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Question from Kat: “What is the etiquette regarding photographing childrens sports teams (soccer, t-ball, etc)? I get compliments on photos I’ve taken for my stepson’s team (and always e-mail photos to the parents at no charge). I’d like to start photographing other teams as well (and make some side cash). Should I just take photos then pass out my card to the parents and each coach so they can view the images on my website and pay a small fee per photo if they want the image(s) e-mailed to them? Am I able to post such photos w/out a release or prior permission?”
Suz: You need permission sighed to use them I’d offer some package deals or even allow to buy and print online 🙂
Heather: Are these terms a part of a league? If so, go through the league and get an actual contract. Before taking any pictures especially putting them on your page you need to have a release form signed. When I played little league softball the photo release was written into our sign up form cause often the newspaper would be out there. Also if it’s a league, ask how much it would be to put a small business banner up on the field.
Mollie: Technically, they are in the public eye, so legally you’re safe. But ethically, yes, you should contract with the league or something.
Stephanie: We had photographers at tournaments and large high school events in Ca. For an all-star tournament I once paid $35.00 for a photo album of action shots of my children in a soccer game. Not sure of that helps, but I know I would prefer to watch the game than always take the pictures.
Stephanie: I take pictures ALOT because I LOVE it and post them on Facebook a lot.
Jennifer: I just photographed a team of 3-5 year olds for soccer. I am charging $20 for a team photo and $15 for 1-2 individual shots on a CD per parent. I took photos, I email them choices with PROOF on them and then get payment and deliver CDs. Hope that helps.’
Kathi: While it is legal to take the photos as long as everyone is standing in public view and you do not use them for commercial purposes (like billboards or magazine ads)… you probably should ask first. Show some examples so parents understand what you are doing. I would suggest you don’t be sneaky about it and take photos of other people’s kids without obtaining permission. Bring a bunch of photo release forms with you. You should make a flyer and hand it out of all the teams. Advertise that you do this.
Bridget: I saw (and hired) a photographer at a Tae Kwon Do event once who would take the numbers of the kids whose parents wanted photos. He took payment at the time services were requested. Something like that might work, maybe have a flyer available to list details, because when you start shooting people will be curious.
Katherine: Could you upload to an online proofing site where they can go and order digital downloads? I use Shootproof; just used it for some ‘photobooth’ pics I did at an event recently.
Kat: Thanks so much for the feedback!! I was thinking because it was in a public area I would be okay, but then ethics comes to play and I wonder “Is it okay to take photos without asking first” and “Can I charge people for action shots of their kids when they didn’t even know I was taking photos of their kids?” It’s a great way to get exposure, and our team loves shots of their little ones on the field. I’ll bring some releases and a flyer to the next game, then put the photos on my website so people can see the images and choose if they want to purchase prints, a CD, or a book. Since they are part of a youth league, I’ll also talk to the league. Thank you all SO MUCH!!!
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