Volleyball photos + an issue

[KennethGomez]

Hello all. Need some advice here. I'm hired by many parents to take photos at volleyball games. Recently I got a complaint from a parent about some of my pictures. Seems totally unreasonable to me, but please tell me what you think:
She said that she was unhappy that many of my photos included "below the waist", as she put it. She said she thought it was outrageous that I'd have pictures that featured crotches (what a weird thing to say?). I was shocked. Apparently many of the players have an issue with the mandatory spandex shorts. She was upset that my photos included this part. I basically told her, look, I just record the event that takes place, in this case a volleyball game. There's nothing in these pictures that isn't seen by everyone else in attendance. If the issue is with the detail in the shorts, don't blame the photographer!
http://imgur.com/c3R7P.jpg
http://imgur.com/gaN1m.jpg
http://imgur.com/SuBqg.jpg

[zoom_zoom]

... and I really dislike how photos of football players, basketball player, baseball players, soccer players, hockey players, and men's volleyball players, also show everything below the waist. :rolleyes:

My advice... just keep taking those great shots and ignore her comments.

[lunasicc]

thats obnoxious..there totally fine imo.

[thebishopp]

Sounds like she needs to be complaining to whoever chose those shorts. They are definately suggestive, especially being so tight as well as where asics has chosen to stich their seam.

As far as "above the waist" I don't see too many sports shots that are just above the waist. Usually if it isn't full body it's right above the knee and up with some occasional close ups.

[1Twist]

She is a blockhead, old, stuck in her ass backwards ways, and you should tell her to piss off. They are good shots of an athlete taken by your parents off all the people. Maybe pissed off she never got to play the game.

[RickyH]

Volleyball shorts have been a target for high schools for years. When I was there, athletes always wore uniforms on specific game days for school pride. When the volleyball girls wore their shorts they were deemed to not fit the school dress code, despite the school issuing them out to the players as a uniform. Ironic enough?

As far as the parent goes, I say forget them. If she doesn't like them, she shouldn't buy them. End of discussion. You're work looks good & there's nothing wrong with it.

[Joemt]

If the players and parents are upset with the uniforms, they should go to the Athletic
Director with the problem, not the photographer. Keep shooting. Those who are
interested will buy. You could also offer Sportrait pics and mix in with the game
action. The pics look good.

Joemt.

[Stevie@JC]

I totally agree with all the replys at the end of the day if she dosnt like them THEN DONT BUY THEM! I think your shots are perfect an exactly the kind of shots i would want if i hired you

Stevie.

[Palladium]

- Put the images in a password protected gallery

- Not include that parents daughter in the gallery (password protected or not)

Are your shooting in California? California had recent issues with images being re posted to different websites.

[Saxi]

If I was her (the player) I would be a little uncomfortable about the pictures, but this has nothing to do with the photographer but the actual outfit. As a parent (although of a 2 year old boy not a girl) I would be uncomfortable as well if that was my daughter. As the photographer though, I wouldn't change my shooting at all though. I would consider making cropped shots available to parents who are concerned and would consider password protection on the website.

[computerguru3190]

These spandex shorts are an odd part of the volleyball world. They are worn at every level and I've never had problems with parents not dealing with it. If she doesn't like it, evidently her daughter doesn't play other levels outside of school. Its a common thing. If she is complaining, stop taking pictures or her daughter. End of story. Their complaints should go to the AD not you.

[Big K]

Just tell her that they are your best sellers on www.smokinsexystrikers.com and you need those sales to pay for the candy required to lure girls to your home to shoot for your private collection. If you grab your crotch like a baseball player when you say it you will almost guarantee that she will have a stroke and your problem will be solved.

Geez!! Parents never seem to be at a loss for something to complain about. I agree with everyone else, keep doing what you are doing and disregard her. Hopefully her daughter is not a swimmer or gymnast or she will be lobbying to have all people in attendance at a meet wear blindfolds.

What I find ironic is that even with the revealing nature of volleyball shorts, it still is generally tame compared to some of the outfits I see 14 and 15 YO's wearing to sit in the stands.

