EMC Photographix wrote:
A friend of mine works for the local boys and girls club and they are planning a carnival type event for the kids. They are planning on bringing in a Henna Tattoo artist among other things, and he asked if I would be interested in shooting at it.  I thought it would be fun for the kids and be able to give them a memory that they could look back on.  But being that it is for the boys and girls club, I am assuming that not all of the parents/legal guardians will be there.

I don't plan on using any of the images produced myself.  Just wondering if anyone would have any input on this.  Should I have the coordinator get some kind of permission slip signed, etc.

This will probably be volunteer work.

Thanks
Eric

p.s.  I posted this once, but it never appeared.  I think the thread monster ate it.

you're just there to cover the event for your friend. who cares if the parents are there or not. you're authorized by your friend to shoot this event. treat it just like any other event. treat it like a wedding or a club shoot. if you're authorized to shoot the event, you should be safe. if the parents ask you, tell them that you're shooting this event for the organizer as a favor.

TXPhotog wrote:
You could get a permission slip, and I suppose it may be helpful.  But it may backfire also.  Permission isn't needed; parents don't have to be present; nothing need be signed. 

By asking for permission, you risk raising the implication that you are intending something for which permission would be needed.  I wouldn't do that.

The thread will now be followed by the usual chorus of voices claiming that parents have to present, that a release is needed and parents have to sign it, and that overzealous prosecutors will use your little shoot as their ticket to the governorship.  Or that there is something wrong with you for wanting to do the shoot.

Or all of the above... LOL

Studio36

EMC Photographix wrote:
A friend of mine works for the local boys and girls club and they are planning a carnival type event for the kids. They are planning on bringing in a Henna Tattoo artist among other things, and he asked if I would be interested in shooting at it.  I thought it would be fun for the kids and be able to give them a memory that they could look back on.  But being that it is for the boys and girls club, I am assuming that not all of the parents/legal guardians will be there.

I don't plan on using any of the images produced myself.  Just wondering if anyone would have any input on this.  Should I have the coordinator get some kind of permission slip signed, etc.

This will probably be volunteer work.

Thanks
Eric

p.s.  I posted this once, but it never appeared.  I think the thread monster ate it.

I think the only thing you need are order forms so kids can buy pictures.  Or, have a small portable printer like an Epson Picturemate and sell the pictures to the kids for a couple bucks.

Or just give a CD with the images to the entire B&G Club and be done with it.

TXPhotog wrote:
You could get a permission slip, and I suppose it may be helpful.  But it may backfire also.  Permission isn't needed; parents don't have to be present; nothing need be signed. 

By asking for permission, you risk raising the implication that you are intending something for which permission would be needed.  I wouldn't do that.

The thread will now be followed by the usual chorus of voices claiming that parents have to present, that a release is needed and parents have to sign it, and that overzealous prosecutors will use your little shoot as their ticket to the governorship.  Or that there is something wrong with you for wanting to do the shoot.

SURVEY SAYS?! Right Answer! Also, the only permission you need is from the Club to be on their property.

UCPhotog wrote:
SURVEY SAYS?! Right Answer! Also, the only permission you need is from the Club to be on their property.

If it is their property. OTOH if such an event is held, say, in a public park... you don't even need that.

Studio36

Nova wrote:
A permission slip is the best way to go. Also, you might want to be escorted by one of the people that work there.

For example, perhaps someone who works at the facility could show you around, introduce you to the kids, and allow you to feel comfortable vs. just going around and taking shots.

Get involved with the big wigs of the outfit, I am sure they'd love for you to participate!

Permission slip AND an escort! How about bringing a notary public and a witness to certify the permission slips?

Stephen Boatright wrote:
The thing to remember is that you can legally take a photo of anyone, no matter how old, if that person is out in public.

Now what you can do commercially with said picture is an entirely different issue.  That's where releases come in.

True.  But, The OP did not say whether the event would take place in public or if it would take place on private property.

Regardless, the OP is being asked by the event coordinator to come and shoot the event.  So, even if the event is on private property, the photographer would still have permission. There is ZERO need for any permissions from the parents to shoot the event.