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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
What is MaxPreps?
Kevin Saitta, Photographer
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Groveland | CA | USA | Posted: 6:02 AM on 10.10.04 |
->> I was at a few games the other day shooting some assignments and this person was wearing a press pass with MaxPreps on it. I can tell you that this person had no place on the field and was a bit rude. I have never heard of them. Are they the media? If not then why are they giving out press credentials? I just never heard of them and wasn’t sure what they are or their affiliation with the media.
What also got me is that midway through the game they (one person) started handing out cards to everyone... I thought it was a bit unprofessional especially for a person carrying a press credentials. I mean if someone comes up to you and ask you for a card fine but to just go up and hand them out I found it a bit weird.
Anyone? |
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Billy Suratt, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Joe Nicola, Photographer
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Fort Worth | TX | USA | Posted: 7:37 AM on 10.10.04 |
->> Kevin,
While I've not encountered anyone personally from MaxPreps on the sidelines, I have spoken with them and my initial impression was that they were friendly, professional and enthusiastic about what they do -- promote prep sports on one of the largest sports information web sites anywhere. Their web site is www.maxpreps.com.
Right now they're big in California and, like, 10 other states where they cover ALL high school sports. Me being in Texas, I'm going to shoot just football for them. They strike me as a sort of an ersatz stock agency ala ICON, Wireimage, et. al.
Anyway, I hope this answers some of your questions.
Joe |
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Bryan Curtis, Photographer
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Plainville | CT | USA | Posted: 7:38 AM on 10.10.04 |
->> Kevin,
They are trying to sell photos...maxpreps.com...they shoot the games, hand out the cards that direct people to the site and hope people buy photos. It's all spec. I work for a company that does the same type of thing.
gamefacephotos.net
-Bryan |
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Kevin Saitta, Photographer
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Groveland | CA | USA | Posted: 7:53 AM on 10.10.04 |
->> What is the deal with the Press Credentials though? Are they just to get people in without paying or hassle from the school officials?
Do they also shoot at the college level or high school only?
Maybe I just ran by a not so nice person. I will have to check their site out.
Thanks,
Kev |
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Kevin Saitta, Photographer
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Groveland | CA | USA | Posted: 8:29 AM on 10.10.04 |
->> I just read their site. What benefit do you have? Their eras really do not explain to much except you split the sales and they are liable for nothing. Why would someone give to them instead of just doing it themselves especially since they want a 50% kick back…
They are getting big from what I have seen.
I am also curious about liability? For example, when I go on an assignment for a paper, magazine, by request or whatever and I am completely insured either by my own insurance I carry or the clients that hired me to shoot the event, so if am on the field, track, gym, etc.. I am protected and so is the athlete if they get hurt due to my equipment, whatever or me.
Now people shooting for maxpreps who are not on assignment for a paper or a client from what I read are not covered by maxprepes in the event anything happens which means they are a liability to the athletes as well as the school for that matter.
If a players gets hurt due to the photographer, who is going to cover the athletes in the result of an injury? It seems to me this is a possible lawsuit waiting to happen. Also, by them handing out press credentials it is misleading and irresponsible to say the least especially since the person is not shooting for them on assignment but rather there only to shoot on spec in the event they can make money. It reminds me a bit of IFPO.
If people what to do this they should go to the school and let them know what they are doing there so at least the school has a chance to understand the liability they are getting themselves get into by letting a person shoot on the field who may not be insured and know of the risk in advance, and not just have someone up under false pretence which I personally think is unethical and wrong.
Just go and say hey I am so and so and I would like to cover your game because I would like to hand out these cards and offer the parents a chance to purchase some excellent photographs.
Oh well done ranting.
Thanks again,
Kev |
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Joe Nicola, Photographer
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Fort Worth | TX | USA | Posted: 10:32 AM on 10.10.04 |
->> The word "liability" is something that concerns me. Yes, we have risk in every moment of our waking lives, but it seems, to me, that attorneys have elevated the perception of risk to a whole new level in the last, I don't know, 20 years or so.
