Photography, Filming and Artists

Photography, Filming and Artists

We love seeing photographs and artwork inspired by the garden, and we welcome visitors taking photographs for their own personal enjoyment. If you share your images on social media, we’d love to see them! Please tag @cowdengarden. 

To help everyone enjoy their visit, please:

      - Stay on the designated paths at all times to help protect the garden.

-         Respect the privacy of our volunteers, staff and other visitors.

-       Take responsibility for your own safety while photographing or sketching.

-      Please note that tripods, lighting equipment and easels are not permitted during normal opening hours.

Photography requiring prior permission & a fee

Permission must be obtained in advance, and a photography fee will apply for any organised or pre-arranged photography or filming in the garden. This includes (but is not limited to):

-          Portrait, family, engagement or maternity photoshoots.

-         Wedding or celebration photoshoots.

-         Fashion, modelling or costume photography.

-          Camera clubs or organised photography groups.

-          Photography workshops.

-          Commercial photography or filming.

-          Content creation for business, brands or influencers.

-          Any photography involving models, props, lighting, backdrops, reflectors or other specialist equipment.

Whether you consider yourself an amateur or professional photographer, if your visit is planned primarily for a photoshoot or organised photography activity, prior permission and the relevant fee are required.

Commercial Photography, Filming & Artwork

All commercial photography, filming, audio recording and artwork undertaken within the garden requires written permission from the Japanese Garden at Cowden.

As a charity, the conservation and maintenance of the garden is funded through admissions, donations and venue hire.

Photography and filming fees help us care for this special place for everyone to enjoy.

How to apply

Please email info@cowdengarden.com to request an application form. Applications should be submitted at least 14 days before your visit.

Applicants will be asked to:

-        Complete an application form.

-         Provide a risk assessment.

-          Provide evidence of appropriate public liability insurance.

-         Pay the applicable photography fee.

Once we have reviewed your application, we may contact you to discuss the details bore issuing a photography agreement, which must be signed before your visit.

Photography Fees

We recommend booking the garden outside normal opening hours for the best experience and to avoid disruption from other visitors.

Exclusive or non-exclusive use during normal opening hours: £250 per hour (+VAT).

The garden is open to the public 10:30am – 5pm (closed Tuesdays).

Drones

For the safety and privacy of our visitors, volunteers and neighbours, drones are not permitted during normal opening hours without prior written permission.

If you are unsure whether your planed photography requires permission, please contact our events team before your visit. We are always happy to advise.

Simple distinction

Included with garden admission	Permission & fee required
Taking photos of the garden during you visit	Organised photoshoots
Family snapshots	Portrait photography
Holiday photos	Fashion or modelling shoots
Sketching in the garden	Using an easel in the garden
	Engagement, wedding, maternity, graduation, prom and other celebratory photoshoots
	Camera clubs or photography groups
	Commercial filming
	Content creation