Photographing an Airport

I'm an architectural photographer, and I shoot products in place many times. I may have the opportunity to travel and shoot some architectural metal decking and ceilings in a newly built, but functioning, airport for a client. I see some complexity with arranging this shoot that I need some help with.

1. Releases - Although I don't plan on including people in the photographs, there might be a case when they end up in them. Do I need to arrange to have releases for people to sign?
2. Arranging the shoot - Would I need to arrange with TSA, and the building manager ahead of time to get clearance to shoot? I won't be using auxiliary lighting, just the camera/tripod and my basic gear setup.
3. I will be flying into the airport, so I suppose I could shoot it as soon as I land, but the odds of picking up a flight back several hours later might be difficult to arrange. If I have to get back into a terminal and I'm not flying, I see that being a challenge. And if I'm flying to a town I've never been, I might as well stay there a day and check it out.

Any other hurdles I may have to jump through to make this happen? Thanks in advance for your input. m@

Architective wrote in post #17497480
I'm an architectural photographer, and I shoot products in place many times. I may have the opportunity to travel and shoot some architectural metal decking and ceilings in a newly built, but functioning, airport for a client. I see some complexity with arranging this shoot that I need some help with.

1. Releases - Although I don't plan on including people in the photographs, there might be a case when they end up in them. Do I need to arrange to have releases for people to sign?
2. Arranging the shoot - Would I need to arrange with TSA, and the building manager ahead of time to get clearance to shoot? I won't be using auxiliary lighting, just the camera/tripod and my basic gear setup.
3. I will be flying into the airport, so I suppose I could shoot it as soon as I land, but the odds of picking up a flight back several hours later might be difficult to arrange. If I have to get back into a terminal and I'm not flying, I see that being a challenge. And if I'm flying to a town I've never been, I might as well stay there a day and check it out.

Any other hurdles I may have to jump through to make this happen? Thanks in advance for your input. m@

I am not a professional photographer but from time to time i do some paid jobs, but less likely to happen more than a handful a year. However, id do it like this:

I would shoot all the images long exposure to get rid of the people. Maybe a second per image so you can delete out any people. You may have to be open to photograph with the people in it, as it is sometimes still interestign with people in the shot.

Also, i would stay a night, so you can take your time and explore the town the other day or in the evening...

Just out of curiosity, which airport is it?

I've shot pre-security at DCA, and post security at DFW with camera + tripod (no lighting) without any problems. If this is commercial work, you probably need a release from the airport authority.

-alex

1. Yes, your client needs to arrange all permission for professional photography at the airport. Usually, the General Construction Contractor will have to get this from the Airport Authority Office. The Airport Authority will get you all the security clearances you need, and you will probably get a security escort and cart transportation. Otherwise, you will probably not get more than 3 minutes of time at a US airport with big camera and tripod before security gets to you.

2. For you travel, book it yourself and pass along the flight expense but not the hotel bill to your client. Its not their concern you want to hang out on their dime.

Is this a JFK level airport, or just a local airport like KTTN? People in the previous replies seem to be assuming it's a large airport. If it is a large airport, is this the main terminal building you'll be shooting, or an auxiliary building, like the GA terminal?

It was the ICT airport in Wichita - Dwight D. Eisenhower concourse addition. I didn't end up getting the job after all. My proposal came in high since they are used to paying someone locally, and for just several hours, rather than a full day. This client is a product manufacturer, so they are accustomed to sending someone out to shoot their product and not worry about exteriors, perfect times of day, etc. They make long span structural decking that serves as a finished ceiling. I'll continue to shoot for them, but closer to home.

I appreciate the advice from the forum. This was an educational proposal if nothing else.

m@