Photography Policy

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY

Gaver Farm is a beautiful, picturesque location for family, engagement and holiday sessions. The farm’s fall orchard, pumpkin patch, sunflower fields, festivals and Christmas trees are the perfect backdrop for photography sessions!

Fall Season: September 1 – October 31, 2023 from 10 am – 6 pm daily

Christmas Season: November 24 – December 17, 2023 from 9 am – 5 pm daily

Photography Blackout Dates: No sessions permitted during peak Christmas weekends on November 24- 26 and December 2-3, 2023. 

How to Plan a Photo Session at Gaver Farm?

1. Schedule your session.

• We do not accept calls to schedule appointments.
• Submit a Session Request Form and Photography Agreement at least 7 days in advance. You will receive a reply to approve or deny your request. The form is at the bottom of this page. 

1. Photography Fee: There is a $50 fee per hour (capped at $250 per day) for sessions held outside regular business hours and dates (listed above).

• Gaver Farm is CLOSED from November 1 – November 23, 2023. During this time, the farm must transition from fall to Christmas. There will be dangerous moving machinery, mowing, construction and tree shearing/pruning with sharp tools. We do not allow photography sessions during this time for the safety of all guests and workers. Exception: Christmas Minis on November 18-19, 2023 Christmas Photography is permitted with a reservation and paid photography fee.
• When Gaver Farm is OPEN, there is no fee for photography sessions.

1. Check-In: All photographers must check-in prior to your session.

• Check in at the Farm Market with a manager.
• Pay the Photography Fee (unless Gaver Farm is OPEN during your session).
• Gaver Farm is a working farm and for your safety it is imperative that we know you are present. We will direct you to the location you are permitted to take photos (by your request in most cases).
• Restricted Zones: please be aware of the restricted zones provided to you at check-in. For your safety you must follow these guidelines, especially near hayrides.

Rules to Remember

1. Gaver Farm assumes no responsibility for loss, theft or damage to any equipment or belongings.
2. You must park in the parking lot. Driving to the fields is not allowed.
3. NO PETS on the farm premises. This includes all photo sessions.
4. Be courteous and respectful of our property, farm activities and customers. Props are okay. You should leave the farm in the same condition and cleanliness as when you arrived. Gaver Farm reserves the right to ask you to move or leave the premises if you are disruptive or not complying with the farm’s policies.
5. Contact Gaver Farm if you are unable to keep an approved Session Appointment.  
6. Gaver Farm reserves the right to alter this policy or refuse photographer access at any time for any reason.
7. Published photos (Facebook, Instagram, Blog, web) should credit the location of the photograph (Gaver Farm, Mt. Airy, MD). Gaver Farm welcomes all photo submissions! If you share your photos with us, with your permission and credit, we may use them in print and/or online!
8. Drones are NOT permitted on or above Gaver Farm property.
9. Fall Season: If you would like to take pictures inside the gated Fall Fun Festival, you and your guests must pay the daily admission per person and wear your wristbands or turn them in at the Wristband Checkpoint (for security to hold for you if you don’t want them in your pictures).
10. Apple Orchard: In order to take photos inside the gated Apple Orchard, you must purchase a pick your own bag to enter the orchard (1 bag admits 4 people). Do not interfere with other guests picking apples. Limit apples used as props to those from your purchased bag. Orchard sessions are only permitted during scheduled PYO apple hours and dates.
11. Christmas Season: NO SESSIONS during PEAK WEEKENDS (listed above). On other Christmas season weekends, all farm visitors must stop at the exit to have their vehicle inspected for trees and payment. Photography guests that do not make purchases MUST STOP at the exit to communicate with the Farm Manager that the nature of your visit was photography.

Orchard Sessions: August 19-20 and 26-27, 2023 from 8 am – 12 noon. The Orchard is open for early apples (Blondee and Buckeye Gala). Photographers and guests are required to purchase PYO apple bags for entry. 

Sunset Sunflower Minis: September 8-9, 2023 from 6 – 8 pm! NEW this year- you asked for evening hours in the sunflower fields! Guests are also able to pick and purchase flowers. You are required to make a reservation and pay a fee for this sunset event. 

Christmas Minis: November 18-19, 2023 from 8 am – 5 pm! Photographers can schedule mini sessions and family sessions. We would like to encourage photographers and guests to schedule your Christmas sessions on this weekend since we are closed from November 1 – 23 and blackout photography on peak dates during our Christmas season. You are required to make a reservation and pay the fee during this special weekend!