Do you shoot large group/team photos? I have a proposition for you.

[boxofrocks]

As many of you know, shooting formal photos of large groups can be challenging. The solution to this has always been using risers (see team photos shot with and without them below). Shots done with risers are much more professional looking, allowing you to see each subject in the photo more clearly. However, in the DFW area, there are not any to rent locally (to the best of my knowledge). There is a company out of state that will ship them and set them up, but the fee for this is almost half the cost of buying them--quite prohibitive for the average shoot.

For some time now, I've been considering buying risers for use at the high school were I do a lot of work, as well as for the occasional odd group photo elsewhere. They are so expensive, however (around $6,000 for a setup large enough to shoot a group shot like the one below), that it would take several years for me to see a ROI as it won't be the main focus of my business (I don't have a desire to turn my company into shooting sports teams full time).

I'm trying to gauge the interest of Texas photographers in general, and DFW area shooters in specific, in using risers. While I haven't yet worked out a cost model or business plan, my thought is other photographers could either go into the purchase cost of the risers (and a trailer to tote them), or rent them on an as available basis. The advantage of being a fractional owner would be you would have priority use, and a lot of team photos fall around the same time of year.

Please respond to this thread or by PM if you think you would find this to be something you might be interested in.

[CobyPhoto]

Hey Tom!

I have long considered purchasing a set of risers like this. Would really help. Your idea is cool, but there is an issue you and everyone that buys into this needs to be completely aware of...

I N S U R A N C E on that puppy isn't cheap! The Liability policy on those risers has to be in the 5 Million per incident range, where most schools are concerned.

Some schools don't even ask, but others require proof that you actually carry the insurance before they will let you on the property to set it up!

So check with Marsh Affinity Group, Hill & Usher or someone that specilizes in this type of policy. Most consumer companies will not write this type of policy, it has to be someone that specializes in this and knows what they are writing.

I sure wish you were closer to me...I would be in on a set with you!

CJ

[boxofrocks]

Interesting. I'm with Hill and Usher now, so will look into it.

Thanks.