Plan your visit
Plan your visit

Photography and photo passes

Photography at the gardens

Casual photographs are welcome. Posed sessions need a photo pass arranged in advance.

Two visitors walking the lakeside path between flower beds

Taking pictures on a visit

Visitors are welcome to take casual, unposed photographs for their own enjoyment: the gardens, the plants, the mill, and whoever came with you.

A photo pass is needed whenever a photographer, amateur or professional, on any device from a camera to a phone, takes a series of staged photographs of people against the gardens.

Photo passes

How a photo pass works

  1. All photography sessions must be arranged in advance. Buy a photo pass online and we will email you to schedule the date and time, or ask through the contact form.
  2. Sessions take place during opening hours.
  3. Commercial photography or videography needs prior written approval.

Request a pass

Buy a photo pass online, or ask through the contact form.

Buy a photo pass

Once you’ve purchased your photo pass, we’ll reach out by email to schedule the date and time of your session.

Ask through the contact form
Choose “A photo pass” as the subject and say the date and time you have in mind, how many people, and what kind of session it is.

Please note

Weddings, proposals and surveillance

Wedding and proposal photography is not covered by a photo pass. Ask through the contact form and we will say who handles it.

The gardens are under video surveillance at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to buy garden admission if I’m coming just for a photo pass?
General admission covers entry into the gardens themselves, while the photo pass is specifically for arranging a posed or staged session. It’s a good idea to confirm both requirements together when you reach out through the contact form. That way you won’t be caught off guard by an additional cost on the day of your shoot.
Is there a fee for a photo pass?
Yes. Session prices are shown when you buy a photo pass online from the photography page, and staff then email you to schedule the date and time. You can also ask through the contact form by choosing “A photo pass” as the subject, and staff will confirm cost along with availability. It’s worth asking early since sessions need to be arranged in advance anyway.
What’s the best time of day to photograph the mill and lake?
Dusk is a strong choice, since the millhouse is lit with string lights along its roofline and lanterns line the bridge over the lake. The still water tends to reflect the mill and surrounding gardens in low light. Early morning is also worth considering if you want softer natural light and fewer visitors in the background.
Do drone photos or videography need approval?
Drones aren’t specifically addressed on the site, but commercial photography and videography both require prior written approval. Given that, it’s safest to ask through the contact form before bringing a drone or filming equipment. This helps avoid any issue with staff or other visitors once you’re on the grounds.
Where can I take a break or eat during a longer photo session?
Hide Out 206, Your Pie and Caldwell County BBQ are all a short walk from the gardens. If your session runs long, they’re a convenient spot to grab a drink, snack or full meal without leaving the property. It’s a practical option for photographers and clients who need a pause between setups.
The millhouse and waterwheel seen past an olive tree, a topiary-lined garden path leading up to it

Bring a camera

The mill, the lake and the gardens change with the light and the season.

Plan your visit