should i do it? - DPChallenge Forums

05/09/2013 01:27:03 PM · #1

i found a great spot for photos, its private grounds, i can pay admission walk around, take all the photos i want, picnic, etc, spend all day if i choose.

the place is huge, beautiful trees, flowers, etc.

however, no professional photography.

should i just show up with my model and take shots? I'm not setting up lighting gear not getting in anyone's way, at most i may pull out a reflector.

should i just go and do the shoot and if i get caught, just play dumb?

MarkB

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

05/09/2013 01:33:38 PM · #2

If your doing TFP work to expand your portfolio I say go for it. Just make sure the model knows the deal. In this case you can make the argument that it is a learning experience for both of you. to prepare you for professional shoots.

I wouldn't risk taking a paying client there though, would be too embarrassing to get kicked out.

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

05/09/2013 01:35:11 PM · #3

Originally posted by MarkB:

that was my thinking, the only problem is its a bit of a drive for both of us, maybe i'll find a backup location nearby.

Message edited by author 2013-05-09 13:35:26.

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

05/10/2013 05:05:38 AM · #4

hell no!

if you want to work professionally, be a professional, play by the rules, do things the right way, don't try to see what you can get away with. you're not a teenager anymore.

if you like the spot, talk to their management/owners and find out if there are any exceptions or fees, or just what they mean by "professional photography". we have an incredible open-to-the-public park here that is a portrait photographer's dream. they define "professional photography" essentially as anything involving more than a camera; basically you, your backpack, and your subject are fine, but your assistant, tripod, lights, reflectors, etc, well, that puts you in the pay-the-fee category. anything that could disrupt anyone else's visit to the park in any way (like having to wait to cross that cute little bridge) will fall into that category. however, they have reasonable fees, and possibly, your place may have something as well.

all the same, you don't need to be pushing the forgiveness-vs-permission thing at this point. after all, it's only your reputation...

;-)

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

05/10/2013 06:52:39 AM · #5

Originally posted by Skip:

thanks, i would d never take a paying customer there, i was just looking for locations and saw a good spot to take a TF model i have coming up.

that said, before made this post i did email grounds, told them my intent, that basically it would be me and my model, no lights, just me, her, and my camera. basically i would be unlike an other visitor. i asked if there were any fees or any special permission i needed to seek.

they replied, "Professional photography is not permitted."

Good suggestion to follow up and see what exactly that entails.

alfresco

Nikon D700

05/10/2013 07:02:47 AM · #6

Unless the management responds to your follow-up questions with some form of "Yes" then a professional photographer, even one doing a shoot for which they were not getting paid, needs to respect their wishes.

Being a professional doesn't mean you're not a professional when it's convenient, as in when doing a gratis shoot or TFx or any other time you're not being paid. Being a professional is 24x7.

:)

Message edited by author 2013-05-10 07:03:41.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

05/10/2013 07:32:49 AM · #7

argh....

i probably wont go through with it. i found another place that is free and lets photographers have fun.

Kelli

Canon EOS-D60

05/10/2013 07:48:27 AM · #8

So where is this spot? I'm not a professional...