2024 Update

The Old Farm has always supported local photographers in their efforts to establish and advance their businesses. To this end, we have allowed use of the property – gratis - for commercial sessions, prior to our seasonal openings in mid-November. This has proven very popular, and as the number of photographers, clients and workload has increased, it has become necessary to formalize policies, provide this information as below, and charge a reasonable fee to compensate for the effort. At the same time, we have retained the opportunity for very-small-scale, startup efforts to visit for a nominal cost. These policies will evolve as we see what works well and what doesn’t; for 2024, photography policies are described, below.

Any photography for compensation is considered “Commercial Photography”. Ad hoc photos of individual (one-only) families by individual photographers (one-only) - even if compensated - is considered “Candid Photography”.

• During the Christmas tree sales season (“Season”), always beginning mid-November, no Commercial Photography is permitted on the Old Farm property. We simply don’t have the space or staff to handle the extra load.

• During the Season, candid photography is permitted, however no props, setup or other disruptions can be accommodated. Family members or photographers may take shots of one family while they search for and cut their season’s tree; nothing more elaborate is allowed.

• Dog policy: Leashed, well-behaved dogs are always welcome at the Old Farm; pet owners are expected to clean up any messes.

• At all times, photographers and clients should expect pre-season work crews, other photographers, and seasonal customers to be sharing the property.

• Communications between photographers and customers is expected to be organized before entry on the property; The Old Farm does not have staff to assist with communications, organization, transport or other tasks.

• Commercial photographers take responsibility for their clients’ well being while on the property; The Old Farm is not responsible for any injuries during a session or visit.

• Commercial photography props, sets, etc. must be set up on the reserved date and time, and removed at the end of the scheduled period. All transport is the responsibility of the photographer, who should be advised that the fields are several-hundred feet from the parking lot.

• There are no toilet facilities available at the Old Farm prior to opening for the Season.

General Policies

All photographers and clients must park in the parking lot on the North side of the property. No one may enter the private driveway on the South side of the house, and this must be conveyed clearly to clients. There will be a “Parking” sign to clearly indicate the proper entry.
All parties should stay on the path from the parking area to the fields; photography by the house, parking area and outbuildings associated with the home is not allowed. Candid Photography, which does not disrupt customer flow, is allowed anywhere except around the house and associated outbuildings. Photography in the fields and in the area between the fields is what is expected.

People, children and dogs may not enter any fields where the trees are less than 4’ tall. It is particularly important that photographers insist that clients keep their children out of these areas where small trees may be damaged by roughhousing.
Photographers must prevent any damage to the property, structures, fencing, trees and otherwise.

Candid Photography times parallel seasonal operating times: 9:30 – 4:00.

Commercial Photography Fees, Booking and Dates

2024 Rates: 1/2 day - $150; full-day - $250. Half-day means 4 hours, full day means 8 hours, any times between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Starter” Rate for two or fewer sessions: $50. This is an effort to continue our helping folks get started; if you only have a couple of families lined up, only this nominal charge applies.
No splitting of dates or sharing of sessions with other photographers is allowed.

Dates may be scheduled 20 October through 10 Novembers.
Booking: email “info@oldfarmchristmas.com” to schedule.

Check or cash payment due prior to client entry upon the property.

Check-in. Staff will meet the photographer prior to clients’ arrival to answer any questions and provide last-minute directions.

Inclement weather: in the case of bad weather, re-scheduling is fine but should be established no later than the day before the planned session.

The Old Farm Christmas Place
1148 Sawyer Road
Cape Elizabeth, ME  04107
info@oldfarmchristmas.com