Photographer Membership

The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) has many beautiful and diverse backdrops perfect for professional and amateur photographers alike. Although we encourage photography by our visitors, professional photographers that are using KNC property for business purposes are required to purchase a membership or pay admission for themselves and their clients. A professional photographer is defined as anyone who is being paid to take photographs on KNC property.

A KNC Photography Membership is $150.00 and fully tax deductible.

Purchase a Photography Membership Here

Benefits of Membership:

• Free admission for one named adult photographer for one year
• Up to eight clients may accompany the photographer during a visit

The following benefits are for the Photography Membership cardholder only:

• Bi-monthly newsletter (Nature Center News)
• 10% discount in the Trailhead Gifts & Books Gift Shop
• One KNC static window decal for each new membership
• Reduced rates for classes and special events
• Voting privileges at the annual members meeting
• Free admission and/or discounts at over 120 nature centers nationwide. See the list of participating centers here.
• KNC's regular E-news
• Free admission to special events like Maple Sugar Festival
• Free admission in the month of May to Air Zoo, Binder Park Zoo, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Gilmore Car Museum, and the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary & Manor House
• Exclusive invitations to member-only events including Member’s Night and Jingle Mingle

KNC Photography Guidelines

• Photographers are required to check in at the Welcome Station or at the Guest Services desk each visit.
• Photographers and clients must stay on trails to avoid damaging sensitive habitat areas. Do not pick or remove any kind of plant-life.
• All pathways must remain accessible to KNC visitors, staff, and volunteers at all times.
• A photography membership does not entitle the member exclusive use of any area in KNC grounds.
• Drone use is prohibited.
• Park in the visitor parking lot. Do not park along the drive or block the road in any way.
• Outside props that may damage habitats are prohibited (including but not limited to furniture, animals, motorized vehicles, smoke bombs, paint, and balloons). Onsite props such as benches, rocks, etc. may be used, but should not be moved from their original location.
• Appropriate clothing must be worn at all times. Changing in restrooms is permitted, but be respectful of the needs of other visitors.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption are prohibited on KNC property.
• The Kalamazoo Nature Center is not responsible for equipment loss or damage.
• Photography at KNC cannot be used to imply endorsement by KNC.
• Non-compliance to these guidelines may result in forfeiture of the annual membership fee and future photography privileges.