Locations

[Ms Remy M]

Aside from when I accidentally go over budget and way back during my first few shoots, I do my shoots exclusively in multi-room Suites that typically run $200 + a night especially in the Major Metros (DC, Bmore etc.) On the low end of the average I spend around $600-$1200/month just on locations and doesn't include other travel related expenses. It kind of gets a bit disheartening trying to be as productive as our most prolific shooters and consistently reaping little to no profit.

I recently tried contacting a local (hampton Roads) and DC studio to see about renting studio space in an attempt to hopefully save a little bit of money. In each instance I was rudely turned away, as the studio owners dont want to be associated with porn and/or TS erotica. Fair enough I can respect that though I was hoping the fresh cash I offer would level the playing field.

So if there is anyone here (photogs) that might know of a studio, or maybe you have a really nice high quality house with great decor and would like to make some money while watching porn in the making. I would greatly appreciate any help in this regard. Starting my own studio is out of the question for the foreseeable future as my credit has been in hell since my college dayz lol

Another option, one I really don't want to do, is to simply use cheap hotels. I'm really against that option as I think the decor of the locations matter, and that I need a fair bit of space in order to deliver the high quality images I bring in my shoots and to accomadate the models as I tend to schedule 2-3 shoots at a time.

[bigdicki]

Aside from when I accidentally go over budget and way back during my first few shoots, I do my shoots exclusively in multi-room Suites that typically run $200 + a night especially in the Major Metros (DC, Bmore etc.) On the low end of the average I spend around $600-$1200/month just on locations and doesn't include other travel related expenses. It kind of gets a bit disheartening trying to be as productive as our most prolific shooters and consistently reaping little to no profit.

I recently tried contacting a local (hampton Roads) and DC studio to see about renting studio space in an attempt to hopefully save a little bit of money. In each instance I was rudely turned away, as the studio owners dont want to be associated with porn and/or TS erotica. Fair enough I can respect that though I was hoping the fresh cash I offer would level the playing field.

So if there is anyone here (photogs) that might know of a studio, or maybe you have a really nice high quality house with great decor and would like to make some money while watching porn in the making. I would greatly appreciate any help in this regard. Starting my own studio is out of the question for the foreseeable future as my credit has been in hell since my college dayz lol

Another option, one I really don't want to do, is to simply use cheap hotels. I'm really against that option as I think the decor of the locations matter, and that I need a fair bit of space in order to deliver the high quality images I bring in my shoots and to accomadate the models as I tend to schedule 2-3 shoots at a time.

Have you thought about just using Hotwire? You can usually save about 30% on the average. If you aim for the right amenities and area you can just about always figure out what the hotel is if its in an area you know.

[Ms Remy M]

tried them before and was screwed over, as they gave me a regular hotel room opposed to a suite and when I arrived to check in I had to pay the hotel their regular fee to upgrade to the suite, so I ended up paying twice for one night. They wont get me like that again, though locally (I hardly ever shoot in Hampton Roads) it might be more of an option.

[bigdicki]

tried them before and was screwed over, as they gave me a regular hotel room opposed to a suite and when I arrived to check in I had to pay the hotel their regular fee to upgrade to the suite, so I ended up paying twice for one night. They wont get me like that again, though locally (I hardly ever shoot in Hampton Roads) it might be more of an option.

They tried that shit on me recently but I called Hotwire and they refunded me. Happened one other time before. The only other thing I can think of is to contact the manager at a hotel you like and make a pitch to stay in that suite at least "x" times per month/year. They "might" cut you a rate. A buddy of mine used to manage the Intercontinental out there and he said political types would do that and he would give them special rates to ensure the hotel was as full as possible as much as possible.

[thepiedpiper]

Not sure how helpful this is as I'm over in the UK so prices might be different but I know over here it would cheaper if you stick to a few locations to rent a small 1bedroom property. I know over here in a metro area monthly rent would be anywhere from £250 - £800 per month which roughly translates to $400 - 1000 p/m. I guess the successfulness of that depends on on how many locations you shoot in but if it was only in two cities and you could find a fair deal you could end up with 2 properties cutting under $1200. Of course this is a rather ambitious idea and might be a rather far-fetched suggestions but it just might work

[anonymoussonny]

Contact REALTORS, with so many vacant houses they have empty's which make no $$ while vacant. If you find the right one (talk game) they will take the cash under the table and can arrange 24-48 hours of electrical service for you in a vacant property as they do this for showing models and maintain arrangements with local utilities. I live in Florida and I rent a local (suburb/beach) house for a weekend (1-2 days) to throw party's or small events. If you were discrete you probably would not need to tell the realtor what the event was for.

[GroobySteven]

http://www.vrbo.com you can get great deals on apartments and houses for less than a hotel room.
No amenities like a hotel but most of them are un-needed anyway.

[bigdicki]

I'm probably telling you something that you already know, but make sure you don't show anything that could be unique about the property or could identify the property during your shoot. If you do, you'll need the owner to sign a property release which will bring you back to your original problem.

[Ms Remy M]

Sorry for the late response, and thank you everyone for replying. I am just getting back home, first trip in awhile that went so smoothly.

I think PK showed me this link before and I did see some interesting locales but overall much higher upfront cost associated with the really decent locations. I shall take the given advice into consideration with regards to bartering for better deals.

[DrDickenstein]

Sorry for the late response, and thank you everyone for replying. I am just getting back home, first trip in awhile that went so smoothly.

I think PK showed me this link before and I did see some interesting locales but overall much higher upfront cost associated with the really decent locations. I shall take the given advice into consideration with regards to bartering for better deals.

Business trip? Any new shoots?? Do tell.