Should guest take pics of my property?

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Mary1660
Level 1
Ridgefield, NJ

Should guest take pics of my property?

A guest is eloping and will be spending the weekend at my cabin.  They want to hire a photographer to come in to take pics on my property.  My cabin is nice but it's not that nice! 

 

Wondering if this is some type of scam or if I'm just being paranoid?   

1 Best Answer

@Mary1660  It's been happening a lot lately that Airbnb's have been rented under dishonest pretexts for photo shoots and even low-budget porn movies.  Honestly these scenarios sound more plausible to me.

 

If you accept this booking, for insurance purposes you will need to make sure that every person who will be on the property at any time is registered as a paying guest, even if they don't stay overnight. I also wouldn't recommend making self-check-in or self-check-out an option - you'll want to see how many people are arriving, lest there be a boom-mic operator unaccounted for...

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8 Replies 8

Will the photographer be staying the night? If they're eloping, can't they just take selfies? It seems odd to want formal photos of an informal situation. Most people eloping save lots of money by not having a photographer, caterers, or guests. Personally, I'd want a bit more information before agreeing. I don't think this is paranoia as much as it is trying to make sense of the situation. 

Kelly149
Level 10
Austin, TX

 

Folks these days document EVERYTHING!!

There are elaborate choreographed, gifted, photographed events just to ask a fellow High School-er to Prom.

Eloping probably means ditch the church & a bunch of guests but still includes food, clothes, photos, etc.

Ask your questions but doesn’t strike me as odd.

 

Also, modern wedding photography has a natural, unposed, sharp people/fuzzy background quality. In the right hands photo shoots in dirty downtown alleys turn out gorgeous.  

 

Let us know what happens!!

@Mary1660 

Kath9
Level 10
Albany, Australia

@Mary1660, I don't think it's entirely unreasonable for them to want a photographer. How nice the setting is isn't really your problem! Maybe just ask that they don't include any identifying features in the photos. 

Ian-And-Anne-Marie0
Level 10
Kendal, United Kingdom

@Mary1660 

It could be paranoia... You wouldn't be bothered if the couple wanted to take selfies all over your place, so how could having someone there to hold their camera for them and make your place look real cool be a problem?

 

Many Instagram celebrities hit up free accommodation and dining in order that the resort gets featured in their 'selfies' and on a smaller scale I don't think the publicity generated by this couple wouldn't do any harm when it gets communicated with their friends. Whether your place can be identified by the photos is irrelevant - you have it advertised on the internet and your guests will be telling people where they are anyway, so you have nothing to hide. It would benefit you to be advertised as a romantic retreat, I'm sure.

 

I'm a professional photographer and was photographing a board meeting last week - portraits and members of the board type stuff... the owner of the venue actually wanted recognition that the photos were taken at that venue.. ?! (Why? The venue wasn't even shown). Just marketing.

 

I mention to guests that we have a Facebook page, some 'check-in'. All their friends know where we are then (and can find us if they want to stay). All/most establishments have this sort of facility. I don't understand the necessity of hiding your location.

 

I photographed a wedding once for a couple who eloped, it was great! I was one of 7 people at the wedding. I believe it could only be one less if the registrar actually did the marriage service too what with the necessity of 2 witnesses and the bride and groom. They had a full wedding album of just photos of them and the hotel staff who stood in for witnesses.

 

I wouldn't think it a scam to want a photographer to take photos, you might even insist that you get credited as the location.

@Mary1660  It's been happening a lot lately that Airbnb's have been rented under dishonest pretexts for photo shoots and even low-budget porn movies.  Honestly these scenarios sound more plausible to me.

 

If you accept this booking, for insurance purposes you will need to make sure that every person who will be on the property at any time is registered as a paying guest, even if they don't stay overnight. I also wouldn't recommend making self-check-in or self-check-out an option - you'll want to see how many people are arriving, lest there be a boom-mic operator unaccounted for...

Cindee1
Level 2
Arkansas, United States

I had elopers do that very thing.  They hired a photographer to capture their moment,   It was just fine.  I thought the photographers work was sub par, but the couple were happy and that’s all that really matters.  I would not paranoid.  Everybody documents, posts and tweets.  All that talk about your location can only help! 

 

I have even even used one of their photos on my Airbnb site.  Of course I cropped it.

Julie143
Level 10
Princeton, NJ

There are even people who hire photographers for the day to follow them around a tourist city and take pictures of them, with many outfit changes. I saw some girls doing this a few months ago in front of Tbilisi landmarks. I felt bad, because it was unseasonably cold for their outfit choices and there were gloomy skies. I guess the photographer was pre-paid and non-refundable and they decide to make the best of it.

 

If someone is willing to do this for a vacation, it doesn’t surprise me they would do it for an elopement.

Hi Mary2842,  If you are really concerned about how these photos may be used and how they depict your home, then as it is your own (privately owned) property you have the right to ask to see the photos and can control what pictures can or cannot be 'published' .  This is common practice and even real estate agents have to first show you the photos they have taken of your home and get your permission before using any photos of your property.  Publishing photographs taken on someone's property without the owner's permission is a Breach of Privacy Laws.  You can even ask Google to remove pictures of your home. NB Any 'photographers' out there should also be aware of this law and always ask the owners permission if it is OK to take photographs on their property.    Most Wedding venues will have written in their contract T&C's about taking photographs.   For future just politely say you will need to see the photos before giving permission for them to be used and even retain copies.  Hope this helps.