LIFE EVENT, PORTRAIT, or SESSION PHOTOGRAPHY

577 defines Life Event, Portrait, or Session Photography as any posed portraiture of individuals or groups—such as wedding, engagement, proposal, maternity, quinceañera, family, graduation, prom, homecoming, or portfolio sessions—taken by professional, semi-professional, or amateur photographers, whether they are being paid or not. If the primary reason for your visit is photography rather than a casual visit to enjoy the grounds, it is considered Life Event, Portrait, or Session Photography.

This summer, we’re happy to offer regular daytime outdoor photography sessions at no charge as part of our Picture-Perfect Summer initiative. 

While our grounds are open to the public, please remember that 577 is not a public park—we are a privately funded nonprofit with a small staff and limited resources. We kindly ask all guests and photographers to help us care for this special place by following the guidelines in this form.

Schedule a Daytime Photography Session

Schedule a Golden Hour or Weekend Session

IN-THE-MOMENT or SNAPSHOT PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographs are a wonderful way for visitors to remember their 577 experience. We encourage visitors to take casual photographs or videos via cell phones or digital cameras. These in-the-moment photographs of plants, individuals, and subjects capture the events of your visit. These are informal photographs shot spontaneously and quickly. They are intended for personal use, including social media posts.

A permit, reservation, or fee is NOT REQUIRED for In-The-Moment or Snapshot Photography. 

VIDEOGRAPHY & COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

577 does not permit the use of its name and image for commercial purposes without prior approval. Arrangements to film, record, photograph, or create artistic renderings or displays must be made at least 30 days in advance of the proposed date.

To submit a request, please email hello@577foundation.org

Drones are not permitted.

Daytime Photography Session

We’re excited to offer regular daytime outdoor photography sessions at no charge this summer as part of our Picture-Perfect Summer initiative!

A permit or reservation is still required for all Life Event, Portrait, or Session Photography, even if your photographer is not a professional. This helps us coordinate usage of the grounds and ensure a great experience for all.

Permits and reservations are subject to availability, and the number of sessions allowed per day is limited. Walk-in permits are available during open hours at the Welcome Center & Curiosity Shop, or you may book in advance. Sunday daytime sessions are free but must be booked in advance, as the Welcome Center is closed and walk-in permits are not available that day.

Daytime Photography Session Fees

While most regular sessions are free this summer, mini sessions, weddings, and groups larger than 12 require a reservation and a small fee:

Fees for Daytime Weddings, Groups Larger than 12, and Mini Sessions: 

Walk-In Day Permit Guidelines
Permits are per hour, available Monday through Saturday beginning at 9am; last session begins at 4pm.

• Walk-in permits are not available on Sundays.
• Permits are valid for one hour from time of arrival; multiple hours may be acquired.
• Group size is limited to 12 people (your photographer does not count toward this number).
• A maximum of two groups per hour are permitted. Permits are first-come, first-served.
• Walk-in permits are for outdoor photography only.
• Photography inside any building requires advance registration and special permission.

Advance Reservations:

You can book your session in advance by emailing hello@577foundation.org or calling (419) 874-4174. Advance sessions for daytime mini sessions and weddings are available Monday through Saturday, 9am to 4pm, and must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance. Sunday sessions require advance booking and are available only when staffing allows. Cancellations with less than 72 hours’ notice are nonrefundable. If a session is cancelled due to inclement weather, we’ll work with you to reschedule. New dates must be confirmed before the original session date.

Photographers or groups on the grounds without a permit during regular hours (Monday–Saturday) will be asked to check in at the Welcome Center and obtain a permit if available. Groups found on the property after hours or on Sundays without prior approval will be asked to schedule a session for another day.

Nearby publicly-funded parks that may be used instead:

• Woodlands Park: 429 East Boundary St., Perrysburg
• Riverside Park: 245 West Front St., Perrysburg
• Davis Overlook: 28289 West River Rd., Perrysburg
• W.W. Knight Nature Preserve: 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg
• Side Cut Metropark: 1025 W River Rd, Maumee
• Toledo Botanical Garden: 5403 Elmer Dr, Toledo

Golden Hour Photography Session

Golden Hour Photography at 577 is photography that happens after the gardens and grounds have closed for the day. Depending on the time of year, sessions can be booked during that magical time of day when the golden glow of the setting sun can be captured.

