Photography at Ford House
Capture Your Special Moments at Ford House
Ford House Photography invites you to make your special day unforgettable by booking a photography session at the breathtaking estate, including the picturesque property across from the Main Gate on Lake Shore. Our stunning grounds provide the perfect backdrop for all types of photography, from family and newborn photos to engagements, weddings, high school seniors, and more.
How to Book Your Ford House Photography Session
We’ve made the booking process easy to ensure a seamless experience for you. Follow these steps to reserve your photography session:
1. Submit an inquiry
Complete our online request form for inquiries. Photography sessions must be booked at least 3 weeks prior to your desired date.
2. FINALIZE DETAILS AND SIGN CONTRACT
If needed, our Photography Sales Coordinator will contact you to confirm session details. A contract will be sent to you, your photographer, and your videographer (if applicable) for review and e-signature.
3. NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE
Once your fully signed contract has been received, our Photography Sales Coordinator will reach out to collect the non-refundable booking fee. This is part of your overall total fee.
4. RECEIVE CONFIRMATION AND PAY BALANCE
Once your non-refundable booking fee has been paid, you’ll receive a copy of your completed contract, a map of our grounds detailing your arrival and departure information, and a link to pay any remaining balance due.
6. Enjoy Your Session
On the day of your session, a Ford House staff member will greet you in our Visitor Center and escort you around the estate to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.
Estate Policies and Guidelines
All estate policies, including prohibited equipment and estate guidelines, will be outlined in the photography session contract. Please review the Ford House Photography Policies here.
Ford House Photography Pricing
Our Ford House photography sessions are perfect for capturing life’s most memorable moments, including anniversaries, birthdays, engagements, graduations, maternity, newborns, and more. We offer flexible options to suit a variety of occasions, ensuring you get the perfect setting for your photos.
To learn more about our 2025 photography session pricing, download the pricing details here. For photographers, we’ve also provided a helpful Photographers’ Tip Sheet here.
Standard Sessions
Friends of Ford House Sessions
- 1-Hour: $60
- 2-Hour: $90
Standard Sessions
Public Session
- 1-Hour: $90
- 2-Hour: $170
Proposal Packages
These are each one hour sessions.
-
Silver Package: $150
- Access to Ford House Gardens and Grounds for one hour for the proposal.
- Bring your photographer along to capture the moment.
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Gold Package: $200
- Access to Ford House Gardens and Grounds for one hour for the proposal.
- Bring your photographer along to capture the moment.
- Toast the moment with two keepsake Ford House wine glasses and chilled Heron Hill Bubbly Moscato. Heron Hill is a Ford family winery in the Finger Lakes region.
-
Platinum Package: $350
- Access to Ford House Gardens and Grounds for one hour for the proposal.
- Bring your photographer along to capture the moment.
- Celebrate the event with a toast using two keepsake Ford House wine glasses and chilled Heron Hill Bubbly Moscato, a Ford family winery.
- Continue the celebration with dinner for two at our lakeside restaurant, The Continental.
Wedding Photography Sessions
- The Wedding Couple (max 5 ppl total): $300
- The Wedding Party (6-35 ppl total): $400
Minimum 2-Hour Session Required
Mini Sessions
Booking must be done by the photographer. Groups every 15-30 minutes. Minimum 2-hour session. Large party fees included in price.
- 2-hour session: $200
- 3-hour session: $300
Minimum 2-Hour Session Required
Additional Fees
Maximum group size of 35 people
Large Party Fees
- 11-20 people: $20/hour
- 21-35 people: $40/hour
Large PROP FEE
Such as bicycles, cars, dogs, motorcycles, etc.
- $20/hour
Important Notes
- Friends of Ford House Discount: The Friends of Ford House price does not apply to photo sessions with 10 or more guests.
- Photography Inside the Historic Buildings: The inside of our historic buildings is not available for photography sessions.
Photography FAQs
Can I take photos or videos at Ford House?
Yes. Guests are welcome to use iPhones, Androids, and other cell phones for personal photography and videography throughout the grounds, including the Visitor Center Plaza and historic core.
Can I use flash photography indoors?
No. Flash photography is not permitted indoors, including inside the Visitor Center, Administration Building, or historic buildings.
