I am not actually trying to hunt deer, but photograph them. Can anyone tell me good ways of attracting deer? I saw in one thread that rape seed or sugar beet seed can be used. Can anyone confirm this? Also, if anyone has any experience with pheromones or scents that attract deer, can you recommend a brand or supplier? Thanks.

Not sure how great a photo of a buck standing over a abait pile would look for publication or artistic purposes. I would just try and set up in the best spot like a hunter would and with a zoom lense you'd have better luck. Conversely, many of the magazine photographers get their big buck shots at fenced in ranches or game farms. F&S and the likes will even note it in the credits. Might be a way to start. Unfortunately, just like hunting within fences, it's easier that way. And please no high fence arguements. This is about trying to take some pictures.

i'm trying to photograph deer where you wouldn't normally see them: a basket ball court, a parking lot, etc... i'm not going to take pictures of the deer hunched over, eating. ideally i would take the picture while the deer is walking over to the bait. but you didn't really answer my question: what is the best way to attract deer in the first place?

use corn if it is legal where you are

Even for such a purpose have to think like a hunter,
First check your regs if baiting /feeding is even legal.
Some states ban baiting/feeding during hunting season, some states ban it year round.
As for what to use?
I think scent product would work better, corn and other foods, really need the deer to pass close by, and need to be left there a while. Not sure how that would work at a basketball court.
For the scent product, think of te wind. Want to make sure woods and such are downwind. And not some building complex.
Lots of scent products out there, go to any sports store and they should have some.