How to handle parents tactfully at Photography session?

Question

I just started taking team photos.  I am not a photography studio...but enjoy taking pictures and I am just "spreading my wings" so to speak.  At a recent photo session, I set up my lights, backdrops, etc. getting ready to take team pictures.  At the same time a parent came in and set up her tripod and camera right next to mine.  I asked the Mom if she was taking the team pictures...hoping she would get the hint...but she just said, No, she was taking pictures for her own personal use.  I tried to be tactful and went about taking the pictures required...but she would then push me out of the way taking her own pictures.  The whole situation became confusing and I did not get the pictures or quality that I was hoping to get.  I am hoping this team will ask me back again next time, but I am worrying that this mother will show up again.  I was thinking about requesting no other cameras be present during the next shoot, but I don't want to appear rude.  Then I thought I would request only pictures be taken AFTER I have taken the pictures I want.  How do I tactfully request parents refrain from picture taking without appearing rude to the parents on the team.  Personally I think this mother was rude, but some people just don't take hints.  What do you think???

Ansell A · Accepted Answer

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.

Anonymous · Answer

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.

JC · Answer

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

Perki88 · Answer

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

Forlorn Hope · Answer

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...

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How to handle parents tactfully at Photography session?

5 Answers