Gaylord Texan

[jellis711]

I got this today in regards to photography at the Gaylord. Thought I would share.

The following photography policy has been put in place to ensure that all clients and guests of Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center are able to enjoy the property to its fullest as well as provide professional photographers and their clients access to the settings available throughout the Resort without causing a disturbance.

The cost for a professional photography session at Gaylord Texan is $1,500.00. This includes:
 Use of public settings throughout Gaylord Texan Resort.
 A changing room for up to 4 hours for the client.

All sessions must be scheduled to assure photography is not interrupted by large group activity, construction, or any other distractions.
Sessions can be scheduled on Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:30pm. Sessions are not scheduled on weekends as Resort activity is high.
Sessions can be scheduled and confirmed by calling 817-778-3325.

If a professional photographer is utilizing the Resort and does not have correct documentation from the Resort that proves that they paid the fee, Gaylord Texan security will ask the photographer to stop all photography.

[ggeen]

Jill, thanks for posting. Maybe Abel can make this a sticky.

[jellis711]

NP maybe we should start a thread where costs of places we come in contact with are listed. That would be pretty helpful I'm sure!

[texkam]

The following photography policy has been put in place to ensure that all clients and guests of Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center are able to enjoy the property to its fullest as well as provide professional photographers and their clients access to the settings available throughout the Resort without causing a disturbance.

Um, they left this out ... "and to put some more money in our pockets".

[jeffro20]

$1500? Texas Proud or stay away?

[iamjediknight]

I found this on their website:

For those considering Gaylord National’s atrium or exterior resort grounds as the location
for wedding, engagement, bridal, senior class, individual, or family portraits:

Due to the resort’s unique focus on meetings and conventions, Gaylord National Resort
public spaces are reserved for the use of groups utilizing our convention center. Because
meeting functions and networking activities regularly occur in our atrium, we do not allow
professional photography (including wedding photography and portraits) in our public
spaces.

We do make exceptions for weddings and receptions that are held on site, as these
activities are closely planned and monitored by our Weddings Department. Onsite
engagement, bridal or wedding photography/videography is allowed, as long as the event is
being held at Gaylord National, and the couple receives prior approval from the Weddings
Department. Unauthorized photographers are subject to immediate expulsion from the
resort property.

[Al Buckner]

Originally Posted by jellis711

I got this today in regards to photography at the Gaylord. Thought I would share.

The following photography policy has been put in place to ensure that all clients and guests of Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center are able to enjoy the property to its fullest as well as provide professional photographers and their clients access to the settings available throughout the Resort without causing a disturbance.

The cost for a professional photography session at Gaylord Texan is $1,500.00. This includes:
 Use of public settings throughout Gaylord Texan Resort.
 A changing room for up to 4 hours for the client.

All sessions must be scheduled to assure photography is not interrupted by large group activity, construction, or any other distractions.
Sessions can be scheduled on Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:30pm. Sessions are not scheduled on weekends as Resort activity is high.
Sessions can be scheduled and confirmed by calling 817-778-3325.

If a professional photographer is utilizing the Resort and does not have correct documentation from the Resort that proves that they paid the fee, Gaylord Texan security will ask the photographer to stop all photography.

So, if you are a "guest" (paying to stay in one of their expensive rooms)... does this official statement mean you are free to take pictures anywhere in their public areas, so you can "enjoy the property to its fullest"?

This could be a real interesting situation!

[Some Idiot]

Originally Posted by Al Buckner

So, if you are a "guest" (paying to stay in one of their expensive rooms)... does this official statement mean you are free to take pictures anywhere in their public areas, so you can "enjoy the property to its fullest"?

This could be a real interesting situation!

Much cheaper to rent a room for the night, then you get more then 4 hours and all the light you want from check in to check out?

What a crappy policy

[iamjediknight]

Up to this thread I was thought the Gaylord Texan was photographer friendly. I have gone and done portraits as well as workshop thru a photog club and never had an issue. Has this changed recently?

You would think they would want us to shoot at their facility as long we don't interrupt regular business to help drive traffic and awareness.

I wouldn't mind paying a small fee $50-100. But give me a break $1500.00 I wonder if they just threw that number out there just to make to obscene.

[JohnT]

I think the $1500 fee is an arbitrary number to discourage professional photography. The Gaylord is private property after all, and management can put into place whatever policies they deem necessary to protect their guests, their image, or whatever it is they feel needs protecting. Those of us who shoot on location a lot might not like it, but that's the way it goes with places like this.

[susangilbertphotographer]

I find this interesting, because I have shot there many many times, had access to pretty much anywhere I wanted to go, and never paid a fee, never been stopped by anyone, and never interrupted the flow of the crowd/guests at any time. Even on weekends. I don't go in there with lighting, special equiptment or anything but my camera, a backpack with essentials and the client. They have even opened up the winery area for me to get some really great pics on the winding staircase. If you aren't intrusive or destructive to their property and you are mindful of their guests...you are pretty much OKAY! I have shot there for the last 3 years. I dunno...maybe I have been lucky.

[jellis711]

Susan, have you ever asked anyone there about photography? I'd love to know if this is not enforced. I had someone ask recently about doing pictures there and I told them no.

[lscottpht]

They've been charging that price for quite awhile. I shot a bridal there, but my bride had connections, so we weren't charge and got full access. Personally, it's a pretty place and all, but I don't think it's worth $1500.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by lscottpht

Personally, it's a pretty place and all, but I don't think it's worth $1500.

I agree, and I don't know anyone personally who would pay that. I'm sure there are some for whom money is no object, but seriously... LOL

By the way, they have their own in-house photographer, and I'm sure they would like for folks to use him/her instead of bringing their own. Pay for their photog or pay the fee.

[toverman]

Originally Posted by jellis711

Susan, have you ever asked anyone there about photography? I'd love to know if this is not enforced. I had someone ask recently about doing pictures there and I told them no.

Going someplace that you know charges a fee but violating the rules just because you might get away with it is not a professional way of doing business. Getting kicked out with a client in tow would be embarrassing to say the least, if they are still your client once you get to the parking lot.