How to handle parents tactfully at Photography session?

You advise them politely that you are there to take the "official" pictures and that them being in the way is distracting the subjects and causing problems with the lights or whatever reason you want.

Tell her/them that they are more than welcome to take pictures once you are finished.

If they do not move then be firmer and if necessary get the organisers to control them for you.

There are a lot of events where photographers have contracts that specify they are the only ones allowed to take photos. Something like that would be helpful here. It can be very simple with the team coach.

You have two problems with this person. First, she obviously bothered you enough that you didn't get the quality you wanted. But realize also that you might have lost sales to the person because she either sells or gives away the images she took. It should have been the team coach that told her to move on, not you. With a simple agreement beforehand, it becomes much easier to manage.

Create a tactful but firm sign stating

PHOTOSHOOT IN SESSION

• do no interrupt the session

• no other cameras allowed

• use of photographic equipment(lights, backdrop) is strictly for the use of the photographer

Tell her that you paid for the backdrop it is for your own use. She can take any photos she wants in another area.

if you are being hired to do the job, then kindly inform her to move out of the way... or discuss the matter with the person hiring you...

you have the right to be rude...