Photography Sessions
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a private botanical garden that offers stunning natural backdrops for photography of all occasions. In order to ensure a memorable experience while supporting the Garden’s mission, we require that you adhere to our guidelines for both personal and professional photography sessions. Please be courteous to other Garden guests, and their enjoyment of the Garden at all times.
Contact the Facility Events Department at (804) 262-9887 ext. 345 or the Guest Services Department at ext. 300 if you have any questions.
The Garden would like to ensure you have a wonderful experience while capturing your special memories with us. We do require that all photography sessions, both personal and promotional, to have a photography session permit. This includes any shoot involving specific attire (i.e. prom, engagement, graduation etc.) and all forms of photography (i.e. smartphone, professional cameras, amateur photographers, etc.).
PHOTOGRAPHY HOURS
Monday – Sunday 9:00am – 3:30pm
(Last available time slot 3:30 – 5:00pm)
Photography Sessions last for 90 minutes per reservation slot.
Subject to change based on daily hours of operation.
PHOTOGRAPHY FEES
Non-Member 90-minute Session $100
Member 90-minute Session $50
Per-Hour Add-Ons* (Not permitted for last time slot) $50
Dressing Room Rental Add-On (Reservation only) $50
Pricing includes admission for 6 people into the Garden, including your photographer; all others in your party must pay regular admission.
*Additional time must be coordinated at the time of your booking.
WALK-UP PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS
Walk-up photography sessions can be purchased at the Admissions desk.
Upon payment for the session, your party will receive temporary Photo Pass Lanyards. All members of your party except for the subject of the photos must be visibly displaying these passes as you make your way through the Garden. Up to 6 passes can be in use at any given time per party. Please ensure the return of all Photo Pass Lanyards to the Admissions desk when you leave.
Due to the nature of walk-up photography sessions, a designated changing area will not be provided for wardrobe changes. Pop-up changing tents are not permitted. Please plan accordingly.
SCHEDULED PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS
To book a time slot for a Photography Session, please contact the Facility Events department using the contact information listed above. All details will be reviewed with you at the time of booking.
Dependent upon availability when you book your reservation, garden designated changing areas are available for an additional $50 per hour.
Upon your arrival, please check in with the Admissions desk so that your party can receive temporary Photo Pass Lanyards. All members of your party except for the subject of the photos must be visibly displaying these passes as you make your way through the Garden. Up to 6 passes can be in use at any given time per party. Please ensure the return of all Photo Pass Lanyards to the Admissions desk when you leave.
Please note that the Garden cannot guarantee the safety of personal belongings that are left in the designated changing areas, and we recommend that you keep all valuables locked in your vehicle.
Changing areas are not available for Photography Session time slots after 5pm. All changing areas must be vacated at 5pm regardless of Garden hours.
EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS
Event Photography Sessions must be scheduled in advance, and include but are not limited to weddings and elopements, bridal showers, engagements and proposals, prom and homecoming portraits, maternity and baby shower portraits, graduation portraits, and quinceañeras.
If you have rented event space with the Facility events departments for a wedding ceremony or reception, your contract will include one complimentary 90-minute photography session under these guidelines.
Don Williamson Photography
RESTRICTIONS AND COURTESIES
Purchase of photography sessions are required if you are using any of the following equipment:
- DSLR camera
- Mirrorless camera
- Bridge camera
- Compact digital camera
- Film-grade equipment
- Action cameras (Go-Pros, etc.)
- 360 cameras
- All other cameras with detachable lenses or accessories including light reflection panels.
Drones, changing tents, florals, and props of any kind are not permitted.
Photographers, clients, and equipment are not permitted in plant beds.
The garden does not provide photographers or staff to accompany you, garden maps are available via QR code at the Admissions desk in the Robins Visitor Center.
You will have non-exclusive access to the outdoor areas of the garden during normal garden hours and as private and garden-wide events occur; please be courteous of other guests by keeping pathways clear, and do not inhibit guest entry to common areas or building entrances and exits.
Indoor spaces, including the Conservatory, are not permitted to be used for photography sessions.
Photography sessions are not permitted to be used as opportunities for proposals or private wedding ceremonies; these must be booked as an event with our Facility Events department.
Failure to adhere to these restrictions and courtesies may result in early termination of your session without refund.
RESCHEDULING OPTIONS
No cancellations or adjustments to session times can be made to photography session reservations within 72 hours of the reservation.
Photography sessions maybe rescheduled due to inclement weather within a minimum of two hours of the reserved session time.
No refunds or complimentary rescheduling options are available for late arrivals or no-shows.