[JeffCanon]

Who buy the prints?

[Saxi]

Who buy the prints?

LOL! Good point!

[MJPhotos24]

She's an idiot - you did the PC method of telling her you're just capturing what is happening at the event = done and don't worry about it. It's not a photographers job to change what they see at an event, in fact if you did and were doing this in an editorial sense you'd probably lose your job.

I've coached v-ball from 7th-12th grade. "Many" of the players do not have issues with the spandex, most make fun of them and that's it. "Our team is tighter than the spandex we wear" is a common v-ball t-shirt/slogan. This is a parent who has problems, not you or 99% of the girls. If they were that worried about it they wouldn't play. This parent probably went to the AD or whoever and complained to, got nowhere so has to pick someone to b**ch at.

[Zivnuska]

Let me suggest a different approach.

1. Agree with her that the shorts might be a concern for these young ladies. Frame the choice of uniform as the issue. Be empathetic.

2. Suggest that she approach the AD about her uniform concerns.

3. State your goal to photograph this athletic contest and stay out of any uniform dispute.

4. Tell her that, at her request, any picture(s) of her daughter that she finds objectionable will be removed from the site. No questions asked. [Parents won't buy a picture they don't like anyway. Limit her influence to pictures of her child only. You may want to preemptively remove them.]

5. Explain that once the school administration chooses the uniform, they decide how the ladies will appear. Photos are only the messengers recording how the ladies present themselves in public.

6. Suggest that if there is a picture that the parents would like to purchase, but with a different crop, you would be happy to crop that photo differently.

As much as possible, appear to be on her side and redirect her objection to the administration. Let the AD be the 'bad guy' not you. After all, the issue is the uniform. Think cooperative, not adversarial. Stop taking pictures of her daughter in the future. Her line about "featured crotches" is a red flag. She appears to be looking for a fight. Don't let it be with you.

BTW, I like your pics!

[KennethGomez]

Thanks so much for the replies, everyone. A somewhat varied response, but at least it's clear that she's a nutcase. I'll update this thread with any further developments.

[Magic 24]

There are those whom my not agree with what I did but I actually spent a lot of time in photoshop. These shorts can and do reveal too much. I couldn't, in good taste, put them online. Mine were much more revealing but as fast as the action happens with volleyball - you don't have time to frame, align and shoot whilst look at what is revealing or not! Just MHO!

[Big K]

Let me suggest a different approach.

1. Agree with her that the shorts might be a concern for these young ladies. Frame the choice of uniform as the issue. Be empathetic.

2. Suggest that she approach the AD about her uniform concerns.

3. State your goal to photograph this athletic contest and stay out of any uniform dispute.

4. Tell her that, at her request, any picture(s) of her daughter that she finds objectionable will be removed from the site. No questions asked. [Parents won't buy a picture they don't like anyway. Limit her influence to pictures of her child only. You may want to preemptively remove them.]

5. Explain that once the school administration chooses the uniform, they decide how the ladies will appear. Photos are only the messengers recording how the ladies present themselves in public.

6. Suggest that if there is a picture that the parents would like to purchase, but with a different crop, you would be happy to crop that photo differently.

As much as possible, appear to be on her side and redirect her objection to the administration. Let the AD be the 'bad guy' not you. After all, the issue is the uniform. Think cooperative, not adversarial. Stop taking pictures of her daughter in the future. Her line about "featured crotches" is a red flag. She appears to be looking for a fight. Don't let it be with you.

BTW, I like your pics!

Where's the fun in doing all that. :-) Just kidding.

Excellent response and definitely the best way to handle it. I hope my original post was read with the high level of sarcasm I intended. To continue with the sarcasm, #6 should read "If they want a picture but with a different crop they will need to use Photoshop of something similar after the steal it from your website."

There are those whom my not agree with what I did but I actually spent a lot of time in photoshop. These shorts can and do reveal too much. I couldn't, in good taste, put them online. Mine were much more revealing but as fast as the action happens with volleyball - you don't have time to frame, align and shoot whilst look at what is revealing or not! Just MHO!

