Photographers visiting Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site in Colorado Springs will no longer be able to take portrait photos wherever and whenever they’d like at the location. As of late June, the historic site changed its policy to only allow portrait photography during certain hours and with a $50 permit.

The site will now be off limits to portrait photography between 9 – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and during special events. This applies to professional and amateur photographers having portrait sessions, not your typical visitor snapping a photo.

Parks Operation Administrator Andy Morris told The Gazette they had to make the changes to preserve the historic integrity of the ranch. An increase in the amount of photography equipment on site and the number of people posing in formal wear can really take away from the experience for visitors.

There’s been growing concern about the overwhelming crowds at photo hotspots due to their popularity on platforms like Instagram. One popular travel photographer geotags his post and suddenly everyone needs to go there to capture it too. The famous Horseshoe Bend in Arizona is even facing major changes with the future development and addition of a safe viewing platform to accommodate 50 people – all in an effort to keep visitors from getting too close to the edge for the perfect shot. With more and more developments like these, it will be interesting to see the evolution of photographer access to popular sites.

For more information about the Rock Ledge Ranch photography policy and obtaining permits, visit rockledgeranch.com.