Park Photography Fee

[Alexia]

For those of you familiar with Hershey, PA and its attractions might know more about this place. My information gathering friend got this for me. Basically we want to go into the Hershey Gardens and take photos of our costume group. Costumes are allowed, but they have a policy for photographers. This isn't for profit and this is strictly for personal use. I thought someone in here would be able to read into this better to figure out if they would want to charge us or not. From what I figured out, they wouldn't, but I never had the pleasure of dealing with something like this before.

Ok.. I just recieved LOADS of information from the garden... here we go!

1. "Hershey Gardens does have a dress code for its visitors, but family-friendly costumes are permissible. Group rates are available to groups of more than 10 who arrive together."(quoted from the e-mail that was sent to me)

2. "A fee of $100.00 is charged for wedding, individual or family portraits, product photography, or portfolio photography for aspiring models." I have all of the contact information saved, but I didn't post it for their respected privacy.
"Please be sure to contact the Coordinator at least 2-3 weeks prior to the date you are requesting."

Here is the whole Document that was sent to me...



Artists/Photographers in Hershey Gardens Policy

 A fee of $100.00 is charged for wedding, individual or family portraits, product photography, or portfolio photography for aspiring models. Please contact the Rental Coordinator at (717) 903-5262 to make these arrangements.

 Regular admission fees or Group Rates (for 10 or more) apply for community art/photography associations
o Advanced notice is appreciated

• Sessions are limited to garden/landscape art/photography
o Art/Photos may not be reproduced for sale or used for advertising, promotions, marketing, commercial products or services

• No sales within the Gardens
o Handing out a business card for later contact is acceptable

• May not interfere with enjoyment of Hershey Gardens’ other guests or any current Garden activity e.g., wedding, tour, program, festival, etc.

• Chair and/or easel/tripod placement needs to be in the grass so as not to block walkways

• No chairs or easels are permitted in The Children’s Garden
o Artists may sit on benches within the Children’s Garden with a sketch pad

• No tripods, sketching, painting, etc. is permitted in The Butterfly House


* Media, which will promote Hershey Gardens, is exempt from this policy.
* Hershey High School students’ prom night photos are exempt from stated fees.

[IndyJeff]

Sounds to me like it is going to cost you a C note to shoot your costume club.

[Longwatcher]

 Regular admission fees or Group Rates (for 10 or more) apply for community art/photography associations

I think that takes care of you. You are taking pictures for the art group for their use. You are not doing it for a model's portfolio and not for profit.

It appears to me that their policies are primarily to minimize professional photographers from using the gardens on a regular basis.

[pradeep1]

Seems fair to me, especially since you won't have to pony up $100. But to be on the safe side, you may want to contact someone at the park and ask. Just don't use specific dates/details/names unless you think it will help your case. Play it by ear. If the parks coordinator says okay to your club and you don't have to pay $100 to use the park for that purpose, then get their name/phone number so in case you get hassled by someone at the park, you can give the name of the coordinator. Many times just asking for permission nicely with good intent is enough to get your fees waived.

You don't want to be in the situation where you are put on the spot by someone at the park because you don't have the proper permit/permission.

[PacAce]

I think that takes care of you. You are taking pictures for the art group for their use. You are not doing it for a model's portfolio and not for profit.

It appears to me that their policies are primarily to minimize professional photographers from using the gardens on a regular basis.

What I read is that not only will they charge $100 to allow pictures to be taken in the park but they are also going to charge the regular admission fee for entry into the park.

I think the best thing to do is to actaully call Hershey Park and ask the question directly to them. It doesn't matter how many people here give their own interpreation of the info above. Bottom line is that Hershey Park will make the final decision so they should be the one consulted.

[Alexia]

What I read is that not only will they charge $100 to allow pictures to be taken in the park but they are also going to charge the regular admission fee for entry into the park.

I think the best thing to do is to actaully call Hershey Park and ask the question directly to them. It doesn't matter how many people here give their own interpreation of the info above. Bottom line is that Hershey Park will make the final decision so they should be the one consulted.

We have called and email sevaral times. :( They basically give us the say information, but don't really give us a clear answer on what will apply to us. We will figure it out eventually. Maybe when we get into their summer season employees we will get better answers!