There are several private locations where I would love to shoot and, since I'm sure it would be illegal to trespass and just go there and shoot, I'm planning to ask the owners for permission. Does anyone with experience have any recommendations on how to approach the owners to ask them for permission to shoot in their land or buildings? Would I need a release signed by the owner in addition to the model release? Are there any insurance liability requirements, issues or implications?

I would appreciate any advice, or recommendation you can provide.

Thanks,
Wilmer
Black Canvas Photography

Hi there Wilmer,

Quite honestly I do not know whether a release or anything of that sort would be needed unless you plan to make money from the photos taken there. I think that's one of the big stipulations with photography is if you're planning to make money off of a photograph you have to have all the rights to the photo (which can be disputed since you are the photographer, but that's a different story), possibly including permission from the land/building owners at the time the photo was taken... though I've also heard that if you can see it/shoot it from a public sidewalk/street, then you also don't need the owner's permission, but don't mark my words on that one either, as that's just something I've heard.

Here's a release that you may want to use: http://74.125.95.132/...
(There's a pdf for this link. If you can't access it via the pasted link above, let me know and I can email it to you.)

As for insurance/liability requirements, you should check with your insurance company to see what your coverage is as far as on-location photoshoots go. This varies depending on the coverage you have, so that's yet another thing I can't be definite on.

The one thing I can be definite on is have confidence when you approach the owners and explain your reasoning for wanting to use their location. Some will say no, as I've had many do in downtown Savannah, however many will be more than willing so long as you don't get them in any of your shots. :) One of the best ways to get an okay for using a location is to offer the owner(s) a free copy of one of the shots that you take. People love to see their mundane things photographed and shown in a way they never thought they could be. :)

I hope I was of some sort of help to you.

Best wishes,

Tara
www.studio27photography.com &
www.modelmayhem.com/studio27

This is great! Thank you.

Wilmer