Photo Tip: Always ask for permission before stepping onto the field

In yesterday's tip I said you should always ask for permission from the umpire before you set a foot inside the fence to take pictures. Why? The umpire is like the owner of the field. What he says goes. He has complete authority over everyone at the game, on the field and off.

What that also means is he has complete responsibility, too. If there is something dangerous going on during a game, like a toddler walking into the field of play, he is responsible if that child gets hurt. Umpires take a great deal upon their shoulders, and most of us don't realize it.

If you, as a photographer, ever get the ire of the umpire, you will likely get tossed out of the game immediately, even if all you are doing is taking photos from outside of the fence.

Try to do all you can to make sure the umpire is comfortable with you taking photos. Be professional and to the point. Introduce yourself as a photographer. Say why you are there.* Explain you understand the rules of the game. Then ask for permission to shoot inside the fence. You may want to add that you will stay far away from fair territory.

I use these guidelines all the time. I have been turned down only once, and that was at a tournament where the tournament director overturned the umpire's decision to let me in.

* I would suggest saying something other than, "I would like to get some photos of my kid." Instead, don't acknowledge you are a parent and say instead something like "The team (or some parents) have asked me to get pictures of their players." Of course, if you don't have professionally looking camera gear, like a SLR and a long telephoto lens, then expect to get turned down.