My opinion is 99.9% of the time if you have to edit a sports photo to desexualize it, it should just be deleted. This applies to the OP's situation as well. It is impossible to not have shots that actually show the entire athlete. EVERYONE knows what to expect from volleyball uniforms and sometimes you will capture someone in an unflattering way. Just delete it like you would a shot of a great dunk you missed because of a refs big A.

There is always another play.

[MJPhotos24]

1. Agree with her that the shorts might be a concern for these young ladies. Frame the choice of uniform as the issue. Be empathetic.

This is probably a line by her and not an actual concern of a majority of the players like she is trying to make it out. Sure some girls might have an issue, and I've coached a couple who did, but to agree with it's a lot of the girls is just fueling her fire on something that is probably not true.

Different situation but I had a parent complain about something that did not happen how she said it did. She told the AD "all the girls" so he in turn interviewed my entire team. It was found not one, not even the parents daughter thought how the parent did. However, her daughter told her mom she agreed and the "others do to". Have seen that happen more than a few times.

2. Suggest that she approach the AD about her uniform concerns.

Could be more than just the AD, uniforms are usually decided by the section, league, or state and the AD's just follow that rule when ordering. I've only seen one team that played against us that did not wear spandex and it was just the league had different policies. In my first school I coached the younger girls wore shorts but JV/Var HAD to wear spandex. The AD can however go to the meetings and bring it up as a concern but you won't see it changed any time soon.

3. State your goal to photograph this athletic contest and stay out of any uniform dispute.

Yup

4. Tell her that, at her request, any picture(s) of her daughter that she finds objectionable will be removed from the site. No questions asked. [Parents won't buy a picture they don't like anyway. Limit her influence to pictures of her child only. You may want to preemptively remove them.]

This can be a PITA to try and go through and find one girl through large galleries unless you know who it is. Sure remove them, for a fee. Make sure it's also known if it features another girl then it won't be removed. There is no obligation to remove them.

5. Explain that once the school administration chooses the uniform, they decide how the ladies will appear. Photos are only the messengers recording how the ladies present themselves in public.

Yup

6. Suggest that if there is a picture that the parents would like to purchase, but with a different crop, you would be happy to crop that photo differently.

Yup

As much as possible, appear to be on her side and redirect her objection to the administration. Let the AD be the 'bad guy' not you. After all, the issue is the uniform. Think cooperative, not adversarial. Stop taking pictures of her daughter in the future. Her line about "featured crotches" is a red flag. She appears to be looking for a fight. Don't let it be with you.

Nope, not when it's making someone else look bad. A photographer is there to capture an event, not fuel the fire of some nut job. Especially when she goes running to the AD saying the photog agrees with her and the AD is the one who decides if you ever shoot there again. She's definitely looking for a fight and jumping on her side when she's wrong is not the right approach. All you can do is say it's not your job about the uniforms, it's your job to take images of what is going on - that's it. Agreeing/disagreeing is not in your job description for this because it will cause problems. Fighting her she'll cause you problems, agreeing she'll cause you problems with others.

[cjj14u]

I agree. She is an idiot. If she has that big of a problem with the shorts, she should not let her daughter play. The are a part of the game, plain & simple.
BTW - you shots are great! VB is very difficult to shoot.

[Zivnuska]

Why keep the pictures of her daughter on the web site if Mom wants them off? The idea of charging her to remove the pictures will put the photographer dead center in the middle of the dispute.

Uniform issue: Problem for the AD

GWC wants Mom to pay to remove child photos from internet: Potential Photog problem.

[Adama]

You'll always run into trouble with parents when it comes to situations like this. And unfortunately they'll always be this irrational about it.

You're certainly not at fault in this scenario, so I'd follow the advice of the majority of posters in this thread and just don't worry about it.

[MT Stringer]

Aparently that parent hasn't been to any competition cheerleading events. Or if she did, she would have a beef with them too. I think you said the right thing. You are there to capture the action of the game. Same goes for track and field events, tennis...the list goes on.

