Photography services in exchange for a short break between the Lakes and the Dales

[altyfc]

Hi everyone

I'm in the process of purchasing a luxury riverside apartment in the town of Kendal (all being well, I complete and get the keys tomorrow) which I'll be renting out as a holiday let. For those that don't know, Kendal lies on the edge of the Lake District National Park and close also to the Yorkshire Dales.

We'll be furnishing the property to a high standard throughout most of February (everything from Laura Ashley sofas to 42" flat screen TV with Bose sound system) and, to be quite honest, I'm struggling to justify the costs of a photographer. I'll need photos of course for marketing on the website, for press, etc. I could take the pictures myself but deep down I know that this probably wouldn't produce the best results as I'm really only an amateur.

The key shot is the one from the balcony... here's a shot someone else took from next door's balcony to give you an idea what we're dealing with:

In our case we have a slightly better view down river, showing much more of the bridge, and I don't think this shot quite does the view justice (that's Kendal Castle on the hill in the distance but I feel it barely shows). This is one image I really need to nail somehow, then of course I'll also need additional photos from inside the apartment, and perhaps some of the local area.

So... I was wondering if there were any photographers out there who would be interested in exchanging their services in return for a 2-3 night stay at the place... what do you think? Is this a good idea or a very bad one?

If anyone is interested, but doesn't want to say so publicly, feel free to email me directly on stay at kendalcottages dot com

Thanks.

 

[Overread]

I'd be tempted - however I honestly don't have the right gear nor skills (though it would give me an excuse to start playing with HDR). You might find you need to say something like 4 or 5 days to get a photographer in there since two days will be spent with traveling for most and they will want at least one day shooting plus a day "holidaying"

 

[altyfc]

I guess I could reconsider the duration of stay depending on a) how far he/she has to travel and b) the standard of the photographer in question. I hope this seems fair - thanks for your feedback.

 

[Dominantly]

I think it is a perfectly fair trade. Good luck.

 

[altyfc]

Thanks... have one promising expression of interest so far. I might entertain doing this with 2 or 3 photographers, though (that way I have a better chance of cracking the key picture on a blue sky day ), so please still get in touch if it interests any of you.

 

[altyfc]

If anyone here interested in this but hasn't yet contacted me, please email in the next 24 hours as I'll be choosing photographer(s?) tomorrow night. Thanks.