E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

In 1968 I worked as a newspaper photgraher in Montreal. On a slow and HOT news day in Summer, the editor would dispatch me to the park or the beach to shoot kids in the wading pools- folks at the beaches, etc. Back in the day, the parents would encourage their kids to "splash around in the water for the photographer". They would come over and ask when the pictures would be published and ask if they could buy copies of the unpublished ones for themselves.

Nowadays, I wouldn't be caught dead with a camera in any of those locations- a park, beach or playground where there are kids. I'm sure someone would call the police or attack me.

If I need to work at any of those locations on a commercial job, I don't take on the assignment unless the area is cordoned off, we use professional models, and all the paperwork, permits and releases have to be in order.

One day, not long ago, I have hired to photograh the exterior of a building that's housing a recreation center. Two women and a security guard accosted me and said: "what are you doing- there are children in that building"! There was not a child in sight and I assured them that I did not have an X-ray camera that could see through the concrete walls. The security guard looked hostel so I told him I was going to call the police if did not step away. Then I produced the work order from the city that authorized me to photograh the building. They apologized and walked away!

It's disgusting. I suppose what with the proliferation of child pornography and so many reported cases of pedophilia caused criminal activities, folks have begun to equate certain kinds of perfectly legitimate and proper photogray with voyeurism and child molestation.

It's certainly is a sad commentary but it is now ingrained in our society along with many other serious misconceptions.

So... randomly shooting kids in the playground, even the "bathing beauties at the seaside" is a thing of the past. Forgetaboutit!

Yes! There are bad guys out there and we all have to be vigilant and protect our kids and all kids. It's just that some folks tend to indiscriminately "profile" others who they don't even know and oftentimes jump to the wrong conclusions.

My coping mechanism is simple. I concentrate on what I am allowed to photograph, not what is restricted, prohibited, forbidden or will cause undeserved grief. There's lots of stuff to shoot out there and plenty of folks who love being photographed.

Unfortunately and seriously- this is nothg to joke about- it's a real problem.

SnappyHappy Loc: Chapin, SC “The Capitol of Lake Murray”

We didn’t have street lights... be home by dark or I’ll beat you death...simple instructions even a kid could understand

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Personally, I avoiding taking photos of children I don't know. But I don't understand the logic behind protecting children in this manner. Social media is full of pics of children, uploaded by their parents, grandparents, etc.

SnappyHappy Loc: Chapin, SC “The Capitol of Lake Murray”

Didn’t have street lights in good ole Rome...my instructions were easy to understand... be home by dark or I’ll beat you to death as soon as I find you. That made sense enough to me me that I got home in time to live another day. Now that I think about it this probably began my love of sunset light. My Mama was teaching me to appreciate light...and it worked too!

Rolk Loc: South Central PA

You had street lights????

PhotoNat Loc: Santa Maria, CA

I'm really glad you took a photo of him, especially if he was acting oddly. At one time I was a crossing guard working for a temp agency, not a school district, and saw a suspicious looking young gentleman hanging out at the school fence. He had been hanging out near the corner where I was helping kids cross, and I asked if I could help him. He didn't answer, but rode his bicycle over to the school fence a short distance from me and hung out. I could not leave(and did not have a cell phone at the time) right then, but went and called police as soon as I could and reported this. He had left by then, but at least authorities knew about it, and I'm sure he knew I was watching him carefully. So, thanks again for your awareness and sensitivity to the situation, and for taking action by taking the photo.! I'll ask people in my condo complex "If I can help them" if I don't recognize them or their car or they seem suspicious, and have even asked people to leave the premises if they did not have a valid reason for being here.
PhotoNat

BebuLamar

That is why my photographs don't have a soul in it. People are so paranoid today so they always do selfie.

Capn_Dave

It brings to mind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRrjpWeyYGI

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

You may be correct, but guilty before being proven innocent may apply.

Maybe spend time trying to convince your legislators to get the weapons of war off the streets, and out of the hands of children and madmen...

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

And somehow, we respected that!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I lived in a big city for about a dozen years before moving to the
"country". Turned out I was born a country boy!

BebuLamar

Not respect that but just don't want any trouble.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Yeaaaa, that too.

Heather Iles Loc: UK, Somerset

To remind photographers or people taking photos that photographing children they do not know is unacceptable in today's world.

I am a grandmother and would not dare take photos of children I do not know without asking the person who is looking after them. I was on a day out the other week with my photographic group and was taking a photo of the grand house with the entrance leading up to this house when children appeared and would have been in my photo. I immediately put my camera at my side until the children past with their teachers following. Ask yourself the question, how would you feel if it was your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews being photographed by strangers? Would you be pleased?

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

And - "Come in when the street light lights go on"