[bps]

I think everyone has summed it up well: there's nothing wrong with these images. When shooting sports, you sometimes have to delete or edit pictures to remain tasteful, but these do not even come close to crossing the line.

Bryan

[mortar]

Didn't they film Elvis above the waist in the 50's ??

Maybe the mother would be more comfortable if they dressed like this? ;)

http://web.wm.edu/tenniscenter/hazelwightman1915.jpg

[bjoynes]

I'm a father of a volleyball player, who also takes photos of the games. I do not see any problem with your pictures, the problem is with the coaches, club or organization that dictates the uniform. I agree with another poster that the parents as a whole should voice an opinion to what is acceptable as a uniform.

Please also give some latitude to this mother if you think she needs it. The reason I ask this is because I think I understand her position. I think it was more of a frustration, concern, and worry all rapped up in one ball of anxiety, and you where the easy target to lash out at. You hear about perverted people stalking children, young adults or even adults at certain functions, to fulfill a certain pleasure. As parents we are always protecting our young, and when they are placed in a vulnerable position such as this uniform, we might get a little anxious. We don't want to stop them playing a sport they love, but we worry about the little things which we sometimes cannot control.

Then again she could just be a nut, a total nut and fruit case.

Bryn

[bps]

Bryn,

Well said.

Bryan

[Saxi]

Bryn,

Well said.

Bryan

+1 agreed.

[williambeeler]

I also thnk the shorts are disgusting, but if they bother the mom that much don't let the girl play. I have done many VB matches and the parents all seemed grateful to ave the photos. Guess I was just lucky.

[williambeeler]

Sorry, forgot to add my main input. Good job on the shots.

[DisrupTer911]

just imagine if this was the uniform LOL

http://www.crazywebsite.com/Website-Clipart-Pictures-Videos/2008-Year-In-Photos-Review/Olympics-Beach-Volleyball-Brasil-Sandra-Pires-Butt-Pat-1.jpg

[waynedsargent]

Good thing her kid isnt a competition cheerleader!!!! The uniforms there are getting smaller and smaller!!!

[Sauk]

Geez she is crazy.

You did the right thing, congrats on keeping a cool head.

I like volleyball uniforms and don't find them suggestive at all.

[Saxi]

Sorry, forgot to add my main input. Good job on the shots.

I read this quickly and I thought it said "good job on the shorts" lol.

[IdiotWithAGun]

she should bring this problem up with the volleyball federation or whatever. maybe they will change the rule to: NO SPANDEX. ONLY SWEATPANTS.

[SnapLocally.com]

I googled "volleyball +spandex" and this is the first thing that shows up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFcRC1D51G8

[mattograph]

The idea of the "dress code" in volleyball has very little to do with any school system. Volleyball is primarily a "club" sport, like soccer, where the players who participate at high levels get the majority of their playing time for their club teams, not their school teams. My daughter has played for 5 years. Her school season is three months long -- her club season is 7 months long. Once these girls get to the high school level, they may be playing year round -- in Louisville, the state championship girls team got ONE DAY off from their transition to club ball, and two weeks off when they transitioned back to high school ball. There are very few sports that demand that level of commitment to constant COMPETITION. I can only think of soccer, and for most kids, the rules of the game change -- winter is indoor, spring summer, fall is outdoors. Hockey may be similar as well, but its not a school sport in the south.

Consequently, when the asics rep comes to call on the school board, the buying decisions with regards to product offering have been made NOT by the athletic departments, but by the club directors. Like club directors in soccer, they wield tremendous influence and huge budgets -- our club purchased over 700 uniforms for the 2009 season, which put it on par with the local high school system. And we buy new every year -- no recycling.

Bottom line is mom is stuck. I would guess, from the photos, that these girls are 12-14 years old. They feel like club shots, not school team shots. If I'm right, Mom is dropping anywhere from $1000 - $8000 a year to have her daughter participate in a sport that has a dress code that she is not comfortable with. Nothing she can do about it, except pull her daughter. And if shes got a ton of time invested in this, thats a tough call to make. This sport might be the difference between a college diploma for her daughter. Put yourself in Mom's shoes for a moment.

