Do you require anyone else to attend your high school senior sessions?

[reader0428]

I am working on my senior program and considering requiring a parent or another adult to attend the session with the teen. Coming from a youth ministry background where we take the protection of everyone very seriously, I am used to always having at least two adults around for anything involving anyone under 18 years old. Was just curious if anyone else had this policy in place.

[jonnydonut]

If their under 18, I require a chaperone to come along. I'm a male though and naturally more prone to accusations, it might not be as much as a necessary for you, but not a bad idea. I book the session with the parents, not the kid and I usually encourage them to come along, but say it's ok if they don't as long as a friend or someone else does. I simply explain it's to protect both of us.

[ChristopherCoy]

I wouldn't be surprised if everyone states that they'd rather NOT have mom or any other parent around. Not because they'd like to partake in anything illegal with the teen, but because its easier to get good images when you dont have mom looking over your shoulder telling the teen to 'look here'... 'aw come on, smile better than that'.... 'listen to the photographer honey'.... 'awww thats cute, grandmaw's gonna like that one'.... and so on and so on. You get the point.

When the parent's aren't around the teen relaxes a little more, and has a little more fun with it. I personally think your concern is unrealistic, but thats just my opinion.

[ppcass]

For me, One rule: Under 18....parent present...Period!!!

[reader0428]

Thanks for the feedback. It just seems like a good business practice to me. If I was a guy there is NO WAY I would work with children or teen (minor) girls without someone else present.

Chris - i can see how you might think it unrealistic, but after either 1) you become a parent, or 2) you know someone whose reputation and career has been destroyed by a false allegation, you might change your mind. Even a hint of impropriety can do irreparable damage. I do see the point about parents interfering in the session, but I'm hoping that problem can be minizimed by polite by frank conversation before the shoot.

I've noticed that through the years, even my ob-gyn has become more cautions - where I used to have exams with no one else in the room, now there are TWO nurses in the room during an exam. I'm sure his liability insurance requires it.

[ChristopherCoy]

Having them present is one thing.... REQUIRING them to be there is another. "sorry mom, I'm not going to take your $1000 to photograph your 17/18 year old senior who drove him/herself to the session, because you cannot be present."

If you are concerned about false allegations, then hire an assistant for the day. I'd rather loose $100 a day paying an assistant, than loose $1000 because a parent can't be present.

[ppcass]

Never had that problem Chris. I have always required a parent or legal guardian be present...somewhere in the studio, if my senior is under 18. No exceptions to that rule. Works for me. Just my opinion.

[SCone]

I worked for a short time in a local high school, trust me on this one, NEVER be totally alone with a child. It's just not worth it. Doesn't matter how many times there's been no problems, all it takes is ONE CHILD to say something and you will not get out of the situation unscathed. And yes, anyone under 18 years of age is a CHILD in the eyes of the law.

Same goes for both male and female photographers, whether the child is male or female.

[peeker]

I agree with Stephen. I abide by the Safe Environment rules that we instituted and strictly follow at our church. If there is a child under 18, there is always to be a minimum of two adults present... and it doesn't matter if it is a male or female photographer. My backup plan is to talk to the parent ahead of time and if there is no way they can be there (and trust their child that much), I always then ask and tell them that my wife will be there.

Believe it or not, I have had more than one mother, send their 17 year old daughters to my home studio... by themselves. You better bet I had "my wife will be here" conversation. It is just a good business practice to get into.

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by peeker

Believe it or not, I have had more than one mother, send their 17 year old daughters to my home studio... by themselves.

In the normal, free world, 17 and 18 year old females, and males, are fairly independant.

I wouldn't be inviting a high school senior to my home by themselves... but then again, I wouldn't be inviting ANY client to my home by themselves either. If I didn't have a studio other than my home, I would either A.) go to their home with a studio setup, or B.) photograph them in all public locations.

I agree that you should be conscious when dealing with "juveniles", but I think you also shouldn't be dealing with them in places where it would be an issue to begin with.

[Howard Barlow]

No parent, no session, 18, or otherwise. Period. If the parent makes the senior nervous, they have to stay out of sight, but within earshot.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by reader0428

Coming from a youth ministry background

you can use almost all of that stuff during shoots. take protecting them seriously - same as ministry. you're on the right track.

[kimberley]

Ive never had a problem with the moms coming and Ive never really asked...

[pbyd]

In my studio I always have adults in the studio when I have a session with someone under 18. I also have a video camera in my camera room focused on me during any session.

For those in the PPA just look at some of the articles in the past or talk to photographers that have had problems. The PPA had a story a few years back of a photographer that was accused by a teen of misconduct, the day after he heard about the complaint the TV news was at his studio to ask about the story. Only after the case went to court did the youth change their story and tell the truth, but the photographer’s reputation and his money were already spent.

The smartest thing newer photographers could do is listen to the advise of those that have been around a little longer, and learn from the mistakes others have made. Advice and caution is a lot less expensive than a court case, even if you are not guilty of the accusations.

My opinions only,
Wayne
Photography by Design

[suerenee]

I require a parent to be present as well. I start by saying they will need to have help carrying their outfits and props. CYA is always the best thing to do.