I am interested in photographing equipment in children's playgrounds as they have interesting designs. I would chose at time when few or no children are present. EG School time and a cold or wet day which should keep other children indoors.
The problem is an old man in a dirty raincoat with a camera in these locations may get unwelcome attention!
2006-08-07 02:44:40 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
Ok, my boyfriend was taking pics of the outside of a church and got picked up by Homeland Security and questioned. We no longer have the right to just go anywhere and snap off a few. That said, the guy with the idea of going with a friend who has a child is a good idea, but , if you insist on going alone, do let the police know and gain permission from the school if you can. As long as you are up front about your motives, you should be fine.
2006-08-07 09:19:27 · answer #1 · answered by magiccatphotography 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Photographing children is a very touchy subject. There are a lot of rules and regulations that go with it. While you may not need to notify the police of what you are going to do, it is a good idea to get their advise on the best way to handle this. Go up to them and explain your intentions and reasons and ask what they would suggest would be the best way to approach this. If you work with them, they will be more than happy to cooperate and provide you all the help and information you need. If you know any lawyers it would be a good idea to talk with them as they may be able to provide you with a better understanding of the local laws than what the police may have.
If there are no children on the playground, then there won't be an issue as there are no problems with photographing equpiment.
However, again I advise you that before you do anything, consult the local authorities as a lot of laws do vary between locations. They will also be able to inform you of any national laws that you will have to be careful of.
2006-08-07 03:57:05 · answer #2 · answered by Ipshwitz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unfortunately in this day and age i think informing the police would be the most prudent course of action just to cover your own back more than anything. but be careful, because of all the peados and rapists that the government let wander around these days there are alot of very wary parents out there who might not take to well to you photographing children even if its just the playground furniture you are interested in.
2006-08-07 13:44:44 · answer #3 · answered by MaxD148 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it can't hurt to tell the police. I have friend who was arrested for taking picutes of the American Flag outside of a federal building. It was not long after Sept. 11 and everyone was very jittery. So when she was arrested she cooperated fully with the authorities while they ran a background check on her to make sure she wasn't a terrorist. She laughs about it now (and she even met a "cute" police officer out of it) but if she had simply told the police before hand it would have saved alot of hassle.
2006-08-07 03:02:47 · answer #4 · answered by David H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think just to cover your backside it would be wise to let the council/police know what you'll be doing. It is so sad that because of some freaks some artists like photographers are now restricted with what they can and can't do. It is sad that we are living in a world where even artists get their wings clipped. Good luck.
2006-08-07 02:50:55 · answer #5 · answered by Luvfactory 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutley tell the police, or you risk sounding like a liar if (and probably when) you get pulled! Tell them exactly when you plan to go, preferably when there will be no children there (very early or late summer evening), and you could even invite them to be present! Good luck!
2006-08-07 06:14:44 · answer #6 · answered by Flopsy Binney 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to the police and your local council about your idea. They will be able to assure others about it being safe. Remember that just because its a wet day, or a school day, that there will usually be kids in the park.
2006-08-07 02:53:14 · answer #7 · answered by gr_bateman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get permission from the owners of the playground, schools, church, park districts. If you are a professional photographer, make sure to give them your business card.
2006-08-07 02:49:40 · answer #8 · answered by eeaglenest 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't wear a raincoat. theres lots of companies who manufacture and install these play grounds and take photographs for illustrations purposes in brochures. just use your head. yes better when its not busy and your not wearing a dirty rain coat.
2006-08-07 02:51:34 · answer #9 · answered by dublinfella27 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yo do not need to tell them you are about to take photos; however if it is school property you have to tell the Principal.
If it is a City Park playgroud, get a permit from the City, not from police.
2006-08-07 06:48:55 · answer #10 · answered by bigonegrande 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