Tips for a shoot I'm doing tomorrow

[mcneguy]

Since my daughter is competing in a musical festival tomorrow I thought I would take my 10d and get some shots. I want to get some of the performers as well as some candid's of people milling about. How can I achieve this without making people think that I'm some pervert taking pics of high school girls and what is the best way to make myself completely unnoticed?

Any other tips would be much appreciated...

[defordphoto]

Point out your daughter whenever asked. First though, get in touch with the people leading the event and let them know who you are and what you are doing. Make sure all their staff knows you're there and legal so there's no hassles.

[RichardtheSane]

How can I achieve this without making people think that I'm some pervert taking pics of high school girls and what is the best way to make myself completely unnoticed?


First don't try to go unnoticed at all. Make sure as many people notice you as possible. As RFM saif, point your daughter out whenever possible. Also take enough flash cards to take photographs of other people's kids too.
If you can do it in time, get some business cards made up, or even some flyers with your name and address on to give to anyone who asks you anything, or to give to anyone who asks you to take a few shots of their kids.

If you try to go unnoticed then that would make anyone suspicious in my opinion. Be noticed, go there with the attitude that you are proud of your daughter and of your 10D ;)

[defordphoto]

Good advice Richard.

Got there like you're the event photographer.

My wife and I shot some young (11-13) girls soccer last year for a friend. We had no kids on the team so, we went to one game with no equipment, met the parents and let them know what we were doing, and would be making photos available.

They loved us!

[G3]

In most cases, especially at an event like this, nobody is going to find a photographer suspicious. Now, if someone is lurking around school yards and parks alone with a camera, it may (rightfully) raise some eyebrows. The one other piece of advice I would offer is that if there is a hired photographer at the event, don't interfere with his (or her) working.

[defordphoto]

In most cases, especially at an event like this, nobody is going to find a photographer suspicious. Now, if someone is lurking around school yards and parks alone with a camera, it may (rightfully) raise some eyebrows. The one other piece of advice I would offer is that if there is a hired photographer at the event, don't interfere with his (or her) working.

These days all parents are very concerned who is taking pictures of their children. As photographers we must repsect that and ensure the parents feel safe. There will always be one in the crowd that will be concerned (if not freak) if some unknown person is taking pictures of their children.

[ssim]

I happened to get invited to a dance studio year end show and I hadn't had my 10D for very long. I told her that I only wanted to do it for experience. This show involved everything from 4 year olds to adults.

At the beginning of the show the the MC had me and another guy (who was the event photographer) stand up so everyone could see us. She wanted to give the parents the comfort level that we weren't pervs.

It worked out pretty well for me as I learnt alot and sold a few prints.

[G3]

In most cases, especially at an event like this, nobody is going to find a photographer suspicious. Now, if someone is lurking around school yards and parks alone with a camera, it may (rightfully) raise some eyebrows. The one other piece of advice I would offer is that if there is a hired photographer at the event, don't interfere with his (or her) working.

These days all parents are very concerned who is taking pictures of their children. As photographers we must repsect that and ensure the parents feel safe. There will always be one in the crowd that will be concerned (if not freak) if some unknown person is taking pictures of their children.


I guess it depends on where you are...I've shot a whole bunch children's events over the last 30 years or so... school plays, ball games, dance recitals, Pinewood Derbies, you name it. I've never had anyone freak out or even become concerned. I've never even had anyone approach me and ask me what I was doing, except to ask if I was selling photos of the event. Some of them my kids were in, some of them other parents asked me to photograph their kids at the event, some I was contacted by the organizers to photograph. And, I've sold a truckload of those pictures. Never had one single problem. I suppose you could depending on where you live and the general attitude of the area, though...