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Question for those of you who shoot in hotel rooms
Photographers: With the rampant problem with no shows, do you ordinarily book the room in advance of the shoot? Or do you wait to book the room when the model shows up ready to shoot? Reason I ask is that I have a project that I'm about to get to work on that involves a motel room. I want to use a new model. One I haven't worked with before. But I am reluctant to book a room in advance. And I know what it will look like if my old ugly ass books the room with the model in tow. Know what I mean? What do you do? Jun 14 06 10:35 pm Link First off, you can ask any hotel to inspect the room prior to actually renting it. They'll usually just hand you a key and let you check it out. As for the model, well, with few exceptions I don't shoot anyone unless I've met with them before the shoot.  Chris ::rev Jun 14 06 10:39 pm Link John Jebbia wrote: I demand "show me your boobs!" If they decline, I don't book the room and add them to my "flakey model" list. Jun 14 06 10:40 pm Link LOL... Been there John. What I do is book more than one model. Since you can have the room for a full day or night, I always have "one in reserve." A model I know will show. I have been stood up in that way, but have always got a shoot out of it, and, fortunately for me, they have all turned out great. I have also had hotel staff that thought I was some sort of Viagra addict, due to a three day parade of models with luggage. They were almost disappointed to find out I was a photographer... Jun 14 06 10:41 pm Link If you develop a working relationship with the hotel they usually will work with you (unless they're full). I'd also double book models, as if one doesn't show, you have a back up. Since you're paying for the room for 24 hours, use it to your advantage. Caio, Tim Jun 14 06 10:41 pm Link Collect from the model a refundable deposit in advance of the shoot then book the room. If she flakes, keep her deposit. Jun 14 06 10:42 pm Link Geez John - Here we go with that model noshow thing again. You either seeum or you no seeum. For me it makes no difference. On the serious side, I do shoot in hotels alot. Normally when I travel since it is cheaper than renting a studio and paying for a hotel. I've never rented a hotel in my own city before to shoot in. I'd probably reserve the room with the 6PM cancelation policy and make sure she shows before than - if she noshow you cancel the room. I have to say though, that if you have that low a expectation of her as a model, maybe you should find a different one. And the negative is you won't be set up and ready to shoot when she arrives. Or you could ask for a hotel deposit. Shoot on man - shoot on. Jun 14 06 10:48 pm Link I usually shoot in the daytime at Hotels and they give me a daytime rate + being early check in, they give me the option to cancel reservation by noon. ALWAYS make sure the hotel has NO restrictions or POLICIES. I got nailed in Miami because the desk clerk was a a buffoon and the manager wanted mega $$$ + proof of a 1 million $ insurance policy after I was in the middle of the shoot. It all depends on the hotel....If a model flakes then I just give her a bad rep and tell her "I'll see to it that You'll never work in this industry again!!!" LOL Jun 14 06 10:49 pm Link If you found her on the net. Then the answer is ''no''. Sorry to stereotype but there's a bad rep.  Jun 14 06 10:50 pm Link It works the other way around for me most of the time. I'm travelling and going to be in the hotel anyway, so it's booked...usually before I arrange a model. When I do rent a hotel room that isn't necessary for my dayjob travel, as in the series of West Hollywood photoshoots, I've never had a model fail to show up.* I am flying to St. John's, Newfoundland, specifically for a shoot tomorrow and have absolutely no doubts about the model being there both days. A lot of talking in advance of the shoot bolsters confidence that it will work. -Don http://hotelroomnudes.blogspot.com *Except one poor girl whose ride (BF) headed for Abilene instead of Arlington in Texas. I shot her the next day after driving to get her myself. Jun 14 06 10:55 pm Link I use a contract that the model signs. Here's an example: CONTRACT FOR SERVICES It is this 11th day of April, 2004, agreed between POSITIVE NEGATIVES (âPhotographerâ?) and Rebecca Mueller (âModelâ?), as follows: Photographer has extended an offer to Model to participate in an Event, more fully