NOTE: Media applications for Black Rock City 2026 have closed.
Burning Man is a private event, and photographers, videographers and documentarians wishing to capture images intended for public distribution are required to submit a proposal and sign use agreements prior to the event.
Approval to shoot images in Black Rock City is not approval to exhibit or distribute. Completed projects are reviewed by the Burning Man Press Team and receive written permission before they can be distributed publicly. In short, no public use of any image may be made without this written consent.
To apply to cover the Burning Man event, you can submit a Media Project Proposal. Proposals open in February and the deadline to apply for a professional media project is the third Wednesday in July. We strongly recommend registering as early as possible. We limit the number of professional cameras allowed in Black Rock City and projects are approved on a rolling basis, so you’ll have a better chance of receiving approval if you apply well before the deadline.
Each year, we grant permission to a select number of media projects. By providing the most detailed information possible on your registration form, you can help us make an informed decision about your project. Note that flying a drone in Black Rock City requires separate review and permission from the media project proposal process.
NOTE: We do not and will not approve projects that propose to livestream from the playa! The only streaming from the playa that is permitted is the official Burning Man Webcast. Learn more about the Webcast.
Thank you! We look forward to hearing from you!
If you have any questions you may contact us at press@burningman.org.