I realize that I am a day behind. Late night Friday, full day yesterday. You all understand, I’m sure. Anyway, here is “yesterday’s” post.
Sparks, Nevada has a fun little downtown area called Victorian Square. Many street fairs are held there, including the Best in the West Rib Cook-Off and a weekly Farmer’s Market in the summer. One of the best parts of Victorian Square is an interactive fountain in front of the movie theater. Yesterday I stopped by to snap some of the kids trying to stay cool on a hot Nevada summer day.
It was hotter than the dickens and I could only bear about fifteen minutes in the sun, given that I didn’t have a hat or the freedom to jump in the fountain with the rest of them. Still, I got a lot of shots in (and handed my card out to the moms there), so if you’d like to see them all, just head on over to my SmugMug gallery.
The kids were having a blast and it was hard to narrow it down, but here are just a few of my favorite shots. (Moms – if you want a copy of any of my photos, please contact me via my Facebook page or contact me via email at carissanv at gmail dot com).
More of this cute guy at SmugMug.
Isn’t she adorable?
Even the pups were cooling off.
This is probably my favorite shot. I caught him at just the right moment.
Seriously, check out the gallery at SmugMug.
Carissa Snedeker Photography 
Unfortunately the most I can rate is five stars. They deserve a lot more than that!
They are totally brilliant.
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Thanks so much!
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Yeah, the SmugMug gallery is worth a visit.
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🙂
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Great images! Question for you – Are constraints different in the US when it comes to photographing children? I’m guessing you asked the parents’ permission before shooting, but were there any who objected?
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No one objected. Do you mean “legal” constraints? None that I am aware of. However, if I wished to make money off the photographs, a model release would be required. I handed my card out to the moms who were there, identified myself as an amateur photographer and all was well.
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That’s fair enough. I guess us Brits have gotten ourselves into a suspicious frame of mind, which is particularly challenging if you’re a male photographer. There’s an assumption that you’re taking photographs for some underhand reason. For that reason I try and avoid taking shots where kids are involved wherever possible (unless it’s for a specific photoshoot, and I have the parent’s written consent to do so).
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I’m also not aware of any legal constraints.
That said, all is not well. Much like Brits, Americans are typically in a suspicious frame of mind.
As a 59 year-old male photographer I would not even attempt to ask the moms if I could photographs their kids, even though people in public cannot expect any right to privacy.
The sad truth is that even carrying a camera around such a place might earn me lots of distrust, regardless of me saying I’m a photographer. In addition, all it would take is for one mom to object, or worse yet call the cops.
Mind you, legally I could not be detained or prohibited from taking pictures, but in practicality a scene would ensue, probably with a person of authority trying to appease the concerned parent.
Some related reading:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/kimkomando/2008-04-17-public-photography_N.htm
http://content.photojojo.com/tips/legal-rights-of-photographers/
And this:
http://www.pixiq.com/article/photogs-told-not-allowed-to-photograph-kids-in-public-park
There are some horror stories, mostly involving people (and police) that are not aware of the law.
The question is: “do I want the hassle?”
Even on my pictures of the fire, I was hesitant of including the two girls running on the track. In fact, I made sure they were not included in the other photos. That and one other one were the exception, and it was not intentional.
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Love the second link with this very specific Kids swimming in a fountain? example. Okay.
I am not going to constrain myself from taking photos of children because of the possibility of an occasional objection. If the person objects, I will delete any photos necessary. Otherwise, I make my intentions known to the people there and, so far, have been well-received. I am not going to cut myself off from a whole segment of humanity out of fear. While there might be an occasional objection, for the most part, people are open to photographers if the photographer is friendly and open about what they are doing. My cards indicate my blog address, email and phone number.
On a related note, when I photographed the MORE event, I had a very specific request from one of the organizers to NOT photograph her. I had one photo that had her in it and she made it very clear she didn’t want it published. I honored that. I would do the same in any circumstance.
Technically, by the guidelines of “public” photography linked above, I could have told her that I had the right to photograph her and publish it. However, to do so would have been the worst possible form.
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Understand that the perception may be different. Female versus male. I could be wrong, but I’m betting parents don’t look at you the same way they might look at me. Along the same vein, if I were with my wife, it would likely be more acceptable (maybe).
Not saying I I know for sure what someone’s reactions might be; just saying preconceived notions play a role. Even at my best, I don’t “look good”, and those preconceptions can make even a smiling and friendly person look “creepy”.
I will be the first to admit I’m probably overly cautious, but I really don’t want that kind of hassle, no matter if I’m in the right.
Photography is a way for me to relax, take my mind away from things, and to have fun. A confrontation would turn my mood sour very quickly, and likely ruin my day.
I just don’t need it.
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Wonderful, wonderful! And I checked out your link too. So many great shots. 🙂
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These are wonderful photographs. I loved them all.
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Thanks, Maralee!
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fantastic Carissa…how can I NOT like these???
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Especially you, given your blog theme! Thank you.
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