Photography Permit Program
Photography Stewardship Permit
$125 Donation | Up to One-Hour Session
From family portraits and engagement sessions to senior photos and maternity photography, Elawa Farm has become a cherished setting for capturing life's milestones. We're honored that so many families choose our historic gardens and grounds as the backdrop for these special memories.
To help preserve the beauty of our property while ensuring an enjoyable experience for all visitors, Elawa Farm requires a Photography Stewardship Permit for professional outdoor portrait photography sessions. The permit provides permission to photograph on the property and includes one outdoor portrait session of up to one hour for up to eight participants, with non-exclusive access to publicly available areas of the property. The permit does not include a photographer or photography services; guests are responsible for arranging their own photographer.
Each permit includes a $125 donation to Elawa Farm, which directly supports the maintenance and stewardship of our historic gardens, grounds, and pathways while advancing Elawa Farm's mission to connect people to local food, agriculture, education, and nature.
Your Photography Stewardship Permit includes:
Permission for one professional portrait photography session lasting up to one hour
Up to 8 participants, including the photographer
Access to publicly available outdoor spaces during your reserved time
Non-exclusive use of the property
Examples of permitted photography:
Family, maternity, and lifestyle portraits
Senior and graduation portraits
Couples and engagement photography
Large group photography is not permitted at Elawa Farm, including homecoming, prom, and other school dance groups, as well as large wedding parties whose wedding is not being held at Elawa Farm.
Scheduling
Advance registration is required, and availability is subject to Elawa Farm's schedule. Photography sessions are encouraged on Mondays and Tuesdays, with additional availability based on our Program & Event calendar. Photography is not permitted during private events or when it conflicts with farm programming, and the gardens are not available for exclusive use.
If you'd like to confirm a specific date before purchasing, please email us first at info@elawafarm.org. If you purchase a permit before confirming availability and your requested date conflicts with our schedule, we'll ask you to select an alternate date.
Commercial Photography & Production
Commercial photography, brand shoots, and film or video production require separate approval and are not covered by the Photography Stewardship Permit.
For commercial or production inquiries, please contact info@elawafarm.org. Additional review may be required for requests involving more than 8 people, production crews, extensive equipment or lighting, large props or staging, product photography, or exclusive use of an area. In addition, a permit from the City of Lake Forest is required for commercial production. Click for more information.
Photography Guidelines
The following are not permitted:
Drones
Smoke bombs, colored powder, or fog machines
Confetti, glitter, rice, or artificial flower petals
Open flames or fireworks
Climbing on historic structures, fences, trees, or garden features
Moving benches, planters, or Farm furnishings
Props or equipment that may damage the property
To help preserve Elawa Farm for everyone, photographers and clients agree to:
Remain on designated paths and lawns.
Protect gardens, flowers, trees, and historic features.
Respect fellow visitors and Farm staff.
Avoid blocking walkways, entrances, or active program spaces.
Leave the property exactly as you found it.
Respect that photography sessions do not include exclusive use of the gardens or grounds.
Photography is not permitted during private events or when it conflicts with Farm programming or operations.
Failure to follow these guidelines may result in the session being ended without refund.
Weather & Rescheduling
Because Photography Stewardship Permits are for outdoor portrait photography sessions, sessions may be rescheduled due to severe weather or unsafe outdoor conditions, subject to availability. Photography Stewardship Permit donations are non-refundable, except when Elawa Farm determines that weather or other unforeseen circumstances make a scheduled session unsafe.
Why We Require a Permit
The landscapes that make Elawa Farm a beautiful destination require year-round care. Photography Stewardship Permit donations help us maintain and steward our historic gardens, walking paths, and grounds while supporting the programs and experiences that make Elawa Farm a resource for the greater Lake County community.
When you choose Elawa Farm for your photography session, your donation helps care for this special place while supporting our mission and preserving it for future generations.
Register for a Photography Stewardship Permit
Professional photographers must obtain a Photography Stewardship Permit before conducting portrait sessions on Elawa Farm property. We recommend reserving your preferred date several weeks in advance, particularly during spring and fall. Please fill out the form below to submit your donation and arrange a time.
Contact info@elawafarm.org to confirm your desired session date, as well as with questions about photography sessions or to inquire about commercial photography.
The Photography Stewardship Permit is required for all professional outdoor portrait photography sessions at Elawa Farm. The permit provides permission to photograph on the property and includes one outdoor portrait session of up to one hour for up to eight participants, with non-exclusive access to publicly available areas of the property.
Photography services are not included; you are responsible for arranging your own photographer.
The $125 donation directly supports the care and maintenance of Elawa Farm’s historic gardens and grounds while advancing our mission to connect people to local food, agriculture, education, and nature.