The Dothan Area Botanical Gardens (DABG) welcomes all visitors to take casual photographs and video on our grounds for their own personal use, according to the guidelines outlined below. Personal photographs & video should not be used for commercial purposes. Adherence to these guidelines is extremely important to maintain a positive experience for you, your client and our visitors.
For the purpose of this policy, a professional photographer is defined as someone who is being paid to take photographs on DABG property.
Guidelines to Follow:
- The Dothan Area Botanical Gardens is a public garden and photographers must not interfere with the visiting experience of other guests at the Gardens. Please be considerate of our other visitors and Gardens staff and do not block pathways or garden areas.
- Moving or removing plants or structures that are part of the Gardens – such as benches, containers, displays, plant signs, fences, etc – is strictly prohibited.
- No photographer, assistant or subject may step into or on flower beds, fountains, walls, benches, or any places other than on designated paths and open grassy areas. Climbing or mounting equipment on trees or buildings is not permitted.
- All photo subjects must be fully and appropriately clothed.
- While visiting the Gardens, you may be filmed or photographed by a Garden employee or designated photographer. Your attendance serves as permission for the use of your image by the Gardens.
- At times, certain areas of the Gardens may be rented for weddings or other special occasions. During those times, the rented areas are off limits for photographers not associated with the event. You may be approached by Garden staff to discuss alternatives to your shoot if an event or Garden maintenance is scheduled in your preferred location.
- Professional photographers are asked to contact the Gardens office at least 7 days prior to their shoot to ensure that there will be no conflicts with a scheduled event. They may come by in person or phone the Gardens at 334-793-3224 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Sunday. PLEASE CHECK IN AT THE FRONT DESK UPON YOUR ARRIVAL.
- The Dothan Area Botanical Gardens is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged equipment.
Wings of Wonder, Butterfly House Photography Rules:
Wings of Wonder is our 1,800 sq. ft. Butterfly House that houses 400-500 native butterflies. It’s a gorgeous place to take photos however it is also a habitat for these amazing creatures and has specific rules to follow to ensure their safety.
Anyone not following the rules of the Butterfly House will be asked to leave.
- If you want to take photos in the Wings of Wonder Butterfly House you may change your clothing before you enter but you must enter and exit in the same attire. This is to prevent Butterflies from becoming trapped in clothing and accidentally removed or harmed.
- Equipment such as lighting or tripods is not allowed inside the Butterfly house, if you would like to take photos inside you may enter with your camera and your clients.
- The butterflies often land on the ground, plants, enclosure and even people! So we ask you to step lightly and watch where you’re going, please do not step into the Gardens and disrupt the plants.
Authorized Photographer Package:
If you take photos at the Gardens regularly (or would like to!) we’d love to have you as an “Authorized Photographer” here at DABG.
Being an Authorized Photographer costs $200 per year and includes the following:
- A listing on the on the DABG website as a preferred vendor as well as in the package given to all potential event & wedding renters.
- Free admission to the Gardens & Butterfly House for the entire year.
- Free admission to the Gardens & Butterfly House for 5 clients per visit for the entire year. You can make multiple visits per day with up to 5 clients at a time.
Authorized Photographer status must be renewed annually to receive these benefits. Any professional photographer without Authorized Professional status must (along with their clients) pay any required admission fees to DABG. Unless their client has already rented the property for a special event. Please contact the Gardens office for more information.
If you would like to become an Authorized Photographer please fill out the following form and submit it to the DABG office along with your $200 payment.