A hotel just outside of LA has asked me to re-shoot the place because the current stuff they have is prety old. I just toured the hotel and it's not the nicest hotel ever, so how do I shoot it to make it look nice? Also, what should I charge them? Here is the site - Ramada Inn
Outside you should shoot it 10 to 15 minutes after sunset and set your white balance to tungsten; that will make for some nice reflections off of windows and really make the sky a nice appealing blue.
f/10 to f/16 and adjust speed as needed.
Indoors you could go with a wide angle and get shots of the features that would make you stay at the hotel. Nice beds, pool, exercise facilities ect..
You'll do just fine by the looks of your portfolio.
When I used to work at the Hampton in of our town the photographer came around 9am and stayed until noon. He got shots of the continental breakfast, each different type of room, the jacuzzi baths, pool, lobby, photo of front of hotel, main entrance. They had employees/families pose in the lobby eating breakfast and playing in the pool. Be sure to get the appropriate model releases for any people in the shots.
One of my photo teachers just suggested I charge between $2500-5000/day. Does that sounds right to everyone else?
How would I go about lighting the 'scenes' to make certain objects stand out?
That sounds kinda high if they aren't getting copyright. I'd go somewhere around $1500 plus expenses per day.
I'm not sure what you mean about lighting scenes? Do you mean people or stationary things? Have you thought of using a video light and long exposures- that would certainly make something stand out :0)
They're going to have unlimited use for their website and brochures, but I'm still going to own the copywrite
You may "own" the copyright, but still not have the right to use the photos. Specify in your contract that not only do you retain the copyright, but include language covering a property release and clarifying their exclusivity (or non-exclusivity) in using the photos. That way you may be able to use (at least) shots they don't use for stock, your portfolio, or other purposes ....
