VivaLasVega

Comments by VivaLasVega

Photography Is Not a Crime

I have been a photographer on the side for 8 years (semi professional)but never a parent, and when I do events like this if a child will be in the shot, I inform the parents so they can either remove them or request them not to be in the frame. It is a common courtesy, and even though the law would have my side I chose to make sure that the parent's know and understand who I am, why I am there, and where these pictures will end up. I have had a few run in's with angry parents and even not being a parent myself I can see both sides of the issue. I never hold it against them, if they want to be overly protective they have the right, and I just agree and turn the other direction. It's just not worth ruffling up your feathers. However, I have never approached a child or taken their picture without their parent knowing, or while a parent was looking another direction. That is just wrong on all accounts, it's wrong and vulgar. Whether it is just to ask them some questions about what I am covering, or to snap a photo of them, I approach the nearest adult and ask them if they are their parents and ask if they wouldn't mind a photo of their child appearing on a website/article/news journal for media coverage. I pretend the child doesn't have any say in the matter, and that they are not even there, until I get a go ahead from the parent. Then I know it is ok to talk to or photograph their child. I am sure a lot of photographers don't agree with that approach. They don't have kids, and to kids you are a stranger and have no business doing anything with them. That is just how I work because I was brought up in a very pro protecting kids household.
— June 11, 2011 2:54 p.m.