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To address photo taking requests at your location
without requiring signed waivers or photo release
forms, here are my recommendations:
1. Create – Set the expectation through a policy
that best reflects your capabilities and intentions
when it comes to taking and sharing photos of
your guests, regardless of age.
2. Confirm – Schedule a staff meeting to introduce
and reiterate that this is the one and only
approved policy at your facility.
3. Communicate – Be transparent about your
policy's purpose and ensure staff knows where the
policy can be found (on facility signage, posted on
the facility website, etc.) for public reference.
4. Clarify – Be prepared to have a longer
conversation with customers who may mistakenly
assume any reluctance to agree to their special
requests is due to your unwillingness vs. the
reality that almost every person with a cell phone
also has a camera.
5. Cooperate – If there is a concern, minimize
the visibility of the child when possible by keeping
him or her out of posed and group photos and
being mindful where they are in action shots.
"Our staff prioritizes and take prides in the safety
of all of our guests," says Alvaro. "That said,
guaranteeing privacy and image usage at our busy
and expanding year-round venue isn't possible, but we
do our absolute best to minimize exposure when and
where we can."
Tammy Gilpin-Ripp is the Director of Marketing and
Sponsorship at Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club.
