rp_photo wrote:
As an outdoor shooter, having good locations is critcal to my success. Often, these locations are private property or under the control of third parties.

I have been dwelling a lot on the best way to approach these individuals. Offering money is not an option at this time, so I view the situation as a three-way TFCD, with the property owner getting images for their use on websites, office walls, etc. In the case that a model is involved and does not want to be used in that manner, I would shoot additional images without the model geared towards the owner's needs, perhaps at a different time.

The two biggest obstacles are the "what's in it for me?" aspect and liability concerns. Almost anyone can benefit from good images of their property or business. Would a properly-designed property release address liability by agreeing to hold the owner harmless?

I have learned from past experience that it is much easier to offend or have misunderstandings with a third-party than it is with a model!

I am confused, If you are talking about taking a photograph of a piece of land or a building that belongs to someone else, then as far as I know there is no permission needed from the owner.

If you intend to enter the person's land in order to take the picture, then you need permission to enter the land, but not to take the picture itself.

If you intend to use a model on the land, then you both need permission.

If you really want to do this, then say you are an amateur bird watcher, and you would like permission to enter in order to watch and photograph the Green Backed Sparrow which has been sighted near the owners property.
Then go and shoot away.

The model in question can be your assistant

If you can photograph the image from a public place, you do not need a release.
If you did, Google Earth would be out of business from all the lawsuits.

Ty Simone wrote:
If you can photograph the image from a public place, you do not need a release.
If you did, Google Earth would be out of business from all the lawsuits.

Space: The final public place...

I am quickly discovering that Google Earth is an indispensible tool to scout for outdoor shoot locations! Is anyone else doing this?

Ty Simone wrote:
rp_photo,
Now that I understand what you are asking, In General, if you explain to the person youa re a photographer and are interested in using his "farm" for a shoot, and can you have permission, I think most would ask a couple of questions, such as "Is this lesbian porn and if so can I watch?" and then, when they understand your true intent, Will most likely agree without issue.
Others would be happy simply to have the chance of having recognition, "This image shot on Robert B. Milo's Farm in S.C."
For the others that are left, Bribery works..... Otherwise, I think it may not be worth pursuing.....

All good points! But even when others become enthusiastic because of the subject matter, they may get nervous or overwhelmed when things get underway. Or they might start worrying the next day. This is exactly how my airport shoot went:

http://www.richardsfault.com/rp_photo/Diana2/

And of course some places may have a staunch reputation to uphold.

Some may want fame. others anonymity. I would work to accomodate them with recognition or lack thereof...

DawnElizabeth Moderator wrote:
Ty is correct. I shoot a lot on location and I just ask permission. Only place I've been turned down is at the salvage yard. Liability issues. Most aren't cool about signing wavers and such to protect them, they'd rather just not allow it. Kinda sucks a little cause I've always wanted to shoot in one.

The same happened with someone who was arranging a group shoot here. Most of the operators of these places, shall we say, do not have the personality of Fred Sanford, who I think would have been very cooperative!

The earlier-suggested birdwatcher/assistant ploy might work here. There are some "Pick-a-part" facilities that charge a small admission for the privledge of browsing for parts. One could enter alone or with a model, and start shooting cautiously after pretending to be browsing for parts. It is expected that customers bring tools, so you have some props!

I can't see how liability could be an issue, as customers are allowed to forage around with tools taking parts out. I am sure some kind of waiver must be signed.

If there are any problems, remember the adage "It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission". State that you were photographing some parts "for reference".

Of course, I would try this first without a model, and shoot a "proof" gallery.

I will be doing further investigation of this and will keep everyone posted!

Here is the URL for one such facility:

http://www.wegotused.com/harrys.htm

Some more research has indicated that many of these facilities prohibit cameras. Reason? There are those that oppose junkyards and are looking to document incriminating things like leaking oil and battery acid. BTW, this also the real reason why refineries don't like to be photographed as well, not security threats as they claim!