At Machado Family Farms, we are proud to share the beauty of our orchards—especially during the breathtaking almond blossom season. Our photography policy is designed to ensure that everyone can capture memories while protecting our land, our trees, and the regenerative ecosystem we work so hard to maintain.
1. Casual & Personal Photography
We welcome and encourage guests to take photos and videos for personal use and social media sharing.
- Tag Us: We love seeing your perspective! Please tag us @MachadoFamilyFarms.
- Cost: There is no fee for casual, non-professional photography during public hours.
- Rules: Guests must remain on designated paths and are strictly prohibited from climbing trees, shaking branches, or picking blossoms.
2. Professional Photography
We define “Professional Photography” as any session where a photographer is being paid for their services (e.g., family portraits, engagement sessions, or promotional shoots).
- Booking: All professional sessions must be scheduled in advance via our Calendly booking page to avoid overcrowding.
- Preferred Photographers: We are proud to partner with specific local photographers who understand our farm’s layout and regenerative mission. If you are looking for a professional, we highly recommend:
- [Photographer Name 1]
- [Photographer Name 2]
- Permits & Fees: Rates vary by photographer. Please contact your preferred photographer directly for their pricing, session details, and availability. Professional sessions help support our soil health initiatives and farm maintenance.
3. General Orchard Rules
To preserve our “Returning to Our Roots” mission, we ask all photographers (amateur and pro) to follow these guidelines:
- Leave No Trace: Please take all trash with you and do not bring props that could interfere with the soil (e.g., glitter, confetti, or heavy furniture).
- Respect the Ecosystem: Be mindful of the cover crops and our sheep. Do not enter areas where sheep are currently grazing.
- Stay on the Path: Walking through cover crops can compress the soil, which we work hard to keep aerated and healthy.
- Safety First: Farm equipment may be in use. Please stay alert and give way to farm vehicles.
4. Drone Policy
Due to safety and privacy concerns, drone photography and videography are only permitted with express written consent from Machado Family Farms.
5. Commercial Use
Any photography intended for commercial advertising, stock imagery, or resale requires a separate contract and higher-level insurance coverage.
Questions? If you have questions about a specific shoot or would like to be added to our preferred photographer list, please contact us at [Insert Email Address].