Admissions - Programs - Events

Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens Portrait Photo Permit

Membership required

The property is owned and managed by The Trustees. This member-supported nonprofit conservation organization preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts, and works to protect special places across the state. 


We are pleased that you are considering the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens for your photoshoot. The Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens is available as a site for commissioned or in-kind professional outdoor photography/portraits. Stevens-Coolidge defines portrait photography as all engagement, family, maternity, wedding, bridal, graduation, and any other posed or candid portraiture of individuals by professional photographers. Interior photography is not allowed. Photographs may not be commercial in nature or resold for commercial purposes. See below for additional information on different types of photography. 


A Trustees membership at the Family ($80) level or higher is required to shoot onsite. This membership may be held by the photographer or client. All portrait photography shoot sessions must be booked online. Sessions are limited and are subject to availability. Availability depends on events/programs that may be taking place on the property. All sessions are 60 minutes. (1 hour) 


To provide the best possible experience and avoid conflicts with other visitors to the property, the following guidelines must be followed. 


  • No more than 10 people (not including the photographer) per photography session. 
  • On the day of your appointment, free admission will be granted for all photographers, subjects, and guests associated with the shoot. No additional guests or attendees will be permitted. 
  • The user is not entitled to exclusive use of the property. The grounds will remain open to the public. To fulfill our mission to provide a positive visitor experience, Stevens-Coolidge prohibits photographer from blocking off a location or scheduling mini session (sessions which include multiple clients.) 
  • Considerations for public safety and the protection of the structural and natural resources at Stevens-Coolidge take precedence over any of the User's activities. Conduct which disturbs the tranquility of the property or its enjoyment by others is prohibited. The Trustees of Reservations reserves the right to end the activity at any time. 
  • The Trustees reserves the right to monitor all the User's activities and prohibit any use that it deems may conflict with Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens and/or Trustees regulations. 
  • Nudity is prohibited. 
  • Clients should arrive "camera-ready" as our limited restroom facilities cannot serve as a dressing room. 
  • No staging, pop-up dressing rooms, accessories, balloons, kites, flying lanterns, or other props are allowed. 
  • All equipment used as part of the photo shoot must be hand-held; carts, cases, and dollies are not permitted.
  • Commercial or recreational use of drones is not allowed at Trustees properties. 
  • Promotion of your brand using Stevens-Coolidge imagery is prohibited. 
  • The photographer, clients, and guests shall park in designated parking area only. Any other parking location is prohibited. 
  • Dogs are never permitted on the grounds of Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens.
  • User shall be responsible for all the actions and activities of their party: photographer, client, and guests. The user agrees to assume all liability for any property or personal damage resulting from their use of the property. The User shall hold the Trustees of Reservations harmless for any loss, injury, illness, damage, or expense arising out of his/her use of the property. 
  • We permit one free rebooking due to inclement weather or another reason. A full refund, if requested is possible up to 7 days before a shoot. Please note: Our offices may be closed during the weekends. 
Additional Information: 

Film and Photography Students: Individual student (high school, college, or university) photographers with valid IDs are subject to the same guidelines that apply to portraits and commercial photography. Film students must provide a letter from the school/university detailing the assigned project. Approval is at the discretion of the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens director. For more information, please email: jolivere@thetrustees.org. 
Art and Nature Photographer: Need not register but must adhere to the guidelines, and book entry through the timed ticketing system. 

Personal/Recreational Photography: Personal/recreational photography is candid, souvenir-type photography using a non-paid photographer or personal cellphone camera. The photographers are not to be used commercially. Visitors are welcome to take in the moment photographs that capture the experience of their visit. These are informal photographs that are spontaneous and without artistic intent. 

Commerical Photography: Is defined as images that are created with the purpose of using them commercial, professional, advertising, or promotional purposes, including but not limited to film, television, video (including Vimeo, Tik-Tok, YouTube, and other platforms) advertising, retail merchandising, marketing, portfolio, educational, styled fashion shoot, or published material, or any purpose for which the photographer receives any remuneration for the use of the image or video. Such requests are determined on an individual basis and require a comprehensive application to be filled out. Site fees would also apply. For more information, please email: jolivere@thetrustees.org

Pricing:

    Celebrate Spring Photography/Video Permit: Weekday & Weekend Cost is $100 for the first hour, $50 each hour after that.