Looking for a nice indoor place for pictures...

[Cyndi B]

I have a client who wants to have her family's picture taken for Christmas cards. Only problem is that some are coming in from out of town and won't be here till late in the day next Tuesday. Another family member has to work until 5:00 on Wednesday so we can't even get started till 6 or 7. Does anyone know of a nice place indoors where we can shoot a group of 9?

Thanks for any help! :)

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Why not try a hotel. The Embassy Suites in Frisco is fabulous. I'm sure there is something nice near Rockwall...

- Wil

[Cyndi B]

Thanks, Wil! I have racked my brain trying to think of a place here in Rockwall and can't think of anything! There's 2 hotels that I can think of and they are budget-type hotels. I'll keep thinking on it... I don't know that we will have time to drive to Frisco...especially during rush hour...I'll have to check with my client. Any more ideas?

[rogerfsmith]

Why not in a home setting. There home, your home, any home. That's where I shoot a great number of my family type group shots. You can also use a church setting.
Cheers,
Roger

[LORatliff]

The inside of Dallas Halll on the SMU campus is really quite pretty, as are several other of the buildings. Might be worth a shot. :)

[AndrewCCM]

Be careful shooting in a place of business like a hotel. Without permission you are likely to get a visit from security. It is private property and requires permission. I still get accosted on occasion when shooting wedding clients that are staying at many hotels.

BTW: I have shot at that Embassy Suites that was mentioned.. Wedding reception... As we moved from the ballroom area to the hotel lobby, we got some glances from security and the front desk.. but after they realized the couple had the reception there, it wasn't a problem at all.

[Cyndi B]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

As far as the homes, hers is very small and dark. I could take my lights, but it's really not a house you would want pictures taken in. I don't mean that in a bad way...she is actually a dear friend of mine...but it's just a small, cluttered house.

I'll look into the SMU buildings. Do you think we can get in after 5:00 at night? Do they allow photogs? I'll check that out!

I was afraid of the security issue. I know the ....oh, what's that really nice hotel in Grapevine...I can never remember the name of it! But they don't allow photogs to shoot in there either.

[*~Karena~*]

You mean Gaylord, right?

[Cyndi B]

Yes, the Gaylord! I can never remember the name of that place! LOL

[CaptainTom]

The Gaylord will charge you a bunch of money for shooting there. many threads on here somewhere. you can find out how much they charge.

[Bennie]

Gaylord charges $500 bucks.
I've seen amazing stuff done in doorways of homes, kitchens, etc. Look to David Williams for inspiration.
Good luck and happy shooting.

[sandralemin]

Bass Hall in Fort Worth they charge $150 but worth it.

The cotton Mill in McKinney $50


Sandra

[LORatliff]

Originally Posted by Cyndi B

I'll look into the SMU buildings. Do you think we can get in after 5:00 at night? Do they allow photogs? I'll check that out!

Yep, the university's out for Thanksgiving break this week but once class is back in session next week there are night classes (usually from 6.30PM - 9.30PM, Monday-Thursday) so you shouldn't have an issue getting in. I've taken lots of photos in the building and have never had any problems. :)

[Shane]

I have shot family Christmas cards at the Gaylord in Grapevine a dozen times . . . no charge unless you try to bring 3 assistants, 6 reflectors and 12 strobe lights (you get the idea) . . . people have cameras all over the place around Christmas and with the mass production of SLR's, they have quit trying to guess who is an amateur and who is a pro - they even have special areas set up for "photo ops". As long as you keep it casual and don't try to make a huge production out of it, no one will bother you.

[CKing]

I wonder if I could get away with our friend's bridals there. Just me, the wife, and a woman in a wedding gown. :P

Guess I better call.

Sorry to hijack the thread.