Guidelines for Photographers & Painters

Policy for the use of photographs and images:

The Preserve welcomes the taking of photographs and making of other images of the gardens and landscapes by our visitors for their own personal use and enjoyment. 
 
Any commercial use, reuse, or reproduction by any means is at the discretion of the Preserve and may only occur with the express written consent of the Preserve. All requests for use of images for commercial purposes will be considered on a case-by-case basis. This policy is to protect the interests of the Preserve when it is represented in a photograph or other image accessible to the public and to reserve rights of reproduction for the Preserve or its designee. 


Criteria for commercial use of photos and images:
No commercial photography is permitted at any location of the Preserve except for professional photographers participating in portrait photo sessions and selling their photos to their clients.

 

All requests for permission to use an image commercially must include a copy of the image to be used.

• Generally, permission will be given for images to be used for educational purposes, such as in books, slide shows, lectures, institutional web sites, magazines and journals, educational video productions, or other learning environments.

• Generally, permission will be denied for use of images on cards, postcards, calendars, articles of clothing, posters, or other items to be sold to the public by entities other than the Preserve or its designee. 

• Permission for commercial use of photographs will be granted only when the purpose of the use is in alignment with the mission of the Preserve.

• Generally, permission will not be given for commercial photo shoots, such as clothing catalogs and other advertising media. 


Portrait Photography:

Portrait photography is permitted, such as graduation, wedding, or engagement photos, at all three gardens and the natural lands. 

• Portrait photography respects the experience of other visitors and follows instructions from onsite garden staff.

• Photographers and their subjects will avoid stepping in flower beds and otherwise damaging any part of the landscape.

 

At the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, reservations must be made for each person being photographed and the photographer.
 
At the Asticou Azalea Garden, Thuya Garden, and the natural lands, reservations are not required. Donations are appreciated.
 
No commercial photography is permitted at any location of the Preserve except for professional photographers participating in portrait photo sessions and selling their photos to their clients. 

 

Preserve gardens are not available for weddings. 


Drone Photography:
Drone photography is not permitted on any Preserve properties. Drones may not be launched from Preserve properties or landed on Preserve properties. Drone operators may not operate drones on or from Preserve properties.
 

Feel free to contact our office with any questions at info@gardenpreserve.org.

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Plein Air Painters:

Plein air painters are welcome on the natural lands and in the gardens.

• Asticou Azalea Garden and Thuya Garden–Available between dawn and dusk, seven days per week. A reservation is not required. Please check in with the garden staff when you arrive. They have discretion to handle each request and determine an appropriate location.

• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden—Available on public garden days during visiting hours. A reservation is required and can be made through our website. 

• Natural Lands—Available between dawn and dusk, seven days per week. Set-up can be anywhere on the lands if it does not interfere with other visitors’ enjoyment of the landscape.

• Donations are appreciated.

 
Feel free to contact our office with any questions at info@gardenpreserve.org.