opening family ranch to photographers?

[I.Garza]

Hello all. I hope and pray all is good and well. I pose a question to everyone in Texas. My family has a small ranch (200) acres in deep south texas, Starr county to be exact. Anyway we have all sorts of wildlife and we are about to set up water holes for the animals. If my family bought some portable blinds, do you think we would have a market for photographers to come and take some pics? Tell me what you think or if you just have some questions or comments. Thanks Isaac

[Mongo]

That could be very cool. I usually prefer to walk around looking for stuff to shoot, but it might be nice to have it come to me for a change.

[michaelbates]

Isaac,
Many of the South Texas ranchers are seeing the benefit of setting up their land for photographers. The trick is to make the area a mecca for wildlife. Feeders, watering holes and getting the wildlife established are the first steps. Then..and VERY important for wildlife photographers is to have the setups provide optimum lighting..not manmade..but the blinds need to be set up such that you have several vantage points at different times of the day to achieve the "golden" light on the subjects. It's not an easy task to make the site "great" no matter what time of day - but that's what it's going to take - in my opinion anyway.

There are several "well-known" ranches set up for photographers - the main one being the Ramirez's... I've never been...I just can't afford the prices! I'l shoot mine in the wild... :)

Michael

[jeffkohn]

There are several "well-known" ranches set up for photographers - the main one being the Ramirez's... I've never been...I just can't afford the prices! I'l shoot mine in the wild...

Interesting. Roughly how much does it cost to visit one of these places?

[krviera]

Isaac,
If you make it affordable and worth shooting, you can count with my business. I love shooting in the valley, the wildlife can be incredible. I usually visit some of the National Wildlife Refuges, since they only cost a small entrance fee to access. You don't always get to see the best and most quiet parts, but it's still an option. If you can bring the wildlife, the Valley Land Fund Photo Contest would be a great opportunity for exposure.

http://www.valleylandfund.com/contest.html

[I.Garza]

The fee for the day would be 100.00, to sit in a two man blind or walk the 200 acres. we have water holes and feeding stations. A bunk house to use the restroom or shower. A kitchen to fix meals and 2-6ft tables with power/surge protectors to house the digital photographers. soon my brother will post a website with house pic and animal pic that I have shot. give my suggestions and comments. thanks Isac

[lscottpht]

Actually, I know someone in Oklahoma who has done that. It's a first class operation. I think it's a great idea and some photo clubs might be interested in it.

[michaelbates]

Isaac..so is the $100/day include sleepovers in the bunk house?? hehe

Michael

[I.Garza]

Originally Posted by michaelbates

Isaac..so is the $100/day include sleepovers in the bunk house?? hehe

Michael

Michael. right now the bunkhouse would just be for eating and using the restroom and showers. Our family is debating to put out a sleepling trailer to house the photographers. If we have enough we would rent a trailer. It to would have running water and electicty. If we have a big response of photographers, we will try to set up some better rates at the local hotels. Thanks Isaac

[lulalake]

Originally Posted by I.Garza

Michael. right now the bunkhouse would just be for eating and using the restroom and showers. Our family is debating to put out a sleepling trailer to house the photographers. If we have enough we would rent a trailer. It to would have running water and electicty. If we have a big response of photographers, we will try to set up some better rates at the local hotels. Thanks Isaac

If you have enough space you might clear off a bit for a camping area.

Sounds nice.

Jules

[I.Garza]

[if you have enough space you might clear off a bit for a camping area.

Sounds nice.

Jules[/quote]

Right now there is plenty of space if a photographer wishes to camp, although in deep south texas where is ranch is located, it's still damm hot in the evening, but if there are a few brave souls who wish to camp, they are welcome. My family is still in the process of coming up with rates for those who want to spend the nite and for food as well. everything is still in the process of working out. thanks isaac

[I.Garza]

Hello all. Well, talked with the family and we would like some input to what you guys would like to see for photographers at the ranch. I have posted eariler and found out that most of you would like to visit a place like this, not we want to know what kind of things would you all like to see. Please give me all the suggestions that you have. Thanks Isaac