’s harsh environmental conditions, including high winds and unpredictable weather, having hull coverage ensures that your UAV investment is protected.
Multiple Drone Policy:
Our policies are available to both single-drone operators and UAV operators with a fleet of drones, ensuring you have the flexibility to expand your business while maintaining full coverage. With New Mexico’s growing demand for aerial photography in film, real estate, and tourism marketing, having the right drone insurance gives you an edge.
Our drone insurance is available statewide, covering professionals in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Las Cruces, Roswell, and beyond New Mexico to all 50 states and many worldwide locations.
Questions?
Call us 1-800-364-2433
Emergency Assistance Plus® (EA+)
For photographers who travel internationally, work in remote locations, or even travel outside their state, RVNA has partnered with Emergency Assistance Plus, a service that provides vital support during medical emergencies. EA+ is designed to assist photographers who face a medical emergency requiring hospitalization while away from home, ensuring they get the proper medical care and safe transportation home if needed.
Medical Emergencies: Professional photography can pose physical risks, from falls while hiking to encounters with wildlife. Emergency Assistance Plus provides access to highly skilled professionals to coordinate necessary medical care, including air ambulance transportation home if required.
A Card You Keep With You: EA+ membership goes beyond just protecting the photographer. With a Premiere membership, if a photographer is traveling with family or a pet and needs medical evacuation, EA+ arranges and covers transportation home for their companion, including minor children or a pet.
Get Insured Today
Let RVNA help you protect your photography business and ensure your continued success in New Mexico and beyond.
Questions? Call us 1-800-364-2433 5:30AM to 5:00PM PT.