Hi @jia1674 ,
The first image seem to be highly compressed. The quality of what you post here is extremely poor when zoomed.
I am assuming the second photo is an image of "The Wave in northern Arizona". If I am correct, the following is my IP findings:
Visitors with a recreation permit can take photographs of The Wave for commercial purposes, including licensing them on stock photo sites, without an additional permit, provided they meet specific criteria. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees the Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, where The Wave is located, and differentiates between recreational and commercial photography.
Key regulations for commercial photography
"De minimis" activity does not require a separate permit. A 2025 law, the EXPLORE Act, significantly changed the rules for photography on federal lands, including those managed by the BLM. A separate permit is not required if the activity meets all of the following conditions:
Involves eight or fewer people.
Uses only handheld equipment.
Takes place in an area open to the public.
Does not require exclusive use of a site.
Does not adversely affect resources, values, or other visitors.
Does not result in additional administrative costs for the BLM.
Making money does not automatically trigger permit requirements. The law specifies that receiving monetary compensation does not, in itself, affect the permissibility of filming or still photography.
Permits are required for larger-scale commercial productions. A separate, more detailed permit is needed if the photography activity exceeds the "de minimis" criteria. This includes using models, sets, or props, or requiring a large crew or specialized equipment.
Implications for licensing photos of The Wave
For a visitor who secured a standard recreational permit to visit The Wave, licensing their photos on a stock photo site like Adobe Stock or Shutterstock is typically acceptable, as long as the photography itself remained within the "de minimis" activity guidelines.
However, anyone intending a larger-scale commercial shoot (e.g., with a group of people acting as models or using significant equipment) must contact the local BLM field office to apply for a separate commercial use permit.
Disclaimer: These regulations can be complex and may be subject to interpretation. Any commercial photographer should confirm the latest rules and their specific situation by contacting the BLM's Paria River District Office.
I'ts a beautiful file, and I'm sorry to know that Adobe give you an IP refusal for that image.
Best wishes
Jacquelin
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