Photography

Issues Regarding Professional Photography at the Acton Arboretum

Conducting a photography business (or any business) for profit or a fundraiser at the Acton Arboretum can be said to conflict with the provisions under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution, which states in part:

“The people shall have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise, and the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic qualities of their environment; and the protection of the people in their right to the conservation, development and utilization of the agricultural, mineral, forest, water, air and other natural resources is hereby declared to be a public purpose.”

Article 97 precludes a change in the purpose of the land from passive recreation to commercial use without a vote of the State legislature.

Furthermore, if one type of business is allowed, how can another fairly be denied? This is a long-debated issue at the Arboretum that ultimately boils down to this: anyone’s useage and enjoyment of the land cannot detract from the experiences of others.

It is within reason for citizens to have their pictures taken on pretty conservation land that they pay taxes to support. Unfortunately, there have been complaints and intrusions, such as excessive parking from multiple clients on grass and mulched gardens, treading in gardens and on plants, the over-scheduling of clients, changing clothes and bringing multiple wardrobes to a public area (even pitching tents to serve as dressing rooms in the middle of trails), and people climbing and posing in trees (which has resulted in serious damage.)

Without making official policy right now, the following suggestions attempt to satisfy everyone in the special case of photography. It is subject to change and review by Acton’s Conservation Commission.

Suggested Guidelines for Professional Photographers at the Acton Arboretum

At the Acton Arboretum, some gardens or flowering specimens are popular and make good backdrops for photos. If one group is monopolizing a garden area for an entire day, however, this could adversely affect someone else’s visit. Please be mindful of other visitors, who also wish to enjoy these beautiful, often rare specimens.

To allow access for all, we request that a photographer not overtake an area to the total exclusion of others for an extended period of time.

To minimize impact we respectfully request that photographers please:

  • Schedule only one client/family per day.
  • Take no more than one hour in any one location.
  • Do not allow clients to change clothes on the premises.
  • Avoid standing in gardens.
  • Do not allow tree climbing (to prevent damaged and broken branches).
  • Do not use obtrusive lighting equipment or props.
  • Be mindful of other visitors’ rights to enjoy the natural landscape.

Thank you for your kind attention and understanding. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Friends of the Acton Arboretum, Inc. info@actonarboretum.org

Acton Natural Resources Division, 472 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720