The key to this is in the OP. "Many" parents hired you to shoot their daughters. Shoot them. Don't shoot anyone else. If they object to photos, remove them. Most volleyball action is shot player by player -- group shots usually feature net work, and these girls aren't probably playing above the net yet anyway. So it should not be hard to limit your shots to the action at hand. If Stacy's mom objects to pictures of Tina, put Tina in a separate gallery. Its not that hard -- its just keywording. In the end, its your job to deliver memories -- and if you customer doesn't like the memories, then you haven't delivered.

Listen to your customer on this one.

One other thing -- most of the girls who have been playing for a while DON'T have issues with the shorts. It's the parents who do.

[HotShots]

...

One other thing -- most of the girls who have been playing for a while DON'T have issues with the shorts. It's the parents who do.

I don't agree with this entire post, but this is absolutely spot on!!

TDF

[mattograph]

I don't agree with this entire post, but this is absolutely spot on!!

TDF

Thanks. What don't you agree with? I'm hardly ever wrong...... :)

[KennethGomez]

Thanks for the responses, everyone. Some very thoughtful people here on this (kinda stupid) topic.

All in all I can somewhat see the concern, I guess. I have to admit that when these girls wear that spandex, sometimes there's no denying that you can clearly see the shape of their vagina coming through. But the focus of the pictures is the sport and the game. But I'd have to imagine that one of those girls would be horrified if boys in her class had access to these pictures.

So I feel that I'm at least sympathetic, but obviously the issue should not be with me (who's been hired to do a job).

[KennethGomez]

OH, and since this is a photography board, after all, back on topic with a few more pictures:

http://imgur.com/TAIdE.jpg
http://imgur.com/70tmC.jpg
http://imgur.com/FyF4B.jpg

[mattograph]

Its obviously not your fault that they girls wear the shorts that they do. But you are the one paid to deliver the memories, and if the customer thinks of nothing but malibu barbie every time she sees the shots, well that is a problem for you.

And with respectful candor, I give you serious props for nice color, light, and noise control. Shooting gyms is the pits, although this one seems to be better than most. On the flip side, these shots aren't terribly compelling sports photos, either. There isn't alot of drama or action to them. And frankly, the third one looks like a shot of girls butts. The coach is so hidden and seems to lack the animation that makes for a compelling bench shot.

[SnapLocally.com]

And frankly, the third one looks like a shot of girls butts.

I'm laughing so hard I'm crying.

[HotShots]

The key to this is in the OP. "Many" parents hired you to shoot their daughters. Shoot them. Don't shoot anyone else. If they object to photos, remove them. Most volleyball action is shot player by player -- group shots usually feature net work, and these girls aren't probably playing above the net yet anyway. So it should not be hard to limit your shots to the action at hand. If Stacy's mom objects to pictures of Tina, put Tina in a separate gallery. Its not that hard -- its just keywording. In the end, its your job to deliver memories -- and if you customer doesn't like the memories, then you haven't delivered.

Thanks. What don't you agree with? I'm hardly ever wrong...... :)

This paragraph is the one I have the most problem with. Please keep in mind -- I'm not saying your wrong, I'm just not sure I agree.

When I have shot only select players at an event or game, 100% of the time I have a parent question why there are no pictures of their child. They may not have paid me up front to shoot them, but they COULDN'T pay on the back end because I had nothing.

If Stacy's mom objects to pictures of Tina, then Stacy's mom can go jump in a lake. If Tina's mom objects, then we've got a basis for discussion. If Stacy's mom is complaining about another players pictures, I tend to believe she's not nearly as concerned about the pictures as she is that the other player got 30 seconds more playing time, or had too many fouls, or some other stupid thing. Complaining about the pictures might be the only way she can even the field.

