Photography at The Cibolo
Help us maintain the space your clients love.
There are many scenic opportunities that offer a perfect background for your photo session. At the Cibolo Nature Center, we have wooded trails, a cypress-lined creek, a wetland, and a tall-grass prairie, all with abundant variety for your images. Herff Farm offers gardens, historic sites, and natural open spaces for a vintage farm look.
A photo permit is required in order to take amateur portraits and all professional photographs, and we ask that you follow our rules below.
PRICING
Single Session Photo Permit: $25
Annual Photo Permit: $250
HOURS
The Nature Center: Dawn to Dusk
The Herff Farm:Sat. 9am – 1pm
PLAN YOUR VISIT
The Nature Center
The Herff Farm
CONTACT
nature@cibolo.org
(830) 249-4616
Photography Rules
Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
Herff Farm is only available to be used Saturdays from 9am-1pm
Do not use rice, confetti, flower petals, candy, glitter, cascarones or similar items.
Do not use candles, bonfires or any other type of open flame.
Do not pick flowers, break tree limbs, move furniture or disrupt natural habitats.
Do not cross climb fences or cross closed gates.
Dressing room areas are limited to public restrooms in the Pavilion or at the Visitor Center.
Clothing is required at all times, as these are public spaces for families.
Photography Notice
Visitors may be photographed or recorded while on our property. These images may be used by The Cibolo Center for Conservation for educational and promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform a staff member.
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You will likely be approached and asked to purchase a permit on site by our Park Rangers.
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If costumes, tripods, reflectors or staged photography is involved, you will need to purchase a permit. All donations will benefit the Cibolo.
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Please purchase your permit online and carry your receipt with you. To pay on-site at the Nature Center, please attach your business card to $25 cash or check and deposit into the secure donation box at the park entrance in the oak motte by the parking lot.
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Not necessarily, as long as you are within public access hours, but if you call in advance, we will tell you of any planned events scheduled on the property.
Your Questions, Answered
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The Herff Farm location is only available for outdoor photo sessions Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Permits can be purchased online. You can make special arrangements for sessions at Herff Farm by calling 830-249-4616 to schedule an appointment.
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A permit is required for each group sitting.
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Each photographer works differently, so if you are a client please consult your photographer. A permit is required for all photography sessions, whether the photographer is a professional or non-professional.
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Yes, you may use a credit card online or in the Visitor Center.
Photography & Videography Policy
Purpose
This policy establishes guidelines for capturing and using photographs and video footage on The Cibolo’s properties to support marketing, communications, documentation, and mission-related storytelling while respecting visitor privacy.
General Photography Practices
1. The Cibolo operates under a standard opt-out photography model, consistent with common practice among nature centers, parks, museums, and public-serving nonprofits.
2. Candid photography and videography may be taken in public or semi-public outdoor areas, including trails, gardens, programs, and events.
3. Images may be used for organizational purposes including, but not limited to, marketing materials, print publications, digital media, fundraising communications, and internal documentation.
Visitor Notification
To ensure transparency, The Cibolo will:
1. Post signage at key entrances and gathering areas stating that photography may occur on the property.
2. Include a photography notice on the website, event registration forms, membership materials, and relevant program communications.
3. Provide visitors with a simple method to opt out of being photographed, such as informing a staff member or receiving a discreet identifier (e.g., wristband or sticker) when appropriate.
Opt-Out Procedure
1. Visitors who prefer not to be photographed may notify any staff member.
2. Staff photographers and communications personnel will make reasonable efforts to avoid capturing identifiable images of those who opt out.
3. If an image inadvertently includes an individual who opted out, the image will not be used in any public-facing materials.
Photography of Minors
1. For organized youth programs (such as camps, school field trips, and Nest Nature School), parent/guardian photo releases will continue to be obtained through participation forms.
2. For minors visiting with their families in general public spaces, the opt-out policy applies as described above.
Restrictions and Sensitive Situations
Staff should refrain from photographing or using images depicting:
1. Individuals in vulnerable or sensitive situations (e.g., injuries, distress, behavioral challenges).
2. Any individual who expresses discomfort with photography, regardless of opt-out status.
Approved: December 11, 2025