Taking candid photos of people & children

Gatorboy wrote in post #11540150
What do you think newspaper photographers do just about everyday? Events, sports, etc. have children that the photographer has no idea who they are.

I've been in the newspaper when I was little, and so have my brothers, every single time the photographer identified himself as from the newspaper and got my parents consent. As for sports, most photographers are either hired by the field for tournaments, or are parents of one of the kids. Those two are A LOT different than people going to parks and just snapping photos of kids. First off its creepy, second off you have absolutely no way to identify between creeps and people being legit and wanting to take candid photos.

Njv wrote in post #11541150
Those two are A LOT different than people going to parks and just snapping photos of kids.

But they all have the right to do so. Just like the paparazzi.

A bit of a heads up: If you confront and do battery on a photographer that is not hiding in your closet or photographing into your house through a window, be prepared to be the one arrested.

Gatorboy wrote in post #11541338
But they all have the right to do so. Just like the paparazzi.

A bit of a heads up: If you confront and do battery on a photographer that is not hiding in your closet or photographing into your house through a window, be prepared to be the one arrested.

I am not going to physically hurt somebody, as mentioned in my other post.

You obviously must not have kids, because if some dude was just taking photos of mine, I would be pissed of. No matter if its their right or not. Because as a matter of fact, in the local malls and such you will be kicked out for taking photos of people.

Njv wrote in post #11541597
You obviously must not have kids, because if some dude was just taking photos of mine, I would be pissed of. No matter if its their right or not. Because as a matter of fact, in the local malls and such you will be kicked out for taking photos of people.

I'm a father of four, and am just explaining the facts.

A mall is privately-owned and they can make any rules they want. If they have such rules, then you can be asked to leave.

Gatorboy wrote in post #11541939
I'm a father of four, and am just explaining the facts.

A mall is privately-owned and they can make any rules they want. If they have such rules, then you can be asked to leave.

So you wouldnt mind me taking pictures of your kids, not knowing my intentions?

I guess it all depends on the context...

sebr wrote in post #11542688
I guess it all depends on the context...

Thats my point...we'd never know the context, until we approached them. If they said, oh im just taking candid photos, Id leave them alone, and even ask them if they had a site so I could view their photos. If they got all defensive and mad, I would be mad.

By context I actually meant more the context in which the photos are taken, how they are taken, etc. The photographer should be wise here and the subject should not be concerned anything is wrong, because nothing is actually wrong...

interesting reading this i never quite figured out how some of you guys actually take photos of random people in the street!...

i remember a few years back my sister wanted to take a photo of her own daughter swimming...she was not allowed to! this is mad..

It really does depend on the circumstances, and your own demeanor. Hate to say it, but men in particular seem to set off the radar more than women photographers when taking candids, but then again, I know a number of men who excel at it. They always approach and ask - nicely - before they take the shot, explaining why they are doing it. Most parents will accept that, those that don't, go on to the next.

As a parent, it is just natural to be concerned about where the photos will be used these days. Unfortunately, there are reasons to be concerned.

I have had parents approach me after shots I've not asked about prior asking me where they will be posted, and if they want me to not do so, I'm happy to comply. You never know their particular circumstances, even when they are at a public event. I never want to create a fear of the camera in people, so it's best to comply instead of dig in.

I had a teenager at a high school football game I was working this season chase me down as I was leaving and ask if I had taken a photo of her. I had, and showed it to her, it was a good photo but I could see she was distressed about it, so I showed her as I deleted it. She thanked me and explained she was very paranoid about an ex-boyfriend that was stalking her, and she didn't want anything out on the web that might encourage him to comment or try to contact her at her new school. I had no problem with that.

Does anyone here watch Dexter? This reminds me of the pedophile who was taking pictures of Dexter's step daughter. When Dexter confronted him, the guy says he does it for a hobby and there's nothing illegal about it.

He ends up getting chopped to pieces.

Moral of the story, don't take photos of children or you get chopped in to pieces.

As far as knowing the context, you can ask a creepo why he's taking the photos and he'd probably give a legitimate reason. On the same token there are professional photographers who are pedos and take pictures of children while getting paid.

Maybe the best idea is to ask first or at least have a business card ready or ask them for their e-mail so you can email them the photos. I'm still a bit lost about taking photos of children but I think as long as you can show that your pictures are in good taste, hopefully most parents can be calmed.

How about going to the parents first? If you tell the parents your intentions, hand them a business card and (if you have to) offer digital copies of the pictures they would probably be willing to let you take pictures. The kids still would not know and your shots would remain candid.

As a credentialed photographer I've taken somewhere north of 20,000 pics of people on the street or at events this past year. I never take candid photos of kids unless I first make eye contact and get a nod from the parents, or send the kids to ask their parents. Then I usually get the shots I want.

I can assure you that whether you're within your rights or not, if a cop gets involved, you will be "requested" to stop shooting kids. I've talked to a number of them, and the immediate safety of the kids will trump your argument every time. You might work it out later, but it's not worth the hassle.

Just go have some kids and then you'll have tons of candids of children you love. That what I did lol.

I seriously, seriously hope you don't try and take photos of kids in public without permission. Everyone is way to paranoid about pretty much everything, so yeah... bad idea. Unless you're a woman, you'll have more chance of getting away with it. Depending where you live you're allowed to photograph them in public with or without consent. Most places you're allowed to as far as I know. Doesn't mean you should keep doing it if they don't like it, I'm just saying legally you could.