SHG Photography Policy
PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY
At the 49ͼ¿â Horticultural Gardens we welcome professional and recreational photographers. Our primary mission is to serve those looking to immerse themselves in horticulture—whether it's a stroll to recharge the mind and soul or a walk to see which plants grow best in our area. We ask that your photography sessions do not interfere with our visitor experience.
All professional photo sessions require a reservation, with specific areas available. To set up a rental reservation, please email woodfieldm@sandhills.edu or call (910) 246-4949. If your session includes any of the following criteria, you must reserve a garden space:
- Includes mini-sessions
- Additional decorations or furniture
- Takes longer than 30 minutes
- Includes more than two people
- Is for a commercial purpose
- Takes place outside of operating hours
We ask that all other photography sessions by recreational photographers or parties or groups be scheduled in order to maintain a smooth flow of garden usage at any given time. If you are planning to come to the gardens to take photos, please email woodfieldm@sandhills.edu or call (910) 246-4949 to make sure there are not other things already scheduled for the day and time you want to come. If you’re taking selfies, you don’t need to schedule, we just ask that you adhere to the guidelines for all photographers below.
Guidelines FOR ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS
These guidelines support the safeguarding of our multiple collections and create a positive experience for all of our guests. We ask that ALL photographers professional and recreational alike please respect and follow them. Any photographer failing to comply with these guidelines will be asked to vacate the premises.
- Abide by current garden visitation hours which are sunrise to sunset.
- Do not stage a photograph in the plantings or trees, block pathways with photography equipment/people or move the benches or labels.
- Do not monopolize garden spaces or paths with furniture, props or staging as we are a public garden and all guests deserve access to every space. If you would like a private area, rental reservations are available.
- Pets, emotional support animals and therapy animals are not allowed. Service dogs are permitted.
- No open flames, sparklers, confetti, grains, birdseed, flower petals (artificial or real), balloons, tape, glitter or sequins are allowed in gardens as they could threaten the birds, insects and other living things that make our gardens so special.
- Remain on the designated paths and stay out of all plant beds. These areas protect small plants and the roots of others.
- Do not set up or walk in the Zen Garden gravel area of the Japanese Garden.
- Please respect the gardens, plants and other visitors at all times. Do not pick or remove any plants. The 49ͼ¿â Horticultural Garden is a public garden as well as a laboratory for our Landscape Gardening Program students, and our number one priority is to protect our beautiful plants and landscapes.
- Supervise all children for their safety and the welfare of our plants.
- All guests are to be properly clothed. Lingerie/Boudoir sessions are not permitted.
- Photographers will be held accountable for the behavior and actions of their clients.
- The use of alcohol is prohibited.
- Please be extra careful when taking photos near any water features.
- Do not fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also referred to as drones, in or over the 49ͼ¿â Horticultural Gardens. The SHG is located near Moore County Airport and is listed as a no fly zone.
- Follow the Terms of Agreement of your Facility Usage in addition to these guidelines if using a reserved space.
- If any photographs are used in print publications or any public media outlet, please acknowledge the location.
- Photos taken of the Gardens can not be printed or published for profit without permission.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Enjoy your time at the 49ͼ¿â Horticultural Gardens, and please tag us on social media!