The Dawes Arboretum is an ideal location for photography and we encourage guests to take pictures during their visit. Please note that The Arboretum reserves the right to limit access and photography in any area at any time. The photography policy applies to all Arboretum locations including Red Barn Reserve, Dutch Fork Wetlands and Arboretum East. All locations are available on a first come first serve basis and cannot be reserved in advance.

Visitor Photography

Members and guests are encouraged to take photos during their visit for private, personal use only and do not include a professional photographer. These photos cannot be for resale, commercial use, or special events (i.e., individual or family photoshoots, engagement photos, senior class portraits, weddings* etc.)

Professional Photography Sessions

Members and guests who wish to have professional photography taken at The Arboretum can do so by reserving a session and paying the associated fee. The Dawes Arboretum considers professional photography sessions to include a photographer who is being paid for their services or has professional equipment. Fees vary based on the number of people included in the session. The photographer’s admission is included in the one-time fee and is not included in the guest count. The photographer may bring one assistant if needed. All sessions must be reserved in advance with payment submitted in full. Sessions will be available in 2-hour increments and cannot extend past closing time. No photography sessions will be available during special events. The Dawes Arboretum reserves the right to approach photographers/videographers on our grounds about their work. If the appropriate permission has not been granted, they will be asked to return their equipment to their vehicle before enjoying the rest of their visit at The Dawes Arboretum. 

All people being photographed must be included in the guest count when reserving a photography session. Additionally, any friends or family who wish to attend the session must also be included in the guest count even if they are not being photographed, including children under the age of 5.

Pricing per session

1-5 guests – $100

6-10 guests – $150

11-15 guests – $200

15+ guests – $300

Photography fees are non-refundable unless The Dawes Arboretum closes due to an emergency or inclement weather. Photography sessions can be rescheduled prior to the date and time of the session. Library passes cannot be used for admission to the grounds for a photography session and an Arboretum membership does not entitle the party to any discounts or waived fees.

Commercial Photography

Commercial photography is prohibited on Arboretum grounds unless approved by the Marketing and Communications Department prior to your visit. Commercial photography or video includes but is not limited to, images for use in advertising, television commercials, music videos, brochures, model portfolios, and other industrial, promotional, or advertising projects.

Drone Photography

For the safety and protection of our guests and collections, the launching and/or operation of a Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drone) from or above The Dawes Arboretum property is strictly prohibited. 

Photography Guidelines

Please enjoy the beauty of The Arboretum with your camera while following the photography guidelines below.

  • Professional photographers are required to reserve their session prior to each visit. Reservations can be made in person, over the phone or online. Once the session has been reserved the photographer will receive an email receipt that will include a photography pass. This pass will include the session date, time and number of guests.
  • Professional photographers must check in at the Gatehouse upon arrival for their session and present their photography pass.
  • Professional Photographers can arrive anytime during their reserved session window but must leave by the end of the allotted two hours. If a session were to go past the allotted two hours, photographers must purchase an additional two-hour session or end the session.
  • To protect our landscapes, we ask that you respect our plants and habitats. Do not step in flower beds, pick flowers/leaves/nuts, climb trees or move outdoor furniture/garden containers. Attaching materials to trees and plants is prohibited.
  • Photographers are not entitled to any exclusive use of any garden, collection or area of The Dawes Arboretum.
  • Outside props are prohibited (including but not limited to, sofas and other furniture, farm animals, motorized vehicles, smoke bombs, paint and balloons).
  • Attire for photo subjects must meet acceptable community standards. Public changing rooms are not available.
  • The Dawes Arboretum is not responsible for any loss or damage of equipment.
  • The Dawes Arboretum reserves the right to ask guests to discontinue a behavior or session if it poses a safety concern, blocks a path or impacts the experience of other guests.
  • The Dawes Arboretum reserves the right to approach photographers/videographers on our grounds about their work. If the appropriate permission has not been granted, they will be asked to return their equipment to their vehicle before enjoying the rest of their visit.
  • Non-compliance with these rules may result in forfeiture of future photography privileges.

 

The Dawes Arboretum occasionally documents our visitors and programming activities for historical and general promotional purposes. This includes the taking of both pictures and videos. Visitors to The Dawes Arboretum consent to the use and publication of these images by The Dawes Arboretum, who specifically reserves all rights thereto, pursuant to and in compliance with applicable law. 

The Dawes Arboretum does on occasion operate a UAS (drone). This operation is in strict accordance with FAA guidelines and the operator in constant communication with staff members to ensure the welfare of our guests and collections. 

To inquire about media for publication use please email information@dawesarb.org. Include your name, publication, the articles topic and publication date. 

*Please note, The Dawes Arboretum does not currently host weddings.

 

 

Photography Policy Frequently Asked Questions

Why did The Arboretum change the photography policy?
The photography policy was changed in an effort to create an easier, more efficient process for guests and members who would like to have professional photography held at The Arboretum. New efficiencies added to the photography process include online reservations, digital session tickets, and removal of the use of photography lanyards. Other gardens and arboreta were benchmarked when creating this policy in order to provide a well-defined process that is modeled after known best practices.

Can I take my homecoming and prom photos at The Dawes Arboretum?
Yes, as long as the photos being taken are not by a professional photographer or have professional equipment. Guests will just need to pay admission.

Do I have to arrive right at the scheduled session time?
Yes, please arrive at the beginning of the scheduled session time or any time after within the 2-hour session.

What if my session extends past the 2-hour time frame?
You will need to purchase an additional session or end the photography session.

Can I take landscape and nature photography?
Yes, as long as the photos are not for resale or commercial use. Photos must be for personal or private use.

What if more guests arrive to the photography session than were included in the original reservation?
The guests or the photographer will need to pay the difference up to the new guest count or have the additional guests leave The Arboretum.

What about my current photography membership?

Photographers who currently have a photography membership are welcome to continue hosting sessions at The Arboretum and using their client passes through December 31, 2023. The updated policy is effective for all photography members on January 1, 2024. Any photographer who is not a current photography member will have to follow the new policy immediately.

Do the session fees include admission for clients?

Yes, the session fee includes Arboretum admission for all session guests and the photographer.

 

Updated 10/2023