Gotta Ask

[Hardrock40]

Been thinking about trying some sports shooting out. There's a huge Little League park close by.

However I don't have a kid who plays there and I don't know any. So I'm kind of wondering what would happen when a stranger with a camera shows up and starts taking photo's of other peoples kids playing ball.

The whole action thing would be a challange for me so I would like to try it but on the other hand what do parents think about it?

[wolfden]

If it's a public park having public games, shouldn't be an issue. I shoot at events and my kids aren't in them. I'm upfront and open about it, not hiding behind things peering out to take pictures. Carry some business cards with ya, if anyone asks, hand them a card so they know where they can purchase a picture or two. I'll even get people that come up to me and ask to take their picture.

[FlyingPhotog]

I would seek out a league official however just to everything is on the up and up and to make sure you aren't poaching on someone who may already have a contract to shoot the league.

[scsurfdad]

I would think you would be fine to just go and shoot. If anyone asks, just let them know the truth and they will probably want shots of their kids.

I'm assuming you are into baseball and know when and how to get the best action, if not, it will be obvious in your shots.

[Hardrock40]

Well I know a little baseball, enough to get some action I think.

But no, I'm not into it at all. The reason I say baseball is due to the park here. They have Saturday games, I work 2nd shift so no football games for me.

Think I'll try it out, I'm just looking for interesting challanges to shoot.

[whuband]

Just be prepared to be challenged by a parent or two. How you handle the situation is something you might want to think about beforehand.

[Nukehed]

I have shot several (6) large soccer tournaments, from little tykes up to U-19, for practice. NOBODY has ever asked me why I'm there, or make any comments towards me taking pictures of the younger children. These have taken place at a large soccer complex owned and run by the local Park District.

I have thought about a confrontation and how I would respond. Plus, I make sure I have some cards to pass out if anyone asks.

[jra]

IMO, it's always best to get permission. Just contact the league and ask. There is the possibility that they already have a contracted photographer that has exclusive rights. IMO, it's never a good idea to just "show up" and photograph any event without permission if you're main goal is to make money from the event.

[Hardrock40]

My goal is not to make money. It would be to learn photography.

Well in any case I know lots of you guys shoot for a living, wish I was you.

But if I'm out there doing my thing and somebody’s says I can't take photographs of a game because he's the only one who can, there's going to be a fight. LOL

I'm not thinking of being on the field, more like over the fence or from areas where everybody else would be. I think I understand what your saying and I would never ever get in somebody’s way.

But yes, asking around a bit might be the best. I can't take cards, I haven't earned the right to call myself a photographer. Maybe a few strips of paper in case somebody wants an e-mail. Wasn't thinking that way until now.


Thanks for the replys,

[AntonLargiader]

Absolutely, just go and shoot. You'll learn a lot. You'll probably go home, check your images, and then look at the EXIF and realize that you should have done it differently. But that's what you're after! I have done exactly that. I'm not trying to earn money at sports, but immersing myself in it every now and then is great for skills even if I don't have any use for the photos.

[Hardrock40]

Exactly. Anton. Every time I shoot and get to have a look, I see what I should have done. So many things have to be learned to go out and get it right before the shot.

When our pup is darting around the yard I'm in burst, ai servo, single point focus and anything else I can try. Load em up on the puter, they all crap. LOL but he's fast and usually close.

[Bluebird Media]

Depends; if you are taking some photos of two skaters, ask them, I bet they won't bother, rather think it's cool. Soccerteam or whatever: shoot as much as you like!