The Foundation welcomes everyone to enjoy the Stark Cultural Venues (SCV) and the many photographic opportunities that they have to offer. Guests to the SCV are welcome to photograph their personal experiences for their own private and non-commercial use. Please note that special occasion photo shoots, professional, or commercial photography and videography are not permitted without advanced registration and approval.

Any guest or photographer interested in using the SCV for photography other than personal experiences must contact the venue and request prior authorization. To schedule a special occasion photoshoot, or inquire on other professional or commercial photography, please contact Marlene Cox.

Photographers or guests interested in special occasion photo shoots at the SCV, including bridal or engagement portraits, senior portraits, birthdays, or other special events, as well as family and group photos that may be posed or staged, should contact the SCV in advance of a photo shoot to request permission and obtain a temporary photography permit.

Professional photographers wishing to host private sessions or any other professional or commercial photographers with the intention of promoting or selling a product or service are not permitted to photograph at any SCV without prior written authorization and completion of the SCV Film & Photography Permission Form, Agreement and Release.

Advanced scheduling is required. Guests or photographers arriving at SCV to conduct any type of photoshoot without prior scheduling may result in refusal of permission.

For the safety of all guests, anyone entering any SCV, or other Stark Foundation property, is expected to follow all rules and guidelines for that venue during their visit. SCV and the Stark Foundation reserve the right to refuse, revoke, or deny the admission of any guest for non-compliance with the policies and rules set forth on this website.

For the courtesy and safety of all guests, photographers are also expected to follow Photography Policy Rules and Regulations listed below:

• • Guests are permitted to photograph and video for personal use in all exterior gardens as well as the open and public exteriors and public buildings of Shangri La Gardens. Tripod use is allowed at Shangri La Gardens. For the safety of all guests, tripods cannot be placed in areas that may block paths or walk ways or set in any flower or plant bed.
  • Props and large photography equipment are not allowed without prior authorization.
  • The following items are not permitted at the SCV, including during scheduled photography sessions: confetti, glitter, silly string, or similar materials; outside alcoholic beverages; balloons; candles, sparklers, fireworks, or open flames of any kind; and live animals, with the exception of service animals.
  • Walkways or pathways must always remain open.
  • Please refrain from photographing other visitors or staff without their consent.
  • Stay in areas open to the public. Do not enter employee only or restricted areas.
  • Please keep all objects, artwork, furniture, flowers, and plants where they are.
  • Do not pose or climb on any structures, artwork, statues, plants, or trees.
  • Stay out of all fountains, water features, and flowerbeds.
  • Proper attire and footwear should be worn at all times. If high heels will be worn during the photo shoot, they should be changed into once reaching the photography site.
  • There are no places offered other than public restrooms for changing of clothing. Pop up tents are not allowed to be used at the SCV.
  • All SCV are no drone zones. Any and all drone use is strictly prohibited without express written permission and prior approval of the Stark Foundation President and CEO.
  • Photography intended for religious or political purposes is not permitted.
  • Photographer understands that any Photo Session must be completed 30 minutes prior to the posted closing time for the SCV.
  • Photographer understands that a scheduled time for a Photo Session does NOT give exclusive access to our most common photo areas, and that some areas may be closed for renovation, color change out, or other Foundation purposes. Other photographers may also be scheduled in the same timeframe.
  • Photographer understands that any photographs taken at SCV may not be sold, published, reproduced, transferred, distributed, or otherwise commercially exploited without the express written consent of the Stark Foundation.
  • Photographer understands that the Foundation and SCV reserve the right, at its discretion to withhold and/or withdraw permission to photograph or film on its premises, to refuse admittance for photography, and or change its photography terms and conditions at any time without advance notice.