It is our job to deliver memories, but only within the realm of reality. If they don't want to remember the spankies, I can't photoshop sweats on them (well, maybe I could, but I'm not going to). If they don't want to remember the bad call by the ref or the missed free throw at the end, or a dropped pass in the end zone, that's not my problem. I shoot what I'm given. They can like it or not. They can buy it or not. But, I have done my job of delivering the memories as they happened.

haveing said all that, my daughter is a gymnast. I am hyper sensitive to TRULY inappropriate pictures. but, I have found after learning the timing of the sport, I am getting fewer and fewer pictures that have to be deleted because of this type of issue.

I hope that all made sense. It's been a long day and I'm having brain cramps.;)

TDF

** By the way, to the OP -- I love the pictures. Job well done!!

[HotShots]

Twice now, I have forgotten to check the email notification box. Hopefully the third times a charm.:rolleyes:

[Saxi]

Twice now, I have forgotten to check the email notification box. Hopefully the third times a charm.:rolleyes:

I have it on by default for instant notification but I have found this forum can be funky and many times I just don't get the notification until I log in and notice I have a few unread threads.

[mattograph]

This paragraph is the one I have the most problem with. Please keep in mind -- I'm not saying your wrong, I'm just not sure I agree.

When I have shot only select players at an event or game, 100% of the time I have a parent question why there are no pictures of their child. They may not have paid me up front to shoot them, but they COULDN'T pay on the back end because I had nothing.

If Stacy's mom objects to pictures of Tina, then Stacy's mom can go jump in a lake. If Tina's mom objects, then we've got a basis for discussion. If Stacy's mom is complaining about another players pictures, I tend to believe she's not nearly as concerned about the pictures as she is that the other player got 30 seconds more playing time, or had too many fouls, or some other stupid thing. Complaining about the pictures might be the only way she can even the field.

It is our job to deliver memories, but only within the realm of reality. If they don't want to remember the spankies, I can't photoshop sweats on them (well, maybe I could, but I'm not going to). If they don't want to remember the bad call by the ref or the missed free throw at the end, or a dropped pass in the end zone, that's not my problem. I shoot what I'm given. They can like it or not. They can buy it or not. But, I have done my job of delivering the memories as they happened.

haveing said all that, my daughter is a gymnast. I am hyper sensitive to TRULY inappropriate pictures. but, I have found after learning the timing of the sport, I am getting fewer and fewer pictures that have to be deleted because of this type of issue.

I hope that all made sense. It's been a long day and I'm having brain cramps.;)

TDF

** By the way, to the OP -- I love the pictures. Job well done!!

These are excellent points. I tend to think about it in terms of the tight community that club volleyball is in my area. I need the parents to feel like I'm with them on whatever is going on, as much as I can.

And club parents run thick as theives. If Stacy's mom comes to me with a complaint, and she doesn't feel like I'm listening, it doesn't take much to turn that just a little bit, and suddenly I'm characterized as the villian among all the parents.

And, the 800lb gorilla is that we are discussing youth sexuality. You can't afford to be too cavailier about that in this day and age.

Now -- if I was hired by the AAU to shoot the event on a one time deal -- and I got a complaint -- I would adopt your attitude to a tee. I don't have to see those folks anymore, they didn't pay me, and its all legal and on the up and up.

[BeritOlam]

All in all I can somewhat see the concern, I guess. I have to admit that when these girls wear that spandex, sometimes there's no denying that you can clearly see the shape of their vagina coming through. But the focus of the pictures is the sport and the game.

That's the key. If you were submitting hundreds of shots zoomed in on these girls' butts/crotches/breasts, THEN they would have reason for a major complaint. Of course, you'd have to be the dumbest photographer in the world to submit that..... ;-)

[SL 585]

My Daughter has been playing Club for 3 years,ive been close to all the other parents,never once did I hear something about the shorts.

if a persons focus is on that particular area ,they are the one with the issue(s)

Good shots

[jerokaz]

My Daughter has been playing Club for 3 years,ive been close to all the other parents,never once did I hear something about the shorts.

if a persons focus is on that particular area ,they are the one with the issue(s)

Good shots

A big +1 to that. I've also been involved with Club and HS volleyball and have never heard anything as outrageous as that. It seems a little petty to me. The spandex shorts are recognised as part of a volleyball uniform. What's next, swim suits for the swim team?

