Crane Estate Photography Policy

The Crane Estate defines different types of photography as the following:

Personal/Recreational Photography
Candid, souvenir-type photography using a non-paid photographer or personal cellphone camera, 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.

Personal/Recreational Photography does not require a permit.

Portrait Photography
All engagement, family, maternity, prom, graduation, birthday and any other posed or candid portraiture of individuals by professional photographers. Wedding and bridal photography is not allowed at Castle Hill. This includes anything that can be interpreted as wedding photography, including engagement photos that resemble wedding/bridal photography. White dresses in engagement shoots are not permitted. Photographs may not be commercial in nature or resold for commercial purposes.

Portrait Photography requires a permit at Castle Hill, but not at Crane Beach. Permits must be purchased online prior to your visit. Please see the “Permits & Pricing” section for more information.

Student Photography
Taken by individual student (high school, college, or university) photographers with valid IDs. Photographers are subject to the same guidelines that apply to portrait and commercial photography.

Film students must provide a letter from the school/university detailing the assigned project. Approval is at the discretion of the Crane Estate Director. For more information, please email: castlehill@thetrustees.org

Artist/Nature Photography
Planned or professional photography of the natural environment of Castle Hill, not including any portraiture or commercial intent.

Artist/Nature Photographers do not need to purchase a permit, but must adhere to the guidelines and policies.

Commercial Photography
Images that are created with the purpose of using them for 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 shoots, or published material, or any purpose for which the photographer receives any remuneration for the use of the image or video.

Commercial requests are determined on an individual basis and require a comprehensive application to be filled out. Site fees also apply. For more information, please email: castlehill@thetrustees.org

Portrait Photography permits for Castle Hill may be purchased online prior to your visit. In order to purchase a permit, either the client or photographer must be a Trustees Member at the Family level or above.

Portrait Photography Permits cost $300 per 90-minute session. Sessions are subject to availability based on private and public events that may be taking place on the property. The regular schedule is as follows:

• 9–10:30AM
• 11AM–12:30PM
• 1–2:30PM
• 3–4:30PM

No more than 6 people (not including the photographer) will be permitted per photography session.

Your permit fee supports the mission of the Trustees and helps to preserve and maintain the land, natural habitat, and structures at the Crane Estate. We thank you for your support.

All portrait photography sessions are subject to our posted regulations, which must be agreed to and followed by the photographer and clients.

Photographers who do not comply with our defined rules will be prohibited from shooting at any Trustees property statewide, either through a permit or a wedding.

Photographers will be held responsible for the attire and behavior of their client(s), and will be similarly prohibited from shooting at any Trustees property if their client(s) do not comply with our defined rules.

In order to provide the best possible experience for all visitors and avoid conflicts with other parties on the property, the following guidelines must be followed:

• Wedding/Bridal photography is prohibited at Castle Hill. This applies to anyone dressed in wedding attire or simulating a wedding ceremony. White/off-white dresses and/or bouquets are not permitted.
• Nudity is prohibited.
• Clients must arrive ‘camera-ready’ as our limited restroom facilities cannot serve as a dressing room. You may not change or do hair/make-up in the Great House restrooms.
• Portrait photography inside of the Great House is not permitted.
• No staging, pop-up dressing rooms, accessories, balloons, kites, flying lanterns, or other such props are allowed.
• All equipment used must be hand-held; Carts, cases, and dollies are prohibited.
• Any and all use of drones is prohibited at Trustees properties unless it is for purposes deemed beneficial to The Trustees and approved in advance by the property Director.
• Promotion of your brand using Crane Estate imagery is prohibited.
• The photographer, clients, and guests shall park in designated parking areas only. Any other parking location is prohibited.
• Blocking off any locations or scheduling mini-sessions (multiple clients included in one session) is prohibited.
• Dogs are never permitted on the grounds of Castle Hill and are only permitted seasonally at Crane Beach under certain guidelines.

In addition to the preceding guidelines, please note the following regulations:

• The Trustees reserves the right to monitor all the User’s activities and prohibit any use that it deems may conflict with the Crane Estate and/or The Trustees regulations with no refund offered.
• The User shall be responsible for all actions and activities of their party, including the 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 harmless for any loss, injury, illness, damage, or expense arising out of his/her use of the property.
• Considerations for public safety and the protection of the structural and natural resources at the Crane Estate 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 reserves the right to end the activity at any time.

Photographers who do not comply with our defined rules will be prohibited from shooting at any Trustees property statewide, either through a permit or a wedding.

Photographers will be held responsible for the attire and behavior of their client(s), and will be similarly prohibited from shooting at any Trustees property if their client(s) do not comply with our defined rules.

We recognize this is a firm policy, and we apologize for the directness of these rules. Unfortunately, after repeated violations, and due to the unique nature of our property and its multiple uses and purposes, we must be strict in our enforcement. We thank you for your understanding.