Photography Policies

MESQUITE HISTORICAL MUSEUMS SYSTEM

The grounds of Opal Lawrence Historical Park and the Florence Ranch Homestead are beautiful in their natural settings and are inviting to many photographers. Those visitors on tours, or amateurs, are welcome to take exterior photos as long as their activity does not interfere with any of the other visitors.

Professional photographers must be contracted as such and will be charged a rental rate for the use of the grounds for equipment, lighting, props, individuals (such as brides or prom dates) and other settings. Unauthorized photographers will be required to turn film over to museum staff or pay the rental fee. Those involved in the shoot will be required to sign a release and hold harmless form.

Brides or those individuals scheduled for a portrait shoot at one of the museum parks must come dressed for the occasion. Neither park has a dressing area available at this time.

To schedule a time for a professional shoot and to discuss rates, please contact staff at 972-329-7547 for the Florence Ranch Homestead or (972) 329-8529 for Opal Lawrence Historical Park.

Professional rates:

Hourly: $50 with a two hour minimum

½ day: $250 for five hours

Full day: $400 for eight hours

The use of Mesquite Historical Museums System photos in promotional or marketing materials is not permitted without express permission of the executive director. As such, the parks’ names, photos or logos may not be used in any fund-raising capacity or to sell tickets for an outside event since doing so would be a conflict of interest.

All media releases and news conferences must be scheduled through the executive director.

Both museums and their grounds may be rented for television, film or video shoots. Fees will be determined on a case-by-case basis, and will depend on the time, intensity and needs for the shoot. Minimum for a one-day film shoot is $200 for four hours.