Mikes Images - Mike #4 wrote:
You are worrying too much. Thousands of portrait studios including Sears, JC Penney, Walmart and nearly every other portrait studio you'll find in the yellow pages will shoot minors without even thinking about it.

Sears, JC Penney, Walmart do not make their customers to do seductive look/expression. Totally different situation. Why don't you say school photographers do kids as young as 5-6 year old without ever thinking about it?

Richard Dubois wrote:
Is it illegal elsewhere in the US to photograph a minor without an adult present?  That is the impression this thread is giving me.

It's not illegal, but there are laws regarding work permits, etc. that can get you in trouble. Also, it seems that you have to have workman's comp insurance to cover the kid. You have to file an application to hire a kid as well. In the entertainment world, you need this whether commercial or not...

If you want a release, you need a parent. A release signed by a minor is only good until the kid changes their mind...

http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/dlse-cl.htm

Permits are required even when the entertainment is noncommercial in nature.

More to read:
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ChildLaborPa … 00.html#50
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ChildLaborPa … 00.html#61
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/Form-Enterta … Permit.pdf
the application:
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DLSEForm281.pdf

Penalties:
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ChildLaborPa … 00.html#67

I guess it's more of, many people don't follow the rules & then it becomes illegal. Under 15 requires a parent/legal guardian on set @ all times...

Paul