Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

c4ptiv3 · **Dallas Arboretum -** 05-31-2007, 03:35 AM

Hi,

I have been recently invited to go to the Arboretum, and I'm wondering if it is even worth going to. Im really picky about my backgrounds and tend to get bored easily. How is the place? Is it pretty large? What all will I be lookin at for pictures? Will it mainly be flowers? Will it be crowded? Anyway, any comments or information will be helpful.

Thanks

AndrewCCM · 05-31-2007, 04:09 AM

Crowded on weekends.. Very big. Lots of varying backgrounds, from lakes, ponds, water falls, flowers, cool buildings, etc.. I shoot tons of bridals there. Many wedding shooters buy family memberships so they can get their clients in for free.

Keep in mind however, they close at 5pm. Stinks.

chris1999 · 05-31-2007, 10:29 AM

I personally think it's worth going to. Its not ALL flowers. Theres a cool old house there. Theres a "lake scene".. theres a lot of people too, but not so many it screws things up. theres statues, little waterfalls, there are some pop art lawn pieces, theres a VW that doubles as a flower pot.. etc.. I dont know what you like, but thats a quick and dirty synopsis.

food court closes at 2:30 or something too.

Big Dog · 05-31-2007, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c4ptiv3

Is it pretty large?

60+ acres.

L Stegall · 05-31-2007, 02:46 PM

It's definitely worth visiting and not just in Spring - it's great year round and what is in season changes. I live very nearby and go regularly (yes, I have a family membership for exactly the reason Andrew said above). I think the VW flower-bug was just there during Dallas Blooms - it might be gone, but still well worth the trip.

veritus · 05-31-2007, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L Stegall

It's definitely worth visiting and not just in Spring - it's great year round and what is in season changes. I live very nearby and go regularly (yes, I have a family membership for exactly the reason Andrew said above). I think the VW flower-bug was just there during Dallas Blooms - it might be gone, but still well worth the trip.

Do you have any problems shooting your work there? i.e. Do they say anything to you when you setup a tripod and some misc gear? I just bought the personal membership (good for myself plus a guest each visit) to do some model shooting. I didn't ask if I could shoot commercial photography or not.

chris1999 · 05-31-2007, 04:42 PM

I've never even gotten a second look. I see other obvious pros there too.

brad · 05-31-2007, 04:44 PM

I joined the Fort Worth Botanic Society and that membership also allows me free admission to the Arboretum.. and used it to get in for the engagement I shot recently. I don't know about tripods, but I know that pros are common... they will ask you at the front if you are a photographer (duh, with all the camera stuff) and ask you to read/listen to the rules and sign a piece of paper that says you understand.... those rules are posted at their website also.

L Stegall · 05-31-2007, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by veritus

Do you have any problems shooting your work there? i.e. Do they say anything to you when you setup a tripod and some misc gear? I just bought the personal membership (good for myself plus a guest each visit) to do some model shooting. I didn't ask if I could shoot commercial photography or not.

The Dallas Arboretum only charges for commercial shoots. Lots of brides are photographed there every day without charge - unless they want to change clothes there. Usually, I see people arrive in all their bridal finery. The website spells out their policies. Tripods and lots of gear are commonly seen and no problem.

c4ptiv3 · 05-31-2007, 04:53 PM

sweet guys thanks for all the info. I will probably go after all.

AndrewCCM · 05-31-2007, 05:03 PM

yep.. no prob with tripods or anything...Although I rarely shoot with one out there.

Big Dog · 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L Stegall

... The website spells out their policies. Tripods and lots of gear are commonly seen and no problem.

I also have a membership and live close, so go often. When I went last week, they had something new. It was some kind of sign-in basically saying you'd follow the rules. It also captured your name and contact info. No big deal, just surprised me. The person also asked me "how many" others I was expecting. When I said it was just me, he said "Oh, OK". Probably the Domke vest and the tripod ...

Anyway, check the rules on the website and behave yourself, and it's not a problem. They aren't hurting for business, but a good bit of it comes from photographers.

http://www.dallasarboretum.org/Visit/Photography.htm

PaulP · 06-01-2007, 02:12 PM

I had no problem at lunch today. I used my tripod and never got a second look. I was asked if I had signed in before at the gate and reminded not to get into the flower beds.

As mentioned previously, read and follow the rules and you'll have no problem.

Flowers looked pretty good except for the roses which were pretty beat up from the storms.

scott1120 · 06-01-2007, 03:15 PM

I have never been, would kids enjoy it?

PaulP · 06-04-2007, 02:13 PM

I believe they would. The arboretum has put up sites for the kids rto see, including a "cottage" they can actually walk into. Their are fish in some of the ponds and other sights to see.