Do you charge for use of your B&B/inn as a Photography location?

I have been reading through ALL the posts since joining innspiring a few weeks back -- you guys are amazing (btw thanks for the advice and photos for rack card ideas!) I need to pick y'alls brains for more expertise, please!

We have a couple of local photographers that are wanting to use us as a location for senior, engagement, bridal shoots. We would really like to be able to allow this for our community as we are a historical location that is in the heart of our small town. Do y'all do this at your place? If so, do you charge a location fee? How much? Do you make them come only on certain days/times?
Thank you again for helping out a newbie!

Our site is not scenic enough, but...
These photogs are making money. They should be paying you because they are charging a location fee to the sitter.
Your property will be overrun, they'll want to use a bathroom, someone will go where they don't belong.
Compensation is only fair.
You'll need rules, also:

1. Number of people allowed on the property
2. Who is responsible for what (damages, unruly behavior, moving your lawn furniture, cutting flowers, etc)
3. What you will provide in re bathroom availability
4. Hours this is allowed
5. Not bothering your guests

Plus, once it is clear that photos are allowed, people who haven't asked will just drop in. You'll need a way to let them know there is a fee if they're on your property.

Things to think about in this regard are:
1) charge a fee - remember that while on your property they are under your insurance for any slips/falls. - Knock on wood, but you do have to consider this.
2) have a contract with details - make each use a separate contract, date binding.
3) limited space or they will feel they have free range. What about bathroom use? What about use to change? To do makeup? You know this will happen.
4) limit time use, be very specific. There will be the request to use at sundown, or certain times of the day when it is inconvenient.
5) What about parking?
6) Remember your #1 priority - your guests! They have come to enjoy your property, they are paying for the use. Limiting their use of your property for a photo shoot may not sit well with some. Others will get a kick out it and want to watch.

Thank you again! This has given me something to chew on....

Maybe I'm suggesting a dumb idea, but why not just offer to rent them a room at a time that is mutually agreeable, then they have a place to change, a bathroom, they become a guest for insurance purposes and you have a quick answer for others that the use of the property is only available to your guests.

JimBoone said:

Maybe I'm suggesting a dumb idea, but why not just offer to rent them a room at a time that is mutually agreeable, then they have a place to change, a bathroom, they become a guest for insurance purposes and you have a quick answer for others that the use of the property is only available to your guests..

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JimBoone said:

Maybe I'm suggesting a dumb idea, but why not just offer to rent them a room at a time that is mutually agreeable, then they have a place to change, a bathroom, they become a guest for insurance purposes and you have a quick answer for others that the use of the property is only available to your guests.

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Majority of our people would never rent a room. A local photog taking engagement photos. or groups. They only want to use the grounds for photos, or porch. We allow it most of the time if they give credit to the location and offer me a free photo to use online.

I would probably just say yes. And like you, ask for use of the shots for the website.

I would either charge a fee or work out a tradeoff where in return for high-quality room and inn photos for your website, they can use your site for sittings.

I asked that same question a few months ago and someone on the forum suggested I charge $100/hr. That has worked out great for us. I also have them sign a contract, in which it states that we get use of the photos for marketing purposes, if we so choose.

PhineasSwann said:

I would either charge a fee or work out a tradeoff where in return for high-quality room and inn photos for your website, they can use your site for sittings..

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That's what we did. It worked out. We charge a small fee and they have to be done and gone before guests arrive.