Photographing sports

412 Burgh · May 8, 2012

I plan on going to my cousins' soccer games along with a few baseball games. I plan on practicing and giving a go at shooting sports. I don't want to look like a creeper to the parents. Has anyone ran into a problem with photographing games with a parent or guardian got upset with you?

imagemaker46 · May 8, 2012

If you are there shooting pictures of your cousin, then enjoy it. Some parents may ask who you are shooting for, or may ask you to take pictures of their kids, your choice if you want to or not, sometimes turns into a pain in the ass. You shouldn't have any concerns.

412 Burgh · May 8, 2012

Okay thank you. I wasn't too concerned as my uncle is the coach of the team, but I just plan on shooting to get a few good pictures of my cousin + learn some angles, settings, etc. Thank you for the reply

KmH · May 8, 2012

What does a creeper look like?

According to the media, coaches are the new 'creepers' in youth sports.

LCPhoto · May 8, 2012

I find as long as you let the organiser know you're there then they can take the brunt from the parents as they are more likely to go to the organiser to ask. one idea you could try is getting a high-viz vest with "Photographer" printed on the back (fairly cheap) this usually helps to give you some sort of officiation... hope this helps?

I find as long as you let the organiser know you're there then they can take the brunt from the parents, as they are more likely to go to the organiser to ask. One idea you could try is getting a high-viz vest with "Photographer" printed on the back (fairly cheap) this usually helps to give you some sort of officiator... hope this helps?

And as imagemaker46 says, some parents may ask you to take pictures of their kids; this is a good way to make a bit of money and to get your name out there if you're looking to get out there.

Sherm · May 8, 2012

As a parent I don't think it will be an issue but assuming nobody at the field knows you it may be a good idea to

Sherm · May 8, 2012

Oops .. It may be a good idea to interact with your uncle and cousin a little so the other parents realize you are there because of someone in the game and not just shooting pictures of random kids.

Derrel · May 8, 2012

Sherm said:
As a parent I don't think it will be an issue but assuming nobody at the field knows you it may be a good idea to

...tell anybody who asks that your uncle is the coach.

prodigy2k7 · May 8, 2012

I think its fine. Its not like its a park with little kids playing. People kind of expect photos to be taken at sporting events.

JonathanNYC · May 8, 2012

Just don't look creepy lol

:beer:

vipgraphx · May 8, 2012

yeah make sure you shave and don't offer any candy to the kids. hahahahaa

I think the advice as interacting with the coach is good advice. Its crazy what we have to do these days just to snap some pictures but times have changed.

I shoot soccer games but parents know that my kid is on the team so I never worry, in your case you have a relative so you can always just say I am taking pictures of my cousin.

Chances are you won't even be bothered.

table1349 · May 8, 2012

Interact with the officials as well before the game. They run the game, or event, they can help or hinder you and if anyone questions a coach they are the person a coach will often go to as well. I have shot college sports for years and am on first name basis with lots of Division I, Division II, and NAIA officials.

rexbobcat · May 8, 2012

I don't care when a parent gets upset. It didn't do anything wrong. It's not like the kids are playing nude soccer or something. Granted, I wouldn't go around photographing random playgrounds but if they get mad at you for having a fancy camera at their kid's sports event then tell them that you don't feel comfortable with them taking photos on their sch****y iPhone.

Some parents think that if their kid has school photos taken that they'll end up on some dirty website. "Stay away from my precious angel you innocent bystander with a camera!!!!" Craziness.

You aren't doing anything illegal or anything that gives the authorities probable cause to investigate so just flip them parents the bird (but stay professional about it).