Upvote:2
I would suggest that you contact the US embassy or consulate closest to you because the nuance of the reason to travel might make you require a Foreign Press credentials.
If you look at the State Department's Visa Waiver Page it states:
Travel Purposes Not Permitted on Visa Waiver Program – Examples:
These are some examples of activities not permitted on the VWP and require visas for travel to the United States:.
- study, for credit
- employment
- work as foreign press, radio, film, journalists, or other information media
- permanent residence in the United States
Which your purpose for visit might fall under this guideline. If the consulate deems that it does fall under this guideline you may have to obtain an I visa which is specifically designed for:
A member of the media engaged in the production or distribution of film, if the material being filmed will be used to disseminate information, news, or is educational in nature. The primary source and distribution of funding must be outside the United States.
But a consulate official might be a better source for this determination especially so if you will be carrying professional equipment with you.