[Styk33]

Swimsuits are even worse compared to the buns in volleyball. Not to mention the boys suits are way more revealing.

My daughter plays for her 8th grade team for volleyball. They mostly wear spandex underneath their shorts. Non of the girls want to just wear spandex with nothing over them. We will see if it changes next year in HS. My daughter is also on the swim team and spends almost all summer in a one piece swim suit. Even she doesn't like the spandex shorts.

This year I will be shooting my daughter's games for fun. Last year I never bothered to bring my camera. Hopefully I can get one shoot as good as all of yours.

[dawgfan]

I may have missed it, but I'd like to know the details of your settings for the pictures. My daughter's games start soon and I'd like to try some sports shots at the indoor gyms where she plays games. Thanks!

[PhotosGuy]

6. Suggest that if there is a picture that the parents would like to purchase, but with a different crop, you would be happy to crop that photo differently. At doubly higher price for the custom crop. ;)

[forevermemorable]

Where did you shoot these at?

[alessandro2009]

I think the last shoot has a correct focus.

Hello all. Need some advice here. I'm hired by many parents to take photos at volleyball games. Recently I got a complaint from a parent about some of my pictures. Seems totally unreasonable to me, but please tell me what you think:
She said that she was unhappy that many of my photos included "below the waist", as she put it. She said she thought it was outrageous that I'd have pictures that featured crotches (what a weird thing to say?). I was shocked. Apparently many of the players have an issue with the mandatory spandex shorts. She was upset that my photos included this part. I basically told her, look, I just record the event that takes place, in this case a volleyball game. There's nothing in these pictures that isn't seen by everyone else in attendance. If the issue is with the detail in the shorts, don't blame the photographer!

I am not surprised about anything if you heard only 1/100 of what I hear, you should hang the camera on the nail ...

The world if full of paranoid parents and in same countries this problem is a lot more present.

[emtp563]

Listen 'bro, you can't please 100% of the people 100% of the time. I recently had an issue with some blockhead about me posting pictures of a crash that occurred in a cycling race I was photographing. Crashes are part of the god damned sport for crying out loud. In your case, those shorts part of the sport as well- there is nothing YOU can do to change that. If all of your shots were cropped above the waist and you had a whole gallery of shots like that, not only would your photos suck- but no one would buy them.

I say don't even respond to, just ignore this archaic wench.

[BeritOlam]

If I were in your shoes, I'd be darn tempted to respond cynically to the mother: "You know, if you don't want me posting photos of your daughter, I could always post pictures of you wearing these bun-huggers instead."

But then that's why I'm a hobbyist, and not a professional! :D :D :D

[silvex]

I agree with most of this. Suggest to her to take her daughter off the team. Also suggest her to see some shots of gymnast at the the olympics and the "odd" positions they are photographed AND published around the world.

http://www.biggeststars.com/imgcontent/galleries/STAR403/nadia-comaneci-9915.jpg

http://www.biggeststars.com/imgcontent/galleries/STAR403/nadia-comaneci-9935.jpeg

http://www.football-england.com/images/nadia.jpg

Etc...etc.

Last but not least. Tell the coach the issue so he can talk to Mrs Doubtfire...:)

[namasste]

Last but not least. Tell the coach the issue so he can talk to Mrs Doubtfire...:)
that's is awesome!!!!

[Dexter Morgan]

Just keep getting great shots and don't worry about the parents who complain. As long as you aren't purposefully getting racy shots, you should have nothing to worry about.

Great pictures! Where can we see more? Do you have a website set up somewhere? (or flickr, etc?)

[Drive4show]

I've been involved with club VB for years ... boys and girls. Boys will wear anything .... girls .. well.. not so easy. For the most part they want the most stylish uniforms they can get. Spandex is an issue , but often , the slimmer girls will wear whatever , while the heavier girls request a longer style of spandex. This style is quite short. If there is a body image problem , the girls will not like any of the spandex shorts. Generally , the better VB players are athletic looking also , so they like the more " revealing" cuts. (You don't see those girls on the beach with the most conservative cut of bikini either.)