described below. Model has accepted the offer to participate: Event: The San Diego Photography Workshop Dates: Sunday, April 18th, 2004, 1:30pm- 5pm Location: Sunday, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA Model agrees and understands that the Event requires good faith effort and full participation on his/her part. âFull participationâ? means that Model agrees to, in general, follow the instructions of Photographer at all times, and, specifically, to participate in any activities which are part of the Event, which include, but may not be limited to, the following: (1) Model will model for both pro and amateur photographers from 2pm until 5pm, on Sunday, at selected location, in proper wardrobe as instructed prior to event, via e-mail or telephone. There will be no nudity or implied nudity required. (2) Model is required to look fresh and be well rested on Sunday. In consideration for Modelâs full participation in the Event, Model shall receive as compensation the sum of $500.00 to be paid at the conclusion of the Event on Sunday. The compensation is estimated to cover the costs of Modelâs participation, including food, travel, and arriving with full makeup. Model agrees and acknowledges that his/her full participation in this Event is crucial to its success as well as Photographerâs reputation and ability to stage such events in the future. Model agrees and understands that his/her refusal or failure to provide full participation will diminish the Event and render Modelâs performance otherwise useless to Photographer, thereby constituting a material breach of this agreement. Accordingly, Model agrees that if it breaches this agreement, it will pay to Photographer $500.00 as liquidated damages, and that $500.00 is a reasonable estimate of the damages Photographer will suffer. Further, if it becomes necessary for Photographer to bring a lawsuit to recover its damages under this paragraph, Model agrees to be responsible for all court costs and reasonable attorneyâs fees. The parties agree that this agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland and that any lawsuits brought to enforce the terms of this agreement shall be brought in the Maryland courts. _________________________ David Blecman, for Positive Negatives __________________________ Model Jun 14 06 11:07 pm Link I'm an expert, John. I've done 100+ shoots in last 3 years, most in whole or in part in hotel rooms, mostly for my site, Hotel Room Models. I've been burned by no-show models only about 5 times. Twice I was able to get a model on short notice. For the rest, I take it in stride, call room service, relax in the room, and sleep on fresh sheets that night. Shooting is exciting and relaxing, but not shooting is pretty relaxing, too. And guess who doesn't have to make the bed in the morning? Jun 14 06 11:07 pm Link Vivus Denuo wrote: All that's missing is the excitement!! LOL Jun 14 06 11:09 pm Link "Positive," please tell me you had an attorney that you trust proof that contract for you. Jun 14 06 11:14 pm Link Christopher Ambler wrote: It was written by my attorney, and I have never had a no-show since. Jun 14 06 11:17 pm Link Positive Negatives wrote: Okay. Last time I got into a legal discussion on here it was no fun at all, so I'm going to let it go. I'm glad it's working for you! Jun 14 06 11:20 pm Link Tim Baker wrote: they often have an afternoon only rate Jun 15 06 01:27 am Link Diana Moffitt wrote: dont be ridiculous!! Jun 15 06 01:29 am Link First of all... I hate shooting indoors.. But when I have to It's always in a studio. That being said If I was going to rent a hotel to do some sort of Lingerie/Glam, I would only book a model I had worked with at least once before. That will cut down on no shows. A little advice, when you want to work with some random model from MM, OMP, Myspace or whatever web house you found her in. Book her for a public place... A park, a beach whatever and book 3 or 4 "new" models at the same time. Save the one on ones for after you find out what they are all about. It works for me. Jun 15 06 01:55 am Link I always book multiple models. That way if they all show up, we have a party!  