UK - Advice on Playgroup Shoot

[timmaher]

Hi,

I have been asked to shoot children at a local playgroup (informal shots). Are there any legal requirements I need to consider (eg, criminal background check, model realease forms for use on my website, etc)? Or should this be the respsonsibility of the group organiser?

Thanks for your help.

Tim

[Gary_Evans]

There is actually a thread running about this on the MPA website forum at the moment. However, you need to be a member to read it

In a nutshell, a Consent in Loco Parentis from the playgroup supervisor is acceptable but should have been obtained as close to the date of the shoot as possible. (Consent given by the parents, when the child first joined the school/organisation could be out of date, e.g. if the child has recently become the subject of a Supervision Order, in which case it cannot be photographed).

You might want to wade through this!! http://www.sirimo.co.uk/ukpr.php/200...s_rights_guide

[Pete]

From what I know (my partner is a nursery teacher), the shool will have to arrange for a CRB check to be filed for you. This can be fairly expensive for the school, and it doesn't mean you get a certificate you can take to other schools.

The parents by default sign a model release (usually), because the school staff usually take pictures of the kids at play to show the parents and to place in their files.

It's best to check though.

In the past though, I've raised the same question (wether I can go into school and take informal portraits of the kids at play - with the idea that I'd get better shots than the P&S the school normally uses). In the end though, the idea met with so many obstacles that I abandoned the idea.

Other alternatives would be at the school play, or at the sports day.

[TeeJay]

You should certainly be required (by the nursery at least) to have a current CRB check. This can be organised through the SWPP or BPP or similar - if you are a member. It's not expensive.

I think I would want to see a release from each parent who wants their child photographed, before taking a childs photo.

TJ

[Pete]

Originally Posted by TeeJay

I think I would want to see a release from each parent who wants their child photographed, before taking a childs photo.

Check with the individual school for this - parents might have signed something with the school when they signed their kids on to the effect that their photographs can and will be taken while they're on school premises.

I ran into the same issue when I was taking shots of kids playing tag rugby at a public park. One of the instructors (quite rightly) questioned my rights to photograph the kids. The guy in charge there pointed out that all parents sign a photo release as part of signing them into the club.

[TeeJay]

Originally Posted by Pete

Check with the individual school for this - parents might have signed something with the school when they signed their kids on to the effect that their photographs can and will be taken while they're on school premises.

Quite right, however, as Gary pointed out, that could have been months prior to this shoot taking place, and it is perfectly possible that a child could have become the subject of a Court Order - which effectively prohibits you from taking their photo.

TJ

[timmaher]

Thanks for all the replies. The shoot is on Friday and Ive was asked to do it yesterday. Short Notice!!!!

If I draw up a release form - hopefully this will be sufficient. For my next question , anyone got a sample release form?

Thanks!

Tim

[Pete]

Originally Posted by timmaher

Thanks for all the replies. The shoot is on Friday and Ive was asked to do it yesterday. Short Notice!!!!

If I draw up a release form - hopefully this will be sufficient. For my next question , anyone got a sample release form

Thanks!

Tim

first stop is to ask the school. If the school is happy with the arrangements they've made for releases, then any complaints should be directed to the school.

[Gary_Evans]

Easier to read. Interpret how you will .................

http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/sccwebsit...n?opendocument

[timmaher]

Thanks again!

I'll report back how I get on!

Tim

[timmaher]

Hi again,

Day went well. The group organiser sorted out the forms on my behalf - all parents very happy for me to do it.

Just one more question - Im going to offer prints to the parents. I'll offer 10x8 and 7x5 prints - any advice on pricing

Thanks again for all your help!

Tim

[Pete]

As a guide, parents at a rugby tournament recently were happy to pay £12 each for an 8x10.

[Gary_Evans]

Originally Posted by timmaher

any advice on pricing

You'll get good advice here http://www.schoolphotopro.com/ as its more specific to your needs