Photography Policy

Capture the Beauty. Leave no trace. Experience Conservation.

At Duke Farms, we welcome personal photography to deepen your connection with nature and share its beauty with others. Whether you're snapping a wildflower in bloom, a kestrel in flight, or a peaceful moment along our trails, we’re glad you’re inspired by this unique place.

We also ask that your photography supports our work of sustainability and conservation science and inspires others to become advocates.

Personal Photography Is Encouraged

You’re welcome to take casual, non-commercial photos during your visit.  

We encourage you to:

• Document your experience with intention and respect
• Share moments that inspire awe, curiosity, or love for the land
• Tag us! Use #DukeFarms and share how nature speaks to you

What Counts as Personal Photography?

Personal photography is casual, non-commercial image-taking for your own enjoyment, memories, or to share with friends and family—whether that’s on your phone, a camera, or even film.

Examples include:

• Taking nature photos while on a walk
• Snapping a selfie at your favorite spot
• Sharing your visit on social media without monetization or paid sponsorship
• Capturing wildlife, scenery, or plants for your personal blog, journal, or art

It does not include staged photoshoots, photo sessions with clients, use of props or lighting equipment, or any photography that is part of a business, brand, media outlet, or paid partnership which are prohibited at Duke Farms.  

 

Photography as a Conservation Tool

We believe photography has the power to change hearts and minds. Your images can:

• Tell the story of sustainability
• Inspire others to explore conservation
• Spark conversations about protecting native species and habitats

If you're a conservation photographer or are documenting nature for environmental storytelling, we’d love to connect. Reach out to our communications team to explore partnerships.

Every image taken here becomes part of the Duke Farms story. Thank you for photographing with care, creativity, and purpose.

 

Be Mindful of Wildlife, Visitors, and Habitats

To protect the health of our ecosystems and the experience of others:

• Do not approach, feed, or disturb wildlife to get a shot
• Stay on marked trails—do not enter woodlots, meadows, or restricted areas
• Use natural light only; flash, artificial lighting, or reflectors are not allowed
• Drones are not permitted on the campus
• Do not climb trees, structures, sculptures, or disrupt plantings
• Avoid blocking trails, doorways, or disrupting the peace of others’ visit

Professional and Commercial Photography

Duke Farms is a place for reflection, learning, and connection with nature.  As such, professional and commercial photography is prohibited.  

What Is Considered Professional or Commercial Photography?

Professional photography includes any staged, posed, or planned photo sessions involving clients, models, or a photographer hired for a service. This applies even if payment occurs offsite or the images are for personal use.

Commercial photography involves creating content intended for profit, promotion, or publicity—whether by individuals, brands, influencers, or media outlets.

This includes:

• Portrait sessions (e.g., engagements, maternity, family, graduation, headshots)
• Brand photography for marketing or advertising
• Product shoots or styled content (including props or setups)
• Sponsored influencer content or paid social media posts
• Fashion/editorial photography
• Photography intended for sale (prints, books, licensing, etc.)

Use of professional equipment (e.g., lighting, reflectors, backdrops, drones, multiple camera bodies) may also be considered commercial, even if not for profit.

These guidelines help us protect sensitive habitats, avoid disruption to wildlife, and ensure that all visitors have equal access to the landscape without interference.