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06/04/2012 11:13:53 AM · #1 |
This is a more in-depth overview to another thread about photographing children in public, where a parent felt *very* uncomfortable that someone she didn't know was photographing her child playing baseball on a public little league field.
First, a look at it from a parent's perspective.
That's just something she's going to have to learn to deal with. By that, I don't mean "suck it up and let it go." I mean she is going to have to think this whole thing through and come up with her own rational strategy for handling. Otherwise, she's going to spend a fair amount of energy being *very* uncomfortable as her children grow up.
Let's break this down.
The kids are out in public. They are fair game to be photographed, like it or not. Unless there are laws and regulations on the books that specifically prohibit such photography, it's going to happen. (Also, if the kids are playing on a public field leased by an organization, unless that lease includes the entire property (not just the playing field) and specifically states what the public can and can't do from the sidelines, the walkways, etc, the kids can still be photographed.)
The kids get photographed. That doesn't matter. What matters is what is done with the photo; this is, how it gets used. If it's used for editorial or artistic purposes, that's pretty much covered by the First Amendment. If it's used commercially, then there might be some action against the photographer. (Simply including it in an online gallery where prints can be purchased is not considered commercial use.)
You speak to the photographer. This is the whole nine yards, where you put it all out there in a friendly, non-paranoid manner.
The Parent (P): Hi there. I noticed you taking pictures of the kids.
The Shooter (S): Yes.
P: I've got to ask you to pardon my paranoia, but you know, in this day and age, you just can't be too careful.
S: Yes.
P: So, who are you and who are you shooting for?
S: My name is Billy-Bob Johnson and I'm just shooting for practice.
P: Ok, Billy-Bob . Do you have a website? How can I get copies of your pictures? Do you have a card?
S: I don't have a website, yet, or any cards. I'm just getting started with this.
P: Well, do you have an email address or a phone number? How can I get in touch with you?
This is the thing: ask the right questions and you'll find out that Billy-Bob is a professional photographer, a passionate hobbyist, or a creeper. If Billy-Bob is a decent guy with no ill intentions, he'll probably be comfortable with your questions and have ready answers (as he probably deals with this on a regular basis). On the other hand, if your questions make Billy-Bob uncomfortable, just your asking them is probably going to be enough to scare him off. If there's any doubt, just smile and tell him that while you don't mind him "getting some practice, some of the other parents have indicated that they are *very* uncomfortable and that maybe he should go introduce himself to them so that they won't get the wrong idea."
Or another scenario. You are at a festival with your children.
S: May I photograph your children?
P: What kind of creep are you, you freakin sicko?! Just kidding...you never know these days.
S: No, you don't.
P: Just tell me who you are and how I can get copies. Do you have a card, a website? What do you do with the pictures you take?
S: Here's my card. I'm just a community photographer, out documenting local events. You can see my work on my website. I'll have what I shoot here today online in a couple days.
It's just a matter of having a simple, non-threatening conversation. If you don't get a good vibe, simply smile and decline his offer.
Lastly, if someone feels that their children are being stalked and no amount of conversation is changing anything, get a restraining order.
Now, from the photographer's perspective.
Have a purpose. Don't shoot anything without a purpose that you can articulate. If you can't explain why you are doing something, you probably shouldn't be doing it. The glib, "I'm a photographer, it's what I do" will probably cause problems that could easily be avoided with, "I like to shoot sports" or "I like to shoot photos of people having fun" or "I'm simply documenting the world around me." You don't have to have an attitude or go on the defensive. Be honest. If you are shooting for a contest, say so. Just have a purpose. If you are shooting because you are inspired, share your source of inspiration.
What are you doing with those photos? Again, if you don't have an answer, you probably shouldn't be taking them. The thing people fear the most is the unknown. If they don't know you or what you are doing or why you are doing it, they are going to fear you. Remove the unknown and you can break down the barriers reserved for strangers and creepers.
You make me feel uncomfortable - very uncomfortable. If conversation and openess aren't enough to lower the barriers, then move on. Life's too short. It's one thing if you are working in a professional capacity, especially as a photojournalist. If not, though, then there's hardly any reason to put yourself and others through the aggravation of getting people worked up over something like photography.
One of the best things you can do is to have a mobile-friendly website that you can immediately direct strangers to so that they can see you are legit. It only needs a couple of galleries with non-threatening people pictures and a simple "About Me" page, complete with contact information. You can quickly put out a wild fire of doubt in a crowd of strangers, just by turning one person on to your site.
In summary, you don't have to get into philosophical, ethical, or legal debates. Just be honest with yourself and others and be willing to share. |
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06/04/2012 11:52:16 AM · #2 |
Originally posted by Skip:
If conversation and openess aren't enough to lower the barriers, then move on. Life's too short. It's one thing if you are working in a professional capacity, especially as a photojournalist. If not, though, then there's hardly any reason to put yourself and others through the aggravation of getting people worked up over something like photography. |
Yup, this is exactly what I was trying to express on the other thread. Choose your battles. Not every encounter is an opportunity to enlighten ignorant people about photographer's rights. |
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06/04/2012 12:26:52 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by tanguera:
Originally posted by Skip:
If conversation and openess aren't enough to lower the barriers, then move on. Life's too short. It's one thing if you are working in a professional capacity, especially as a photojournalist. If not, though, then there's hardly any reason to put yourself and others through the aggravation of getting people worked up over something like photography. |
Yup, this is exactly what I was trying to express on the other thread. Choose your battles. Not every encounter is an opportunity to enlighten ignorant people about photographer's rights. |
This was also my philosophy when it was suggested that I "school" the parent.
Skip, as usual, you present the information in a very cogent manner, and I wouldn't disagree with any of it.
The breakdown in the event that inspired the first thread though, was that even after expressing her discomfort, the photographer offered nothing by means of name, etc. and only asked for her home address so he could mail the pictures. Had this photographer offered 1/2 the dialogue you recommended, it probably wouldn't have even blipped on their radar. |
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06/04/2012 01:58:14 PM · #4 |
when i had my daughter christened, the church we went to didn't allow us to take pictures or video of the ceremony becuase at one point a parent got upset their baby was on someone else's video and pictures.
i found that pretty striking and this was before my foray into photography. we got photos afterward, but nothing during the service.
a few years later they redid the policy, apparently after many complaints, when my son got christened they held private christening ceremonies after the main service.
Message edited by author 2012-06-04 13:59:05. |
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06/04/2012 03:03:05 PM · #5 |
| Good thread. Well put, as usual Skip. Thanks for sharing, it helps so much having one's thoughts ordered beforehand. |
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