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Photography Question 

Paul Kleiner
 

Photography in nursing homes?



While I search for a job in a studio, I am also looking to make a few bucks doing portraits or events.
Lately someone mentioned photography at nursing homes. This is something I would really like to try. Has anyone ever done this?

My plan is to first make a flier which will describe what I am offering, on-site photos of residents with their families. Threre will be a photo of the end product, a 5x7 in a nice paper mount.
Price could be $25 for this, and $5 for each addional print. I can offer text on the photo, like “The Smith Family 2010” or “Happy Birthday’ etc. for another $3 .
I would do this on some specified Sunday afternoon at a specified time, such as 2-3p.m.,
Maybe once a month.

Then I go to a nursing home and ask the management for permision to do this, hopefully without paying some sort of commission to the facility.

If it’s a go, I distribute fliers to the residents and bulletin board, and a sign-up sheet

On the appointed Sunday I go with camera, laptop and printer and do the portraits. The customer gets their prints and a brochure so my name gets out there. I could do a different place each Sunday.

I’d appreciate any feedback on this! Is there any market for it? Better venue, like assisted living centers, etc.? Thanks so much!

Paul K.


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March 15, 2010

 

Monnie Ryan
  As an Ohio-certified volunteer long-term care ombudsman, I'll offer a couple of things to consider before you forge ahead, Paul. First, you won't be allowed to take photos of any residents without their express permission; unless a family member is the legal guardian and is thus allowed to make decisions for the resident, it doesn't matter whether the family is willing to pay you or not if the resident declines.

Second, many, if not by far the majority, of nursing home residents are on Medicare or Medicaid and have precious little disposable cash. That said, you'd have a better chance of making a go of this financially if you stick to assisted living and/or independent living facilities -- but as you've said, you'll need permission from the administrator of each facility before you can do anything. So, that's the place to start. Try two or three facilities to test the water before you spend any serious time or money developing a plan.


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March 15, 2010

 

Paul Kleiner
  Thanks Monnie, that is good advice.


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March 15, 2010

 
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