Shooting High School Sports

I have noticed that quite a few people on here shoot high school sports. Do you take any special precautions or get any kind of permission to take photos of minors?

I would like to take photos during several local football games to improve my sports photography and get some shots for my portfolio but I have been having my doubts because I don't want to ruffle any feathers when taking photos of minors.

Bottom line: It's not too difficult to get permission if you have a reason to be there - kid going to school, taking photos for someone playing in that sport, shooting for the yearbook, etc. Get to know the coaches and have a reason for being there. Showing up with a camera, big lens, and shooting kids for personal use will draw some unwanted questions.

Here's my story, and I'm sure it's not going to be the only answer you get:

My kids and their friends go to high school and I shoot them in sports. I spoke to the coaches before the season and asked if I could shoot several years ago and I just keep going back. I also emphasize I do not post anything online (yet). I give CD's to the coaches and to a teacher for use in the yearbook. Last year I took over 3000 photos during seven track meets and got every kid on the team. The coaches loved it since they had never had action photos of the team. I became good friends of the several coaches, and now I'm shooting several sports during the year. The parents and kids love it, and expect me to shoot. I love the look on their faces when they see the photos.

There has been a constant debate posting photos online in our school. They have several sport websites they wanted to post online, but after a legal debate they didn't because they don't have a photo release by every athlete. Not sure about progress for this year, therefore I still don't post anything online yet.

We also have a new system this year at the school to get a background check prior to becoming a volunteer at the school. I signed up on this to cover myself even though the coaches know me. I want to be totally honest/covered so no parent, teacher, or coach will ever feel I am taking photos of a minor for illicit use.

Talk to the school and let them know what you're doing. It may not be too difficult.

I buy a ticket, stand wherever I want and have never had a problem.

Just ask, it wouldn't hurt.

I keep a blog, besides my website, and students use photos of themselves on Facebook. Most all of them know I don't have a problem with them using them if the watermark/website name is still on them. They're not printable quality for the most part, though recently I am using a larger watermark across the center at about 60% opacity. The blog and website were approved by the AD immediately when I brought it up to him.. though I'd already started with hockey, as a means to show a plan of action.

Just got word today the school approved my "press pass" (basically for yearbook photos) allowing me into any home game and shooting from the sidelines. Saves a few bucks, but better than that gets me closer to the action.

hmmm, this is a tricky one depending one whose perspective you are looking at. first, great advice on getting permission first. ALWAYS, do this. in addition, it helps to develop a relationship with the coaches and AD (as well as parents) before just showing up. this can save a lot of hassle in the long run. so far, so good. here's where it gets interesting. some schools actually have "contracted" with other shooters who do sell to parents. this alone may hurt your cause but even if you are allowed to shoot, you aren't going to win many friends down there if the perception (or reality) is that a new shooter is there and is going to provide competition or give images away to parents. while I think that sports photographers, in general, are some of the the thinnest skinned people alive when it comes to stuff like this, its reality. from experience I can tell you that there's not much money in prep level action (yet some of these guys will act like you are trying to steal their winning lotto ticket) so you need to decide if its worth the hassle. also understand that simply having a kid playing isn't a real reason to be down there. this is for safety reasons. imagine if every parent with a kid on the team did this? point is, have a reason to be there that benefits everyone and you aren't likely to have a problem. be prepared for some bad attitudes but kill em with kindness and things should work out. above all, sell images at a fair price if you wish but don't give them away. that's one of the reasons there is no money in action nowadays and its lame to be part of the problem, not the solution. i'm all about competition and if your images are better than the next guy's, then shame on the guy trying to muscle you out down there just because they were there first. you have every right to compete and if parents would rather buy your images (because of quality or they just prefer working with you), then its up to the other shooter to step it up or step aside.

very interesting and educative thread. I am at a university, and have shot soccer, volleyball (but all from the stands), and plan to shoot basketball and football. I wonder if I need to get permission if I want to go on the field level and shoot. all these games are low key, football draws about a few hundred spectators each game, and is not your typical college football frenzy. i imagine the organization and security at these games are loose, but would still like to consult the relevant people if i can shoot from the sideline just fine. i just don't know who i should contact? or should i sneak in and shoot until someone kicks me out?

Funny thing about the college here.. I shot the women's D1 hockey team and allowed them online use for the school website (National Champs for the 5th time now) and when I showed up at a volleyball match last week they asked me if I wanted their credential.. so if I can find time to shoot their D2 sports and still keep up with the high school and community college it could work out perfect.

llie19 wrote in post #11008456
i just don't know who i should contact? or should i sneak in and shoot until someone kicks me out?

I wouldn't sneak in only because when you get caught, you'll be banned for good most likely. For college, contact the SID, he or she will credential you.

I contacted the Athletic Director of the School. We made an agreement on what benefit I would bring to the school and what they could do for me in return. I had to have fingerpints taken and a background check done by the local school board. Also I would not go down on any sideline without getting Liability insurance. Mine is costing $378 per year.
Suppose you are on the sidelines and the local star wide reciver runs into you and wrecks his knee. Hope it never happens but if it does you better pray you have insurance.

I agree with BIGSTIG get Insurance.

If you can, talk to the athletic director at the school and ask if you can have a field pass. Shooting in the crowd is going to bring you, like a bunch of other people have also stated, unwanted hassles.

I'm a senior at my high school and just received a field/media pass to the sporting events, including away games. It may be a lot harder for you to get one than someone like me who's a student with no intentions of allowing the pictures taken to leave my hands, but it's worth a shot. Maybe it's because I'm young, but it's a great feeling to be able to walk onto the field with your photography gear and not get stopped, at least for more than it takes you to show the security your pass.

About the thin skinned professionals on the field; I wouldn't worry about them. For me, if they confront me I will simply tell them I am taking pictures for my own experience and practice. The pictures will are not going to be given to the school, any parent, or any student playing (even though most of them are good buddies of mine). You, planning to give away your pictures, might get a harder time from the guys who are trying to hold a job, whether it be a second job or not.

I say don't bother anyone and there should be no reason for them to bother you. If they confront you, be kind and to the point and go back to doing your own thing. Have fun, good luck.

Cole_Schmitt wrote in post #11009689
I say don't bother anyone and there should be no reason for them to bother you. If they confront you, be kind and to the point and go back to doing your own thing. Have fun, good luck.

Cole, I just want to commend you on having a very mature and professional attitude. You're young and seem to get it. If some of the seasoned pros out there took your approach, the whole industry would be better off. Seriously, kudos to starting off with the right attitude and professionalism, it should take you far regardless of what field you ultimately choose.

namasste wrote in post #11013620
Cole, I just want to commend you on having a very mature and professional attitude. You're young and seem to get it. If some of the seasoned pros out there took your approach, the whole industry would be better off. Seriously, kudos to starting off with the right attitude and professionalism, it should take you far regardless of what field you ultimately choose.

Amen Cole and Scott. You know what I've found funny. I'm one of the dreaded 'weekend' warriors...you know some one who calls photography a second job. I don't know how many times a full time sports shooter tries to strike up a conversation during a FB game, even when the teams are lined up getting ready to start another play.