I haven't read the hole thread, But many parents and I photographed our pre school children at an ABC center with no control at all, so
whats the go there!
The dance school should have sought permission to photograph your child.
Last edited by Tony B; 21-12-2011 at 11:42am.
As above
Last edited by Tony B; 21-12-2011 at 11:42am.
I believe that honey rather than lemons tends to work better first up.
I agree the Dance School probably did have permission slips signed by all parents: and if so then escalating the point by threatening to involve Police and citing Duty of Care would render the loss of any leverage as a paying customer, I would expect.
Withdrawing that permission after the event (if already given prior to), would have little effect and not gain any leverage anyway.
WW
Having recently been to my nieces christmas dance spectacular (groan), I can understand why they ask for no photos, as it would be impossible to watch the show with every parent and their P&S all fighting to get a shot of Mary in the chorus line during every number. Flashes popping, parents elbowing etc. Let alone parental (over) concern of having their kids photos end up in inappropriate forums.
The school did organise a photographer and a DVD for the evening, however, having seen the resulting photographs, I'd be a pi**ed off parent and would seriously ask if the DVD was going to be better production quality than the photo's.
I think if a school is going to organise for a pro tog, they need to make sure they're getting a good one. I don't think the person from this year will get the gig next year.
Pay peanuts get monkeys
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Read the T's & C's when signing up to the dance school. 90% of them have a clause saying that the children will be photographed at events and such images may be used for advertising etc. If parents have an issue with their child being photographed (i.e due to custody issues etc) then don't take them to perform at an event. Simple.
At the end of the day if the video only showed her for "0.5 seconds" then how would a photographer get a series of beautiful shots in that time?! I think the OP is just venting on the togs when he should be annoyed at himself/ his wife for getting the time wrong.
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Might be true, who knows without seeing them, will not usually include though selling the images commercially. Anyhow, would need the details.
The school has a duty to make sure the pro-togs get suitable images. If due to cheaping out they got a crap-tog or not enough togs, then I'd be PO. If they did this every year, I'd get the PTA together to complain loudly.
Sorry, I have to smile at the last comment - do you really think that the school has a "duty to make sure the pro-togs get suitable images" ? Because, again this is commercial reality, I assure you that they dont.
And what the school pays for or doesnt pay for in terms of commissioning or selecting a photographer is going to be their choice and theirs alone, and what the parents pay for is going to be dependent on the level of ability and skill of the "professional". Thats commerce for you.
All the school is interested in is producing a performance - of that I can completely assure you that is there 100% focus.
Last edited by Longshots; 23-12-2011 at 7:39pm.
What I mean is, if they have any sense of decency or care about goodwill, that is what they would do. Of course, there is no law forcing them to do that. They could even band cameras AND not hire a pro if they wished. However they better be pretty good otherwise they'll find no students the next year.
While I would love people to think that photography is the most important things in life, the reality I'm afraid is that how good the photographer was/isnt or shouldnt be the prime reason for keeping your child at the school. One would hope that the tuition (level/quality) and resulting progress would/should be the main reason for keeping them there.
Recently I attended such an event to see my granddaughter perform in the end of year show of her dance school. On top of the - hefty - tuition fee they charge you $ 35 pp to come and watch..... When inside I noticed some placards on the wall saying: "No videography or flash photography" and some ten minutes into the show someone asked parents not to use their flash as it would interfere with the professionally operated video camera that recorded the show (and projected close ups on screens both sides of the stage). Seated at the back of the hall I took out my telephoto lens, cranked up the ISO and took a number of shots of my granddaughter which came out reasonably well. Only later I read in the brochure ### program "no videography or photography of any kind". This condition was obviously not strictly enforced and (as it was dark and I was not very obviously taking photos) I would not have bothered to adhere...
I think, legally the organiser of an event like this can put any restrictions in its terms and conditions of admission. Whether it is - commercially - sensible to go for strict compliance is another matter. It would enable them to take action or ask for a cease and desist against any attendee that openly tries to commercialy exploit "illegaly" acquired shots or video. Any other strict adherence to the rules would alienate the majority of the parents and grand parents present that just want a photo for the famly album.
I have some experience with ballet schools as a grandparent of a girl who is doing ballet classes. One thing has become obvious over several years, and that is that ballet schools are run by moronic, power mad, control freaks who ban almost everything and have no regard for the fact that these kids are someone's family! Not only do they ban photography .. they ban parents and grandparents from *watching* their kids except on special occasions. The insist on strict dress codes at all times with hours of preparation and makeup required, and they make purchase of a DVD compulsory as part of the ticket price for the end of year event! They do that so that they are guaranteed 100% participation in their purchase plan - talk about a closed shop!
In my book, ballet should be no different to any other activity for kids .... fun, educational and flexible - with family participation in some regular way. Ballet schools should be running our prison system, not teaching kids. As for people who moan about taking pictures of kids, I have no idea what possible erotic thrill could be gained from photographing someone else's kids at a school event - if they want soft kiddy porn they'd be better off looking at the latest shopping catalogues! I take photos of my grandkids all the time at school events - I was recently in a hall with 1000 primary kids, and I was snapping away happily. Maybe they think I'm past it ... maybe schools are starting to get over themselves - but I've given up worrying. I'll photograph my grandkids whenever the urge takes me..