Shooting in a hotel

[Fireball]

I have an extended family group (8 people) I'm shooting at Christmas time and am mostly an outdoor shooter but am needing a back-up plan in case of bad weather. The family are very stylish and I was thinking of maybe using the hallway of a local Holiday Inn that just opened because it's styled beautifully in all the colors that match their clothing choices.

I've never done photos in a hotel before and don't know where/how to approach the subject with the manager. Should I offer to pay for the time there or would they expect the family to be staying there to use it? How do you get around the public walking through your shoot? Any other pointers?

[Abel]

when ive shot in a hotel ive had a room there so they didnt mind. just walking in to use their location and not giving them anything in return might be an issue..

in fact some hotels dont like you to shoot in them EVEN if you are staying with them... just depends.

you could call and speak to the manager and find out... no harm in that

[auddii]

I'd agree. While some people feel that asking for forgiveness is easier than asking for permission, I feel that that's just an excuse for breaking the rules and laws. Ask up front and you won't have to worry about being hassled while there or having the cops called on you. Also, there are legal ramifications like trespassing and theft of services.

Safer to ask. Also, there may be a fee if they are used to photographers asking for things like this, or there may not be a fee at all. Depends on the managers I guess, and hotel policy. I'm not sure if it'd be better or worse at a larger chain versus a smaller hotel, but good luck with your pictures! Hopefully the weather will hold and it won't be an issue.

[Fireball]

I totally agree about asking ahead of time. I would never think of doing it without talking to someone first. I'm sure they've never been approached since they just opened a month ago. Guess I'll bite the bullet and talk to the manager. Thanks!

[Jaymoney$]

Talk to the manager. I have two incidents shooting at different hotels without prior permission and especially if you plan on using off camera flash just play it safe.

[Angelo]

Charrie, do you think it may be better to ask in person?
I've always felt that you can get better results speaking to someone in person than just a phone call. One question they will probably ask is how long will you and your guests be there.

[Howard Barlow]

In this case, I would have the family approach the hotel. There may be more interest in helping the family get their favorite photo, than helping a photographer make a profit on their dime. Plus, if there is a fee involved, it is the family's expense, not yours.

[Fireball]

Yes, I was going to go there in person. The family is from out of town and will not be staying there so don't think they would ask the hotel themselves. Plus, I feel that's my job as the photographer to scout out locations and if there's a fee involved, to pay that myself.

[Howard Barlow]

Originally Posted by Fireball

I feel that's my job as the photographer to scout out locations and if there's a fee involved, to pay that myself.

Scouting, yes. Paying fees, absolutely not, unless you have asked the subject to pose for you. It is common for churches to charge brides for the church facilities to get married, or shooting portraits in atriums, staircases, etc., if they are not members. Would you pay several hundred for the bride to shoot her wedding in that case?

Several years ago, my BIL wanted a portrait inside some big indoor arboretum, or such, in the St. Louis area. I told him to ask if they allowed such. He said he figured it was no problem. But, he asked. $500 for a commercial shoot. He was shocked. Obviously, I was not paying it, nor did he. If they wanted a portrait in a hot air balloon, are you going to pay for the ride?

Of course, do what you want to do, but it is definitely not considered the photographer's expense in such matters.

[Epic Weddings]

Originally Posted by Howard Barlow

In this case, I would have the family approach the hotel. There may be more interest in helping the family get their favorite photo, than helping a photographer make a profit on their dime. Plus, if there is a fee involved, it is the family's expense, not yours.

This!

Plus I totally agree with going up there ahead of time. I did this for a location today; I found the head of security, introduced myself and asked him what I needed to do to comply with their policies. I do have a stipulation in my wedding contract that anything that requires "house rules" requires the bride/groom/family to make arrangements. I don't want to discuss anything with the management, I want the person who is writing the check to the site to ask for permission.

As far as keeping people out of the shot, try to find a place away from steady traffic (obviously). Plus remember you have the creativity to point the camera in whatever direction you choose. Some of the best places to get a great shots are at the ends of the hotel, not the main entrance. It's all about context.

[Nikonfan]

On any other forum the title of this thread would be cause for alarm.