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Hi all, - am a newbie to this 'industry' and have a generalised question about those that are doing elevated photography professionally. I am intending to offer my services to both the real estate sector but want to break into the outdoor events/festivals market. From the research i have done, it's been suggested that i may need up to $5million insurance liability in order to put up the mast system at public/ticketed events. (incase it falls and cripples someone for life, smashes someone's ferrari etc etc) I wondered what other professionals had come across in their work in similar situations.
I completely understand and appreciate the dangers and why insurance is necessary but am loathed to pay further premiums, especially at $3K p.a. for a potential accident that i already take precautions to avoid - eg not setting up if concerned about wind, having 20M clear radius of set up.
Some events i have approached have said their insurance liability covers me, yet others want a certificate of proof.
Your experience would be gratefully received... RobA
Insurance is always a good thing to consider. Sometimes all you need is a basic policy. If you're considering covering "special events" etc, sometimes you are covered under the promoter's or organization's blanket policy. Remember, it's your responsibility to make sure your A** is covered. Never assume anything. In today's world, there's always an attorney out there looking to capitalize on your mistakes. So, that's why it's so very important to "dummy proof" your operation, where "safety" is your highest priority.
Since I do a lot of elevated mast work within the Los Angeles area, especailly parks and special events, everyone's different. On many occasions, I've been asked to shut down, citing that I needed some sort of "film permit" or something stupid like that. Where at other locations, event cordinators have actually opened their arms, putting you front dead center, as their new poster child of technology. I've found that there's no set rule or standard for elevated AP.
In fact, just last year I was asked to attend the Western Region Police and Fire Games, hosted by the City of Santa Clarita, CA. It was an awsome event, and a gift to be asked to attend. Not only did I cover Baseball, Soccer, Cycling, Swimming, and Running events, but the amount of business I picked up from all of the spectators, was insane. You could never afford to pay for this type of advertising. That's why I'm 100% behind attending special events such as these. Simply put, the exposure's phenomenal!
Rob,
I found a thread on this. Sorry was unable to find it not but think it was in this forum. From what I remember it was not a problem to find and cost was between 400 and 600 per year.
I actually called my local Allstate agent this week to ask them about it. They said it may be better to just add it to my homeowners policy since it will be a home based business.
I could certainly tell that I was the first person to ever ask that agent for this type of insurance. I am still waiting to hear back from them with a quote but she said it should not be a problem.
Let me know what you find and I will do the same.
In fact, just last year I was asked to attend the Western Region Police and Fire Games, hosted by the City of Santa Clarita, CA. It was an awsome event, and a gift to be asked to attend. Not only did I cover Baseball, Soccer, Cycling, Swimming, and Running events, but the amount of business I picked up from all of the spectators, was insane. You could never afford to pay for this type of advertising. That's why I'm 100% behind attending special events such as these. Simply put, the exposure's phenomenal!
Pl tell did you cover these events from mast only or from ground also?
how did you get publicity just by covering event? with organizers only or with public also? Pl explain, I also want to get publicity and do similar in India.
I primarily do elevated mast work, for the simple reason that it does not require more than one or two people to operate this equipment. I mostly use pneumatic mast systems, and when set up properly, can be operated by a single person.
This means, you can have multiple vehicles working different events, on the same day. Or, multiple vehicles working the same event, just positioned in different locations. Either way, for every vehicle out there, your charging down time. Which, if you've put together a good business plan, this helps bring in the bucks. However, pneumatic mast systems are quite expensive. So, I would suggest starting out slow, and build your business from there. I believe most people on APL would agree.
As for publicity thing. If I'm working with a particular City, I contact the City Manager directly, or their office. After that, you're usually routed to the proper department in which your services relate to. If you want to cover Park & Recreation events, then contact that department, etc.
In addition, you will find that as soon as you elevate a mast system, at any event, people flock to see what you are doing. It's just the nature of the beast. And, if set up properly, you can use these type of events to interact with the community, sometimes giving them the opertunity to control and view things from the camera's perspective. If you use HMD's (head mounted display), as I do, this usually blows people away, especially when it's done wirelessly.
If you have any further questions or concerns, I can be reached direct via e-mail at jmartin91355@aol.com
Here's a picture of my Will-Burt 7-42 pneumatic mast assembly.
The CopterWorks 3 axis gimbal.
And, the end result at the 2009 World JetSki Finals, Lake Havasu City, AZ.
Public liability Insurance for AP
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