Seems to me , the cut becomes an issue in HS ....before that , it's whether they wear spandex or shorts. All the games I've seen though , and most of the girls are worried about doing their job and what the players on the other side of the net are doing , not their shorts.

[Tony.Ibarra]

Hello all. Need some advice here. I'm hired by many parents to take photos at volleyball games. Recently I got a complaint from a parent about some of my pictures. Seems totally unreasonable to me, but please tell me what you think:
She said that she was unhappy that many of my photos included "below the waist", as she put it. She said she thought it was outrageous that I'd have pictures that featured crotches (what a weird thing to say?). I was shocked. Apparently many of the players have an issue with the mandatory spandex shorts. She was upset that my photos included this part. I basically told her, look, I just record the event that takes place, in this case a volleyball game. There's nothing in these pictures that isn't seen by everyone else in attendance. If the issue is with the detail in the shorts, don't blame the photographer!

Just do what I did after reading your issue several times.... just ask one of the opposing players to lend a hand (or elbow)...
Seriously, after seeing these in camera, I just laughed because of the irony of getting two shots like this that covered up any *ahem* complaints about the coverage of the uniforms.

http://gallery.me.com/tony.ibarra/100214/_MG_0205/web.jpg?ver=12545828430003

http://gallery.me.com/tony.ibarra/100214/_MG_0202/web.jpg?ver=12545435630002

[myoungok]

I've had three daughters play HS and Club Vball... taken thousands of pics over the years and never had anyone say anything close to that. I like the idea of saying "I record the event as it happened"... then to myself I would say... "Hey Lady... this is 2009 not 1959" ;)

Maybe this uptight parent would prefer this? ;)

http://static.flickr.com/3415/3306319312_579276972c.jpg

[BeritOlam]

LOL....too funny!!! :D :D

[frameworks]

I agree with the others. Not your issue. I am sure she didn't go around that night making sure that everyone in attendance only watched the match from the waist up.

Nice job with the shots

[Lonnie]

Those uniforms are crazy. I would probably edit or remove the shots that remind you of the hoof of a humped desert dweller. :)

[stoltz73]

Haven't read the whole thread (maybe someone has already brought this point up) but hope mama doesn't have a boy that is wrestling.:lol:

[frameworks]

Would she complain as much if they were in swimsuits and got their picture taken? Probably not.... Everyone needs something to bitch about

[beacherz]

Let list the h.s. uniforms this mom could take issue with: gymnastics, swimming, track and field, cheer, wrestling ...I think you get the idea. She has to deal with her issues. Your pictures look good and I'd continue to record the event in the way it is meant to be recorded.

[VinnyC01]

+1 Put the images in a password protected gallery

If she does not like this I would:
1st off, you had mentioned parents, not just her. This brings up a few issues, IMO. who are you shooting for? Do all parents care? or just this one out of 5 or 6?

If they all feel the same, then you should crop waist up. That is what they are paying you for.

If she does not want these online, ask for an email stating in writing the exact photos of her daughter that she wants taken off the public internet. Make her list photo number and player number. Make her do all the work.

I always shoot what the parents want. If they do not say so prior to the season, then my way is the best way. If they state, i.e. swimming or wrestling photos - no "bulges" below the waist; I make sure they are not in any photo.

Finally, I have had one friend shoot for a mom like the one you described. After hearing her numerous complaints, (i.e. her daughter's bad side; her rival on the team is in some photos; her field hockey uniforms shows under her skirt!!) He wrote VOID on the check, mailed it back to her with a nice letter saying the contract could be met by either party involved. This disagreement was unresolvable. He took down the gallery.

With in a week, she brought him cash. She now pays him almost double to cover all games. Almost triple. He moved out of state and she she still makes sure he is her guy. He also throws out any photos that could be risque, but still shoots every player unbiasedly.

That is not always going to happen.