So I'm at a football game and an athlete runs into me and hurts his wittle hand and gets a boo-boo. He breaks my monopod in half, but I'm supposed to worry about liability to the athlete????? That's just crazy.
Maybe I should sue the school for the athlete breaking my monopod.
The cards that MaxPreps hands out aren't press credentials, they're, according to them, publicity cards to advertise their site. If you meant that MaxPreps issues credentials, well, I imagine that they do. If you're shooting for them, you oughta be able to prove it -- hence the whole idea behind credentials. Whether or not they're honored is whole 'nother matter.
What's wrong with that?
Plenty of schools in my area would LOVE to have someone come out and shoot their teams in action and display them on the net -- for sale or not. It gets their school's kids exposure and they like looking at their photos on the net.
Again, what's wrong with that? |
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Randy Janoski, Photographer
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Chapel Hill | TN | USA | Posted: 11:06 AM on 10.10.04 |
->> Kevin,
With a Sunday morning off I'm looking at several posts. You know free enterprise IS America. Press Credentials, well any company or anyone can print some up but what are ya gonna do? I think this "maxpreps" feels it's good marketing and uses it as a ploy to make parents believe there is some level of professionalism with the photographer.
I've seen several articles in some trade magazines on/about a few companies like this one, and they do serve those parents or individuals that want a picture of "little tommy".
One thing for sure if you are a photographer who can take quality images at these (prep, high school, whatever) events AND market yourself you should be able to do much better that a bad 50% deal. I mean I jumped to their site and looked at the photos...there terrible! |
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Robert Curtis, Photographer
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Stevenson Ranch | CA | USA | Posted: 12:00 PM on 10.10.04 |
->> Hey Kevin,
I know that the kids playing football in Southern, California love the MaxPreps site. The players, coaches, etc. go to it regularly for information on opposing teams as well.
For the photographer it is a great resource to get info on players stats, rosters, schedules, school addresses, etc. I know that the local paper in my area uses the site regularly for info.
As far as someone being rude.... unfortunately their are a lot of people with bad attitudes in every profession.... I know that I have run into my share of arrogant people on the sidelines. A friend of mine was pretty unhappy with the demeanor of a photographer from the L.A. Times a couple of nights ago... What can you do? For those of us that love photography it is always "irritating" to hear that people are out there representing various organizations, not to mention the profession of photography itself - in a bad light.
The fact that you were irritated enough with the person that you encountered to post a thread is good enough for me. You should contact Todd Shurtleff (Sp?). He is the Director of Photography for Max Preps and a Sportsshooter Member. He would probably be interested in what you have to say! |
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Rick Rowell, Photographer
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Canoga Park | CA | Usa | Posted: 12:13 PM on 10.10.04 |
->> There is a liability problem with Max preps. They don't provide to my knowledge, insurance for the photographers that shoot for them. Joe, If little Jonnie runs out of bounds and hits the uninsured photographer resulting in an injury that puts little Jonnie out for the season and as a result of that injury he looses a shot at a Division 1 scholership. Who do you think the parents will sue. The school has insurance. In California the CIF will not allow any player to partisipate without insurance. In this litigious society in which we all live, insurance is a very nessesary thing. Unfortunitly Joe your right, the lawyers are running the show. lawsuits can and most times will get out of control. I know, I've been sued. Every day since then I'm so glad that I was smart enough to buy good insurance. It saved my business. When I do my job and provide quality images for the parents of little Jonnie, I do it with the confidence of knowing that if thier is an accident everyone is covered.
