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Chris Adval's picture

How do you find a unique location?

i.e. a nice large swimming pool like at hotels... would you simply ask management if its not a chain, owner in that case for permission for a future shoot and hope they agree to your shoot concept? As well hope the concept doesn't offend them if its glamour based...???

I want to find a pool large enough to do some fashion (with slight sexiness) in it... just if I shoot it and they see it afterwards they may get offended even if I only show them the family friendly photos then they find the others online or on publication...

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5 Comments

First you have to be aware of working with lights around a pool in terms of safety. If you are going to use lights it's VERY dangerous to use mains powered ones as if it falls in the water and there's someone in the water... So either use battery powered lights or do not use flashes... or in the last case — tie your lights and your heads with triple precautions.

As for a "large swimming pool" — just ask what their requirements are — they will tell you if you have to pay or not. In order to have it all clear for them and for you, you have to sign a contract with them. Otherwise you are using photographs on a private property for use they haven't been aware of and they can sue you.

Thanks Tihomir. I mean what if they're willing to work with me in a bartering sense, if you ever have worked with a hotel on this agreement not sure if they would ask or require to have only certain type of images, if you get me?

It's their location and they can require whatever they want. You are just in a position of asking.

I look for somewhat out of the way locations. Usually I look for Hotels that have gone from corp to private. Corps tend to be expensive and have lots of rules. I have found these places useful.
Also plan on renting a room for two. This makes it easier to negotiate.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=143497858995163&l=3f97fd999c

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8496/8323732184_9cbf82e024.jpg

What tends to happen is the first shoot is no issue but the next time there there tends to be more regs on a return.

Another thing I look for is private businesses. You have a lot more freedom. I made a deal at a place were I bought cigars regularly or at an office I worked out of.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5170/5207489212_6ea79a2652.jpg

https://fstoppers.com/photo/45745

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8265912496_06d36a6671.jpg

Local film commissions are another great source. A film commissions have list of locations and act as go betweens especially when dealing with cities, For example we had the run of Half moon Bay for two days on a $200 dollar permit.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3315/3474947585_4fed0f7121.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2610/3748163949_c6f7dd2be9.jpg

Also talk as if you are a company when approaching locations, You will get a better response by saying we as opposed to I.

Thank you that was very insightful!