Why do I have to pay for a session? I am a Friend of Ford House.
We ask that all guests who would like to conduct a photography session on the estate pay a minimal fee for us to cover the costs of staffing the session. However, as a member, you do receive a discount on your session.
Do I need to book a photo session for portraits or special occasions?
Yes. All of the following must be booked through Ford House, regardless of the type of camera being used:
- Wedding photography
- Proposal photography
- Prom or homecoming photos
- Portrait sessions
- Family or couple photography
- Headshots
- Editorial or styled shoots
- Product or commercial shoots
- Photographer mini sessions
This applies to both public and private events.
Why does someone have to escort me?
We have a staff member escort you through your session to ensure that the estate is preserved as much as possible. For example, certain equipment is not permitted (drones) to help prevent damage to the historic buildings and grounds.
Can I use a professional camera on the grounds?
Professional cameras are not permitted unless the session has been officially booked through Ford House.
An exception is made for nature photography, including:
- Wildlife photography
- Landscape photography
- Architecture photography
What does Ford House consider a professional camera?
Ford House defines professional cameras as non-cell phone cameras, including but not limited to:
- DSLR cameras
- Mirrorless cameras
- Medium format cameras
- Professional video camcorders
- Twin-lens reflex (TLR) cameras
- Large format film cameras
Can I bring tripods, lighting, or other photography equipment?
No. The following equipment is prohibited unless part of a contracted photo session booked through Ford House:
Stability Equipment
- Tripods
- Monopods
- Gimbals or stabilizers
Lighting Equipment
- Stand-mounted flashes
- Softboxes
- Reflectors
- Beauty dishes
Audio Equipment
- Boom microphones
- Wireless lavalier microphone setups
Aerial Equipment
- Drones/UAVs
We will only be 15-30 mins, can you just let us do it anyway? We won’t destroy anything.
Unfortunately, no. We have other scheduled sessions that have purchase time slots to take their photos. We try to schedule specific dates and times so all guests can get their desired photos, and to ensure staffing to work with your session.
Why can I not use (specific props, candles, large letters, etc.)?
Ford House is a historic landmark, so we ask that guests not use certain props that could potentially harm a building or grounds. Items such as candles are a fire hazard, large displays and equipment may damage the lawn. It is our job to ensure the estate is here for years to come and we appreciate your assistance in its preservation.
Why can’t I bring champagne to our photo session?
Due to our liquor license no outside alcohol is permitted.
I have 10 + guests that need to be photographed, can I still use the membership pricing?
Unfortunately, for a group that size the member pricing is not valid. However, we’d love to assist you with pricing. Please contact our photography team at photography@fordhouse.org.
Why can’t I host my wedding ceremony/reception on property along with taking our wedding photos here?
At the request of the Ford Family, Ford House does not host wedding ceremonies or receptions. However, we have private event spaces for pre- and post-wedding celebrations such as bridal showers, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, and brunches. If you are interested in booking an event space with us, please contact our event team at rentals@fordhouse.org. If you would like to book your wedding photography session with us, please fill out our photo session request form.
The photographer is just my family member/friend/acquaintance, do I still need to book a session?
Yes! If you are coming to the estate to take staged photos on our grounds, you must book with us—regardless of whether the photographer is a professional or a friend or family member.
Can I be asked to stop taking photos or videos?
Yes. Any photography or videography that disrupts daily operations, visitors, or events may result in staff intervention, including possible removal from the estate.
Can Ford House use photos I take of my clients on the estate?
Yes. By photographing clients at Ford House, you grant permission for Ford House to use those images in promotional materials, including social media, press releases, publications, and other collateral that supports the estate’s promotion. View the 2025 Photography Release Form
Where do these policies apply?
These policies apply to the Ford House property, including:
- The main estate
- Visitor Center Plaza
- Historic core
- Adjacent grass lot on Lakeshore Road
Contact Us
For additional information or any questions, please reach out to us:
Email: photography@fordhouse.org
Phone: 313-884-4222
Interested in booking a Private Event at Ford House?
Host your unforgettable event at Ford House, where timeless elegance and breathtaking lakefront views provide the perfect setting for any private gathering. With versatile venues and expert on-site culinary services to handle all your food and beverage needs, we’ll help you create a truly exceptional experience.
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