Our Policy
To ALL photographers (professional/hobbyist/amateur/etc) please read this policy thoroughly!

Our Policy

To ALL photographers (professional/hobbyist/amateur/etc.) please read this policy thoroughly!

Commercial Photography is NOT allowed at Duke Farms. The following applies to photography on the grounds and in the buildings at Duke Farms:

Duke Farms is located on private property, portions of which are open to the public for nature observance and passive recreation, like walking and cycling. While we try to extend every consideration to individuals and groups wishing to informally photograph at Duke Farms, these activities must not interfere with normal operations or compromise the safety, the convenience of our visitors, the quality of our habitats, the quality of the visitor experience, our structures and other infrastructure.

Duke Farms reserves all rights for photographic reproduction of Duke Farms Property.

Photography for personal use

Photography for personal use may be conducted in designated areas without an appointment and free of charge. Portraits of any kind done by a professional photographer are not considered personal photography. A courtesy call or group form is requested if groups or classes plan to visit. Any groups or classes that charge a fee are considered to be a professional group and commercial photography and therefore not permitted.

Commercial Photography

Commercial photography is not allowed at Duke Farms under any circumstances.  Commercial photography is defined as: any photography produced for a fee, for publication or promotional use; any portraiture done by a professional photographer, whether for a wedding, engagement, family portrait, maternity photos, anniversary, graduation, birthday or other event to be commercial photography, even if income is not derived; or the offering of any photography class on any portion of Duke Farms, except in connection with an approved Duke Farms program. Any of the following indicators shall be considered to be conclusive evidence, in the sole discretion of Duke Farms, to assume that any on-going or proposed photography at Duke Farms is commercial photography and therefore not allowed: the presence of significant photographic equipment beyond what an amateur photographer would normally use for wildlife, nature or informal photography of family or friends, such as light screens, lighting equipment, or multiple camera or equipment bags; the presence of alternate clothing for wardrobe changes; the inclusion of language of a photographer’s website that they offer photography at Duke Farms; or the presence of a group of people being instructed in photography by an obvious teacher.    

Duke Farms specifically reserves all rights for photographic reproduction of Duke Farms Property. No commercial use of such photographs is permitted. In general, non-educational and commercial reproductions of Duke Farms Property will not be approved. Duke Farms reserves the right to license vendors, collect royalties, and initiate fees or otherwise control use of Duke Farms as deemed appropriate and lawful in the sole discretion of Duke Farms. Duke Farms reserves the right to approve final content for anything in which Duke Farms or its properties will appear, either by name or by visual representation.

The Following Rules Apply to All Photography at Duke Farms:

• Flow of visitors along roads and pathways must not be blocked at any time.
• No area of Duke Farms may be temporarily closed to the public to facilitate photography.
• Visitors, photographers, and their equipment must stay on pathways – walking in plant beds or behind plant beds or placing equipment in beds is prohibited.
• Plants and planted containers may not be moved, rearranged, or handled in any way. Blooms or any other plant material may not be picked.
• Do not disturb wildlife, and maintain appropriate distances from all wildlife, especially wildlife that is nesting or feeding.  
• Visitors may not climb or hang from trees or architectural features.
• Climbing, sitting, standing, or walking on walls, fences, structures, or water features is strictly forbidden.

Refusal to follow Duke Farms Policies

If any individual does not comply with the above conditions, Duke Farms reserves the right to deny permission to photograph, may request that the individual or group leave the premises, and/or deny access or entry in the future.