Photography Permit Program
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 portrait photography sessions.
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.
Photography Stewardship Permit
$125 Donation | One-Hour Session
Your Photography Stewardship Permit includes:
One professional portrait photography session lasting up to one hour
Up to 8 participants
Access to publicly available outdoor spaces during your reserved time
Non-exclusive use of the property
Portrait sessions include:
Family photography, Maternity, Lifestyle portraits
Senior portraits, Graduation, Couples, Engagements
Commercial photography and photo shoots require separate approval.
If you are interested in a commercial shoot at Elawa Farm, please contact info@elawafarm.org.
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
Sessions may be rescheduled due to severe weather, subject to availability. Photography Stewardship Permit donations are non-refundable except when Elawa Farm closes because of unsafe weather or unforeseen circumstances.
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.
Apply 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 with questions about photography sessions or to inquire about commercial photography.
The Photography Stewardship Permit is required for all professional portrait photography sessions at Elawa Farm. Your permit 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 $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.