Really, I have a couple on stand by and at staggered times. I've not had problems wiht flakes because they know that there is someone else ready to take their place. It helps to meet a head of time too. Jun 15 06 02:05 am Link Frankly, considering where I usually shoot is the same motel, I just stand outside and wait for the model to show usually before paying for the room. I recently made the mistake of renting the room ahead of time and the model flaked on me. She then asked for a second chance. I gave her that second chance, but I didn't rent the room. Guess what? She flaked again! Somebody remind me to delete her from my friends list. My shoots are inevitably day shoots and the place I shoot at has a Day Rate (gotta check out by 4). So I don't lose too much money if I rent the room and she no-shows. Where I've gotten burned more often is the times I rented the room for two nights. I'll do this if it's going to be a very long shoot (all day) and we're expected to start fairly early. Or if the model is traveling and I'm putting her up in the room. First time I did this, the model requested two nights. So I rented the room for two nights. She only stayed one and left by four thirty the next day when the shoot was done because she had somewhere to be the next day (she actually informed me of this the night before we shot). Had the same thing happen last week--only we ended up doing the shoot the day the model arrived and shot well into the evening. I then had to haul back up to the hotel the next day early in the morning to get a refund for that day. Another shoot last year was supposed to be an all day shoot. Well, the model showed up 7 hours late and only shot for 4 hours (so she got a half day rate). So...I've made it a rule. No more two night rentals! Jun 15 06 08:36 am Link Tape Her Up wrote: Motels with day rates are also called short-stay motels. Sometimes people need a room just for a couple of hours. Gosh, I can't imagine why! Jun 15 06 01:07 pm Link Vivus Denuo wrote: Sometimes we need a hotel room to go to for a few hours while we're getting our wood floors refinished. Jun 15 06 01:10 pm Link Diana Moffitt wrote: correct. Jun 15 06 01:13 pm Link Positive Negatives wrote: That's a good one. I usually say I'm having some theological confusion and I need to check something out in that Bible they have in the room. With a friend, so I can get a second opinion. Jun 15 06 01:20 pm Link I have been thinking of using a hotel room, more private and as I don't have a studio the model has everything she needs for changing, makeup, etc. I want a nice place as I am thinking lingerie or even the pool shots. In Phoenix have mega resorts so there is lots of places to shot at a resort and having a place to keep stuff is safe. What is everyone's experience with shooting by a pool? We have a number of places where you can literally have your own pool. I know you get gawkers..BUT now its 110 outside so there aren't that many on lookers.. just makes for a warm shoot....minus the surf! Jun 15 06 01:30 pm Link Working at a hotel I have tips for you: ~ If you want to use a hotel room for shooting in, ask if they have security posted at the elevators. If so, plan on arriving with your model or atleast meeting her in the lobby. A lot of hotels are doing this now to prevent (or atleast help prevent) hotel burglaries/break-ins. ~ Most hotels aren't too keen to have their rooms used as studios. It's really best to keep from them what you are doing i.e. no large equipment at check in. ~ Most hotels will not allow you to shoot poolside at their venues even while they are closed, it's too much of a liability. I know that we do not allow photoshoots to take place and if you are caught doing it you may be asked to completely leave the property. ~ Don't screw up the furniture in the room (i.e. move beds) and then leave them that way... the maids have enough work to do. ~ Check the hotels policy on both check ins and check outs. Yes, you may have reserved a King sized bed, non-smoking when you called or made the reservation online. However, we do not guarantee that room for you. Also, late check outs normally come at a nominal fee based on the hours that you choose. Jun 15 06 01:54 pm Link If I don't need the furniture, I book a small to medium (I look for 24 x 30ft or so) conference room. They are nearly always vacant on weekends and I've usually rented then at or below the cost of a regular room. I'm always up front with them and explain exactly what I am doing. I've had no problems, but then this isn't an urban area. Usually I can specify coffee, snacks etc. from room service. They don't rent them on the spur of the moment, however. There is usually a contract involved, especially from chains like Holiday Inn or Sheraton. Jun 15 06 03:53 pm Link Tape Her Up wrote: Jun 15 06 03:59 pm Link |
