Photography

Outdoor Gardens

Leo Mol Sculpture Garden

The sculptures and lush natural beauty of the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden present a picture-perfect setting for wedding, engagement, graduation, and family photography.

Photos will take place in a designated section of the garden that includes the pond, pergola, and schoolhouse. During your time slot, this area will be blocked off to restrict public access. Park event staff will be on site for the duration of your booking to provide support.

Gardens at The Leaf

The outdoor gardens surrounding The Leaf offer varied landscapes and stunning settings for photography in every season. Photography sessions can be booked in the Kitchen Garden, Seasonal Garden, and/or Performance Garden.

Photos will take place in a designated section of the garden(s). During your time slot, this area will be blocked off to restrict public access. Park event staff will be on site for the duration of your booking to provide support.

Photography sessions in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden or Gardens at The Leaf can be booked in one-hour time slots at a cost of $275.00 + GST per hour. Subject to availability.

Indoor Biomes at The Leaf

The Leaf is a spectacular indoor horticultural attraction featuring lush plant life and stunning scenery. It is the perfect backdrop for life's most memorable moments!

We offer three options to meet the varied needs of photographers. Sessions can take place in the Hartley and Heather Richardson Tropical Biome, Mediterranean Biome, Babs Asper Display House, and/or Shirley Richardson Butterfly Garden.

The biomes are normally open to the public daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. They are closed approximately six times a year for display changes and occasionally for private events.

All Leaf bookings, including pop-up sessions, are subject to availability. Photographers requiring a controlled environment, guaranteed access, or serving larger groups (e.g. wedding parties, extended families) must book a semi-private or private session.

Pop-up Sessions

This walk-up option is free, but subject to restrictions and availability*.

Offered daily during regular days/hours of operation at the following times:
- 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Maximum group size of 6 people, including photographer.
Must be conducted without any disruption to other Leaf visitors or biome operations.
You may not block pathways, cover signage, use electrical outlets, move furniture, or enter garden beds.
All guests, including photographer, must have a valid membership or purchase biome admission.
Photographers may not use personal memberships to purchase discounted admission for clients.
Equipment is limited to handheld cameras. Other professional photography equipment (e.g. tripods, monopods, lighting, rigs) is not permitted unless part of a semi-private or private booking.
Photographers must register upon arrival.

* Pop-up sessions are subject to availability at the discretion of Visitor Services staff. Groups may be turned away depending on time of day, biome capacity, and other events taking place in the biomes.

Semi-Private Sessions

Cost: $350.00 + GST per hour

Offered daily during regular days/hours of operation at the following times:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Friday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Bookings must be made at least 15 days in advance and are subject to availability.
Session cost includes biome admission for up to 6 people, including photographer, videographer, and other support staff.
You can increase your group size to a maximum of 12 people. There will be an additional charge for biome admission for each additional guest.
Your booking does not guarantee exclusive use of space as the biomes will remain open to visitors. Park event staff will be on site for the duration of your booking to provide support and minimize disruption by letting visitors know that photos are taking place.

Private Sessions

Cost: $500.00 + GST per hour

Offered daily in the early morning or late evening outside of regular biome hours of operation. Limited time slots available from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. or 9:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Bookings must be made at least 15 days in advance and are subject to availability.
Bookings are limited to groups of 10, including the photographer/videographer and other support staff.
You can increase your group size to a maximum of 22 people. Additional charges will apply.
No members of the public are permitted in the biomes at these times. Staff may be on site to perform maintenance and plant care. Park event staff will be on site for the duration of your booking to provide support.