Street - Girl and Fountain

[Lesley Jones]

I'm not going to get on my soapbox about this, but I'm fed up with the view that anyone photographing children they don't know is up to no good. It's all over the place. You see film on the news and children have been reduced to headless, out of focus blobs. I don't know what's the matter with the world these days. The more we ban images of innocence and fun, the sadder we become as a society.

Now I don't have kids and neither do I know anyone who has them. I do have one advantage when photographing them in the street though and that is I'm small and female. On the other hand, I have a big camera with a zoom lens. I opted for caution here, enjoying the children playing in the sun. I took one photograph and walked away. I wish I had the nerve to find the parents to ask if I could send them the finished article, but I didn't.

Erm... (gets off soapbox)

 

[Paul Lange]

I agree Lesley, it is about beautiful moments and innocence. Somehow all this over zealous policing and scare mongering has bred an attitude that expects perversion.

Nice image and fun too.

 

[Mike Webb]

I agree but as an older male I don't take chances. I will take shots of kids given the right circumstances but I'm careful.

Does it work a little better if trim a tiny slice off the right edge?

Mike

 

[Lesley Jones]

That would certainly work Mike and I tried a non-standard crop. I do like my 35mm format though and I wanted to keep the shadow of her arm with a little bit of breathing space. I do agree that putting her more off centre would make for a better composition

 

[Mike Webb]

Good point about the shadow - I'm on my new laptop which is great but the screen isn't so good for photographs so I rather missed the shadow.

 

[Bryan Hunt]

I agree with you Lesley as a junior rugby coach (With about 5 different C.R.B. checks for various clubs schools) I need to get written permission from all the players parents before i can take any photos and if anyone says no then I can not take any encase their child appears in one . So hence i don't bother any more .
Great photo btw.

 

[Dave Green]

Super shot and I agree 100% on the comments. I have to deal with this rubbish on a regular basis with my job and I usually take the shots anyway and sod 'em LOL! It's amazing how many people don't know the law - and that includes the Police and security people. If it's a public place I can photograph whatever I like - and I have absolutely nothing to hide so stuff 'em

 

[Hamish Gill]

'ere Lesley ... I've been on that same soap box
http://www.realphotographersforum.com/content/299-suspicion-fear-photography.html

- - - Updated - - -

'ere Lesley ... I've been on that same soap box
http://www.realphotographersforum.com/content/299-suspicion-fear-photography.html

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Stalker!

I agree 100% Lesley - it's a tough line to walk, even more so, as Mike mentioned, when you're male.