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09/26/2005 12:46:38 PM · #1 |
Hello everyone! I hope you'll all forgive a newbie question here...
Over the weekend I got an idea for an absolutley awesome (at least in my mind) idea for the Beverages challenge. The only problem? In order to do it "right" I'd need to set it up and photograph it in a commercial establishment.
Has anyone had success (or even tried) just cold calling a place, asking for the manager, and explaining your situation and asking permission to set up and stage a photo? I'm having trouble imagining the manager of my local Applebee's just letting me use their place as a studio, even if it is before the regular opening time or something.
How do you explain what you are ("amateur photographer shooting pictures for a free contest on the internet" just doesn't sound that impressive) and what you want ("let me into your store an hour before you open, let me set up lights and other equipment, pose a model, and take pictures") without coming across as a total tool?
In the mean time, I'll try to create the illusion of my desired location in my basement studio tonight.
Thanks,
Andrew |
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09/26/2005 12:56:58 PM · #2 |
"Photo project" might sound better than "internet photo contest" :-)
"Hi can I use your store for an hour?"
"Uhmm... What for?"
"It's a photo project about beverages. I want to study cola cans in their natural habitat. With luck, I might catch two of them mating!"
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09/26/2005 01:08:15 PM · #3 |
Well, I've never done this before, but it seems as though it would probably go over better if you were to go down there in person to explain what you wanted to do & maybe bring along your props/lights in the trunk of your car so that you could show him/her what you're talking about.
As far as phrasing your questions goes, how about something along the lines of
"Hi. My name is _____ and I'm a member of the DP Challenge website. Each week, DP Challenge runs weekly photo challenges that serve as leaning experiences for photographers. The contest this week is 'Beverages', and I was wondering if it would be possible to use the interior of your establishment as a background in my photo? I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have if you need more information before you make a decision."
[At this point you can explain how you would like to set up your shot, whether you need to have the restaurant empty or just at a lightly populated time, etc. You can also ask about corporate policy regarding photographers and/or find out if/who you need to contact at corporate headquarters to make it happen.] Whatever the manager tells you, be sure to thank them for their time.
I hope some of this helps or at least gives you another approach to speaking with managers about photographs in their stores.
Sara |
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09/26/2005 01:09:39 PM · #4 |
i'd go there with all the stuff, and ask if you can set up to take some a few pics for a photo project.. i doub't they'll turn you down.
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09/26/2005 01:27:36 PM · #5 |
| I have done this several times for differant reasons mainly for shooting model and I have never been turned down. |
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09/26/2005 01:32:28 PM · #6 |
| just make sure you go on the off hours. "Student" has always worked well too. :0) |
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