Golden Hour sessions must be reserved at least 7 (seven) business days in advance. Reservations are available as 60-, 90-, or 120-minute sessions. Reservations are subject to availability. Weekend sessions have limited availability. *Groups that go past their permit time will be charged for the additional time.

Reservations can be booked in advance by email at hello@577foundation.org, or by phone at (419) 874-4174.

All photography session fees help to maintain the beautification of the gardens. Thank you!

Session Options

Option A: Gardens only, group size of 10 or less (plus photographer and assistant).

• 60 minutes: $60
• 90 minutes: $90
• 120 Minutes: $120

Option B: Gardens only, group size of 11 to 20 (plus photographer and assistant):

• 60 minutes: $75
• 90 minutes: $115
• 120 Minutes: $150

Option C: Gardens & One Building (Geodesic Biodome or Log House), group size of 12 or less (plus photographer and assistant):

• 60 minutes: $85
• 90 minutes: $125
• 120 Minutes: $165

Option D: Gardens & Both Buildings (Geodesic Biodome and Log House), group size of 12 or less (plus photographer and assistant):

• 60 minutes: $100
• 90 minutes: $140
• 120 Minutes: $180

Option E: Contact us for details, require preapproval

• Group size of 21 or more
• Photographers interested in mini-sessions
• Add-on ceremonies including gender reveals, weddings, memorials

Photography Session Guidelines

We’re so glad you’ve chosen to capture your special moments here. 577 is a privately funded nonprofit—not a public park—with a small but dedicated team and limited resources. To help us care for this beautiful space and ensure a great experience for everyone, we kindly ask all photographers and guests to follow the guidelines below on the day of your session.

• Check-in is required. Please stop by the Welcome Center at your scheduled start time.
• Bring your own photographer. 577 does not provide photographers or photography services.
• Come camera-ready. There are no dressing rooms at 577, and bathrooms may not be used for changing clothes. All photo subjects must be fully and appropriately dressed. Swimsuits, underwear, and boudoir photo shoots are not allowed.
• We’re not responsible for lost or left items. Any items left behind after your scheduled time may be disposed of. If you’ve misplaced something, call us as soon as possible.
• Be mindful of others. Your session should not interfere with our staff, volunteers, gardeners, or classes and events happening on the grounds. Please be respectful of all activity related to 577’s mission.
• Some areas may be off-limits. Due to restoration, programs, rentals, or unforeseen circumstances, access to certain areas may be restricted. We’ll let you know as soon as possible if this affects your session.
• Indoor photography is not permitted. This applies to all walk-up (free) sessions. Photo sessions may not take place inside any buildings, including the Geodesic Biodome, Cottage, Log Home, Pottery Studio, Welcome Center & Curiosity Shop, or Virginia’s House.
• Use of props requires permission. Please request permission if you’d like to include props.
• Leave the mess (and stress) at home. Furniture, materials harmful to wildlife, or anything loud or disruptive is not allowed. Balloons, glitter, confetti, rice, kites, flying lanterns, and other messy materials are strictly prohibited.
• Leave no trace. Please don’t move or remove potted plants, signs, benches, or any garden structures. Picking plants or disturbing wildlife is also prohibited.
• Stay on paths. To help protect our plants and wildlife, we ask that photographers, assistants, and photo subjects avoid stepping into garden beds, ponds, or fountains. Climbing trees or buildings is not allowed.
• Keep walkways clear. Don’t block paths or limit access for other visitors. Cords must be safely placed and approved electrical equipment must be cleared with us in advance.
• No drones, please. For the safety and privacy of everyone at 577, drone photography is not permitted.
• Be mindful of time. Vehicles must be out of the parking lot by 5pm, when 577 closes for the day.

577 reserves the right to halt any photography sessions deemed to be disruptive. The photography session guidelines must be followed in addition to the general visitor guidelines. 577 reserves the right to adjust these policies at any time, with or without notice, in the best interest of 577’s mission and the community.

While these sessions occur outdoors after 577’s closing time, these spaces are always shared. Community gardeners, independent pottery students, class participants, staff, and volunteers have permission to be at 577 after 5:00 p.m. They may be present during your session.

We love seeing the beautiful images captured at 577! You’re welcome to enter your photos into competitions. However, please note that the sale of images taken on our grounds may be restricted. The name, logo, and imagery of The 577 Foundation are registered trademarks and may not be used without permission. If you plan to sell your work or use 577’s name or imagery in any way, please reach out to us at hello@577foundation.org for more information.

News media and videography requests only, please email hello@577foundation.org