I tried to get some practice in the sports photography field by photographing an under 12's match in the park behind my house. I had a nosy, busy body of a woman say to me 'although I don't have a problem there may be some other parents who do so perhaps you should go around and ask everyone's permission first'. I choose to leave instead. On a seperate occasion, I was told I wasn't not allowed to photograph my 3 month old baby at the local swimming pool. Nor was I allowed at her dance show when she was 2 and a half. It is such a sad world we are living in and personally I don't feel that my children are any safer because they are not being photographed during their football matches, dance shows or while swimming.

It would seem that officialdom in this country have gone plain berserk and completely paranoid about this whole issue. What's worse, both them and mambers of the Press have swayed public oppinion so far away from 'general' reality that it's now practically impossible to carry a camera anywhere in a public space. Just last month I nipped across to a local carnival as I'd been asked to photograph a perfectly legitmate small group of adults have an open air gathering. In the same manner as the other hundred or so small groups. As I walked through the field, it was tangiably inerving to notice people watching me closely as I had a camera over my shoulder. Even though I had a sizeable camera bag, and an ID tag [I carry one everywhere now] my 'official' status mattered little. I eventually notified a policeman that I was on the field and why, but I didn't hang about for long. I am swiftly becoming very much aggrevated by the situation we photographers find ourselves in. Some good articles on the law, and opproiated action if stopped by public or police would be very useful???

P.S. I forget to mention, shooting kids in public, I don't do that now, unless I'm with the parents, gaurdians etc and there's not another kids for miles. The risk factor, hassle, legal entanglements etc is simply too great. If anyone out there would like to reassure me, I'm listening!!

Alan Walters Wrote:
As a former press photographer turned wedding and portrait man, and also as a father and grandfather........
I believe the law is irrelevant. If anyone tried to take an image of my grandson without my specific permission I would throttle them. If they are not your children - you have no right (morally)to take a picture! It really is that simple.