General Visitor Photography and Videography
Photography Policy
Guests are welcome to take photos in the gardens and most parts of the museum. Photography may be prohibited in temporary/visiting exhibitions—admissions staff will inform you of any limitations during your visit. Tripods, selfie sticks, and flash photography are not permitted in any galleries. The use of drones anywhere on the property is not allowed.
We encourage you to tag the Dixon in photos shared on social media using #discoverthedixon, @dixonmemphis on Instagram, or @DixonGalleryandGardens on Facebook.
PLEASE READ
Professional Photography and Videography Policy
All sessions must be scheduled in advance through the inquiry form below. Sessions are not officially scheduled until confirmation is received from the Photography team.
All commercial photography and videography is prohibited at Dixon Gallery and Gardens unless scheduled in advance; approval is not guaranteed. Commercial photography and videography at the Dixon is defined as images or video created in or of the Dixon property that any individual or organization intends to use for commercial, professional, and/or promotional purposes, including but not limited to display advertising, commercials, films, music videos, retail products, brochures, websites, stock photography, portfolios, and other industrial, promotional, or advertising projects.
All portrait photography must be scheduled in advance with the Dixon using the form below. Portrait photography at the Dixon is defined as a photography session where a photographer (amateur or professional) has a person or group of people posing for portraits on the Dixon property; this includes but is not limited to the following types of photography: family, maternity, engagement, class/team/club, prom, or other dance functions, quinceañeras and birthdays, and graduation.
Visitors are always allowed to take photos of the gardens and parts of the museum for personal use. (Example: taking photos of blooms on your phone or camera).
For questions, additional information, or concerns, please contact photography@dixon.org.
Scheduling and Guidelines
IMPORTANT: Certain privileges are reserved for Dixon members at the $150 level or higher.
- The 4pm time slot will be limited to $150 and up members. No photographers without that level of Dixon membership will be allowed to book sessions at 4pm.
- Saturdays and Sundays are available only for members; non-members are able to book Tuesday through Friday.
- $150 and up members will be able to book up to three (3) months in advance while non-members will be able to book up to one (1) month in advance.
We appreciate your understanding! We are excited to be able to offer free admission to the public, and becoming a member is the best way to support the Dixon and our mission.
Scheduling and Guidelines (cont)
- The Dixon asks that all photography and video shoots be scheduled at least three (3) days in advance and the Dixon reserves the right to turn down requests and turn away unscheduled groups for any reason.
- The last available booking time for photography is (Tuesday - Friday) is 3pm for non-members, (Tuesday - Sunday) 4pm for $150+ members. Please note the Dixon closes at 5pm.
- No more than 5 photographers may be on the property at a time.
- Please be aware that Dixon plantings and outdoor exhibitions are subject to change throughout the year, and the Dixon is not responsible for how this may impact your shoot.
- Photo sessions should be limited to (1) one hour on a single day
- Photographers and their clients must check in together at the admissions booth.
- Photographers and their guests must stay on designated pathways, and the grounds (flower beds, outdoor exhibitions/statues, furniture, etc.) must remain unaltered and untouched.
- All photographers and videographers must submit a signed copy of the Photography & Videography Guidelines before or upon check-in for their shoot.
The Dixon does not normally charge a fee for shoots; however, a fee may be assessed for special requests, such as large groups or approved before-or-after hours times; special requests will not necessarily be approved.
For general photography and videography inquiries, please fill out the form below.
For questions, additional information, or concerns, please contact photography@dixon.org.
THE FOLLOWING ARE PROHIBITED:
- Wedding portraits, unless the client has booked the Dixon for a wedding ceremony and/or reception. Guests wearing bridal attire will be asked to respect this rule by exiting the property
- Pop-up ceremonies or vow exchanges, please contact our venue rental coordinator for more information
- Excessive displays of skin, suggestive poses, or other inappropriate behaviors
- Pets, excluding service animals
- Photography sessions inside the galleries
- Drones or similar technology
- Mini-sessions (multiple clients back-to-back)
- Props, balloons, backdrops, large lighting equipment, wagons, etc.
The Dixon reserves the right to turn away props and large equipment at the Admission Booth
Inquiry Form
The Dixon is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday, 1pm-5pm and shoots are scheduled in one (1) hour increments, to take place during regular museum hours.