Commercial photography or video includes, but is not limited to, images for use in/as: display advertising, television commercials, feature films, music videos, retail products, brochures, product literature, annual reports, training videos, award presentations, instructional videos, business websites, non-macro stock photography for sale, model portfolios and other industrial, promotional or advertising projects. Drone photography is treated as commercial photography and requires an application and payment. It is prohibited on Garden grounds unless arranged with the Communications Division.
Ad agencies, public relations firms, marketing groups, corporate communications offices, commercial photographers, location scouts and others wishing to shoot commercial photography or video at the Missouri Botanical Garden should contact the Public Relations Division at pr@mobot.org or by calling 314-577-0286.
Application and Documentation
A commercial shoot application must be completed prior to the shoot. Once shoot approval has been granted, a Certificate of Insurance indicating liability coverage in the amount of $1,000,000 against damage to persons, grounds, buildings or plant life, and naming the Garden as additional insured, must be presented no later than two business days before photography/filming is to take place.
Fees
Commercial shoots are subject to a base location fee ($125-300 per hour) depending on the time and nature of the shoot. The Garden reserves the right to reduce fees for non-profit groups.
Locations
All desired shoot locations and Garden areas must be discussed and approved in advance, so as not to conflict with any work or private events being held on the grounds. The Garden reserves the right to limit photography of recognizable Garden features.
Load-In, Parking and Transportation
Free, on-site parking is available. Vehicles may load and unload in front of the Garden's main entrance. Depending on the nature of the shoot, we may be able to utilize alternative points of entry into the Garden for shorter transport of equipment. Logistics must be arranged in advance.
Weather
The Garden reserves the right to cancel shoots due to poor weather. Rescheduling is contingent upon availability of Garden grounds.
Food and Beverages
Approved crews are welcome to bring their own water or other non-alcoholic beverages into the Garden. You may not bring in food from catered or other outside sources. Sassafras café serves a full lunch menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. To order boxed lunches from Catering St. Louis, call (314) 577-0200 in advance. Boxed lunches may be enjoyed inside the Sassafras café or outside on the terrace; seating is available first-come, first-served. Dining or picnicking is not allowed on the Garden grounds.
Credit
The Garden may, at its discretion, require the following credit line: “Photographed (Filmed/Videotaped) on location at the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri.” (Add “USA” if distributed outside the United States.)