The McNay Art Museum stands as one of the greatest art institutions in San Antonio.  And while the museum may be known for the outstanding collection of art indoors, the beautiful building and surrounding gardens make the museum equally well known as a photographer’s dream location.  In today’s blog post, I will tell you everything you need to know about how to take photos at the McNay Art Museum.  From the permit requirements to the best locations, I’ve got it all in this article.

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Quick Summary

• A formal portrait session on the grounds does require a photo permit, but the cost is only $30 for 10 people

• Come prepared for your photo shoot as there is no changing or makeup area

• To take photos in the interior courtyard or on the mosaic staircase requires an additional fee, but this includes a private session in the museum

• Surprise proposals can be arranged at the gazebo or the grand fountain for an additional fee

• Take full advantage of the lush grounds and take photos in the forested area out past the parking lot

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New York City vs. the McNay Art Museum

Let’s start with what I found so different about the McNay Art Museum.  As a recent transplant from New York City, I am well acquainted with the photo permit process.  While New York institutions regularly charge exorbitant permit fees, the prices for the McNay (and other local institutions) are well within anyone’s budget.

I’ll go through the details in length, but let me just say that by keeping prices fair, the McNay is encouraging people to follow the rules.  In comparison, charging $500+ for a mere two hours of photography only emboldens people to skirt around the rules and avoid the permit process altogether.  (Case in point: my recommendations for taking photos at the New York Botanical Garden.)

How to Take Photos at the McNay Art Museum – A Basic Portrait Session

For those of you visiting the museum who want to simply take personal photos on your cell phone, note that the museum absolutely allows this in all galleries.  As long as you are not using a flash, selfie stick, or tripod, you may snap away at will.  The only exception would be any rules explicitly stated for a specific exhibition.

But if you are looking to schedule a formal portrait session with a professional photographer, then you will need to request a permit.  The good news is that this process is very easy and only costs $30 for up to 10 guests.  Permits must be reserved 48 hours in advance or you can simply pay the security officer on the grounds upon your arrival.

How to Take Photos at the McNay Art Museum – Grounds Photography Passes

You can easily purchase your grounds photography pass online, and the museum even offers a photography punch card (!!!) for 12 sessions at a bargain rate of $300.  Trust me; this is unheard of in the world of photography permits.

Prices do increase depending upon the number of people being photographed.  For the average bridal party and family photo session, a permit fee of $50 is hard to beat.  Here is the full set of prices for the ground photography passes:

• Groups of 1-9: $30.00
• Groups of 10-19: $50.00
• Groups of 20+: $100.00
• Photography Punch Card (12 sessions): $300.00

How to Take Photos at the McNay Art Museum – The Rules

As with any public venue, there are rules to be followed.  I have included the full set of rules below from the museum’s website.  The only particular items of note are that the venue does not have any space available for changing clothes or applying makeup.  As such, come ready to shoot when you arrive at the McNay.

In addition, note that the McNay Art Museum is one of San Antonio’s most popular wedding venues.  Make sure that you check the museum’s calendar of events so that you are not booking a photo session as the same time as a private event on the museum’s grounds.

• Please note that Museum events and scheduled events/event photography take precedence over standard grounds photography. In the case that there is a scheduled event, you may be asked to clear the area.
• Outdoor photography patrons are highly encouraged to come dressed up and ready for their picture-taking sessions. The McNay does not provide changing rooms and public restrooms may not be used as changing facilities for those shooting on the grounds.
• Photography clients may not wear swimwear or revealing attire.
• Museum galleries, lobbies or indoor courtyard are not available as sitting areas for portraits.
• Decorative objects and sculptures on the grounds may not be removed or rearranged.
• Do not climb on any of the sculptures.
• Do not stand on or in water fountains.
• Videotaping is permitted for personal use only and is prohibited in the use of publication, advertising, promotion, or marketing.
• Drones are not permitted for use anywhere on the grounds.

Keep in mind that during your photo session, the grounds of the McNay are still open to the public.  Your photo permit does not grant you exclusive use of the grounds.  In turn, make sure you book your session during a less crowded day and time to avoid crowds.

How to Take Photos at the McNay Art Museum – Special Indoor Locations

When you book a grounds photography pass, this entitles you to take photos in all of the outdoor garden areas surrounding the McNay Art Museum.  There are two special locations, however, that require an additional fee for photography.

To take photos in the grand inner courtyard of the McNay Museum requires an additional fee of $200.  This fee grants you access to the Blackburn Patio and the Semmes Lobby staircase.  The patio is quite unique and includes a colorful, tiled staircase, bubbling fountain, and lots of tropical foliage when in bloom.  You can take photos from the second floor of the patio to either look down (or up) on your subject.

The fee covers one hour of photography and must be reserved separately by contacting the museum at this email address: indoorphotos@mcnayart.org.  The additional fee may seem a tad steep, but you are guaranteed a private session since indoor photos at the McNay may only be booked when the museum is closed.

How to Take Photos at the McNay Art Museum – Surprise Proposals

As you might expect, surprise proposals at the McNay Art Museum are a big deal.  As with the indoor photography permits, a proposal at the McNay entitles the recipient to exclusive use of the grounds for an additional fee of $200.  (Note that the $30 grounds photography fee is waived with the purchase of the proposal fee.)

Proposals can either be staged at the magnificent fountain or at the quaint Japanese-style gazebo by the koi pond.  If you are looking to stage an epic proposal, then note that up to 25 guests can join you at the proposal and music is permitted.  Drones, glitter, balloons, and confetti, however, are prohibited.  Also, alcohol is forbidden, so you will have to pop a bottle of cider instead.

How to Take Photos at the McNay Art Museum – The Best Locations

My biggest recommendation for a photo shoot at the McNay Art Museum is to make sure you take advantage of all of the grounds.  While you will get a stunning photo from the viewpoint of the fountain towards the main building, don’t forget to take photos by the gigantic oak tree directly behind the fountain.  Furthermore, don’t forget about the lush, forested area out past the parking lot.  If you are looking for a completely private area, this is it.  And if you need an area for the little ones to run around during a shoot, this area certainly fits the bill.

Take special care to notice all of the details in the garden.  From the little Japanese koi pond area to the reflecting pool at the front of the museum, you have lots of options for close, tight shots that will make it seem like you are a world away from San Antonio.

Finally, as with any garden, timing is going to bring out the best blooms. I visited in early January right after the hard freeze, and needless to say the garden wasn’t looking its best. Specifically, a lot of the banana trees and papyrus had bitten the dust.  Fear not, the warm San Antonio weather can resurrect the dead and I am sure the garden will be in bloom for your photo shoot.

Enjoy the images accompanying this article.  I visited the McNay Art Museum twice for photos and have also included images from some of my past shoots.  And as always, I will have more photo adventures for you next week!

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Are you looking for a San Antonio family portrait photographer?  Drop me a line and let’s chat about your photography needs.

If you would like to see more images from my family portrait portfolio, then please visit my website: KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com.