professional/PORTRAIT photography
- This category includes photographers and their clients who are using the Garden for professional shoots that may include weddings, portraits, engagements and other events.
- The group limit for this category is six people, including the photographer. Groups larger than six are categorized in Commercial Photography.
- The fee for a professional/portrait photography session is $15 per group member, including the photographer for a 2-hour reservation.
- You must notify the Facilities Rentals Office at least one week in advance by emailing facilityrentals@calbg.org and arranging your photography or filming session. Requests for still photography, film or videotaping must state the location within the Garden for the proposed session, the number of people expected, and requested date and time of the session.
- The $15 charge per group member should be purchased before you arrive at the Garden.
- The entire party must be present to enter the Garden for photography at your appointed time. Clients must arrive camera-ready, no clothing changes are allowed.
- When the group is ready to enter, present the receipt for your photography group tickets to the Admissions Kiosk staff and leave an ID in exchange for a Photography Passport
- No more than one bag/cart of equipment and props may be brought into the Garden (props are subject to approval, see policies below).
- If you exceed your 2-hour reservation, you may be charged additional fees.
- All members of the group must adhere to the policies outlined in the section below; the photographer will be held accountable for any damage to the Garden by the actions of any person in the group.
commercial photography
Commercial use refers to any photography for public distribution and/or sale. It includes but is not limited to: advertising agencies, public relations firms, marketing groups, corporate communications offices, commercial photographers, and other professional groups shooting photography for use in display advertising, television and electronic commercials, feature films, brochures, product literature, annual reports, collateral publications, training videos, other industrial/promotions or advertising projects.
The Garden is available only during normal operation hours. All participants must exit the Garden by closing. Arrangements can be made for a session to begin before opening hours or after the Garden closes. Specific venues are subject to availability. High use areas, as determined by the Facility Rentals Office & Visitor Services Department, will be available for photo sessions only if such use does not interfere with normal public access and Garden safety rules. Any special arrangements must be made and approved two weeks in advance by the Facilities Rentals Office.
INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION
The photographer shall provide a certificate of insurance at least five business days before the scheduled shoot. The certificate shall name California Botanic Garden as an additional insured for the duration of use of the Garden facilities, and shall include broad form property damage and personal injury coverage with a combined single limit of not less than $500,000 per occurrence. Such insurance shall be primary to, and not contributing with, any other insurance maintained by the Garden. Photographer agrees to indemnify, defend and save harmless California Botanic Garden, its agents, officers and employees from and against any and all liability, expense, including defense costs and legal fees, and claims for damages of any nature whatsoever, including but not limited to, bodily injury, death, personal injury or property damage arising from, or in connection with, the photoshoot or services performed on behalf of photographer or any person pursuant to this agreement. Photographer further agrees to hold California Botanic Garden harmless from any workers’ compensation suits, liability or expense arising from or in connection with the photo shoot or services performed on behalf of photographer or any person pursuant to this agreement. One day insurance certificates are available for purchase through the Garden's insurance broker if you do not have your own.
Students photographing in the Garden for school projects must provide current proof of enrollment.
SIGNED AGREEMENT REQUIRED: PHOTO PASSPORT
The photographer must agree in writing to these policies at least five working days prior to the date of the intended photo shoot. Upon receipt of a signed agreement, together with proof of insurance and student status (if applicable) as required herein, a photo passport will be issued in the name of the client/photographer. Upon arrival at the Garden, the photographer must check in at the Admissions Kiosk at the main parking lot and present the passport.
The passport must be in possession of the photographer while on Garden premises. Violation of the terms of this agreement may result in cancellation of the photo passport, in which case fees will not be refunded. Particularly egregious violations may result in the denial of future photography privileges.
CANCELLATION
In the event of rain, the photographer may choose to reschedule or cancel the shoot. In the event of cancellation due to weather, all fees will be refunded.
In its sole discretion, CalBG reserves the right to cancel any photoshoot reservation in case of emergency or Garden operational situation, as determined by the Facilities Rentals Office. In such case, all fees will be refunded.
RESTRICTIONS
California Botanic Garden reserves the right to refuse permission to any photographer or artist.
FEES
Fee schedule for commercial still photography or filming sessions involving: 1-10 people (including photographer) $500/day11-20 people (including photographer) $1,500/day: 21-30 people (including photographer) $2,500/day: 30+ people (including photographer)Any hours that a photoshoot occurs outside of normal Garden hours incurs an additional $250/hour. For example, if a photoshoot runs from 8 am until 7 pm, an additional $500 would be billed. A photoshoot may be scheduled to occur on multiple days, successive or otherwise. In this case, Photographer need not complete a separate Agreement for each day. Location fees applicable to professional filming or video taping for commercial use are subject to negotiation and approval by the executive director or designee. Rooms may be available as "green rooms", rented per the Garden's Facilities Rentals fees and policies.
Personal vehicles are not allowed on Garden grounds beyond the parking lot. All photography rentals come with tram service at the beginning of the shoot, driving crew to first location and tram service at the end of the shoot, driving crew to the Garden exit. Tram service throughout the shoot may be scheduled at a rate of $100 per hour. Tram service is subject to availability and must be arranged at least one week in advance.
DISCRETIONARY CLAUSE
Courtesy discounts available to members, volunteers, trustees, overseers, staff, CalBG botany students, and others as determined by Garden Executive Director or designee.