Now, saying that, I have seen here in California, Max preps photographers with some sort of CIF credentials hanging around their necks. Im not sure however if the CIF required them to show proof of insurance before issuing the credential. If not, Max Preps and the CIF are leaving themselfs wide open for trouble. The CIF demands that all participents are insured. Players, cheerleaders, game officials, coaches, teachers and whoever else has a funtion on the game field. I relise this is not always inforced. I now it's rare for serious accidents to happen, but happen they will. Thier is some serious money to be made here and Max Preps is making it, not the photographers. In my opinion Max preps is not a very good deal and provides more of a chance for an accident to happen than providing quality images for little Jonnie's parents. My 2 cents. Thanks for reading. |
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Joe Nicola, Photographer
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Fort Worth | TX | USA | Posted: 1:52 PM on 10.10.04 |
->> Rick,
Thanks for your thoughts.
But here's something to think about. MaxPreps handles all the marketing, etc. for my images, rather like WireImage, etc. They get their cut, I get mine. Considering what they sell their images for and what I get, it's virtually the same as if I were to sell them myself on my own Shutterfly site, which I'm free to do also. However, I don't have the marketing muscle that MaxPreps has, so where I get 140 hits on a page of football pics, how does that compare to a site that gets 300,000 hits a day? For the same money, I'll take my chances with MaxPreps.
Here's another thought. Not that it won't EVER happen, but I've been shooting high school football over a period of 32 years and you know how many times I've been run over, hit or otherwise banged into by a football player? NONE. That's because I pay attention on the sideline.
Now, as soon as I say that, I've got a target on me at next Friday's game. I can just see it now.
Yeah, insurance is something that makes us feel good and helps to protect our gear and our livelihood, but I just have a hard time believing that an athlete's family could sue anyone over what MIGHT happen (little johnny getting a div I full-ride). That's a lot to prove. Especially when his full-pad body runs into my 46-year-old mostly out of shape physique wearing only jeans, sneakers and an AC/DC t-shirt on the sideline. What sort of football player gets hurt running into a soft old man, but willingly bangs heads on the field with the opposing team? Not Div I scholarship material.
That argument simply doesn't hold water and, try as I might, I couldn't find any history of such an event occuring involving people on the sideline who are supposed to be there.
MaxPreps has their place and it looks like they do a good job and I'm excited to be working with them. If they're not your cup 'o tea, then that's cool. More power to you. But as long as they're doing they're thing and you're doing yours, what's the problem? Nobody's twistin' your arm to work for them. It's not your place to analyze how/why they got their credentials. That's the function of the district/stadium personnel, so if they're cool with it, why aren't you? |
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Kevin Saitta, Photographer
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Groveland | CA | USA | Posted: 2:27 PM on 10.10.04 |
->> Thank you all for the responses.
What prompted me to ask about liability, was that in a few areas I was shooting I was hammered ( a nice way of saying it ) by the schools about liability; that they didn’t want anymore then they had to have; and insisted that you could not be on the playing field without insurance. I had to show proof of insurance with the actual copy of the actual policy to prove to them that I was completely and fully insured. They were so paranoid that it went up to the super of the school district as well as the board. That is how concerned they are about having non-insured individuals on the field.
A few parents hired me to photograph their sons exclusively and since I was working for myself for those games, I did not use the backing of the media so when they asked at the gates who I was, it really stirred a hornets nest. Once everything was cleared there were no more problems.
I realize that Jonnie getting hurt is rare but in CA, this state is crazy for suing to the point where it is just completely insane.
I really have no problem with anyone out there doing what they do as long as it is legit. Learning first hand with dealing with schools, they really do not want anyone on the playing area uninsured just in case.
Maybe I worded my previous message wrong, as I wasn’t saying it is wrong to take pictures I was saying it was wrong to take them without being upfront and clearing it with the school you are going to shoot at if you are not affiliated with a company where they got your back and the place you are shooting at back covered. Personally I am happy to see schools get coverage, as I believe it really lifts the kids’ sprits especially when they get limited or no coverage at all.
To address an earlier question;
>>If you're shooting for them, you oughta be able to prove
>>it -- hence the whole idea behind credentials. Whether or
>>not they're honored is whole 'nother matter.
>>What's wrong with that?
>>
>>Plenty of schools in my area would LOVE to have someone come out and shoot their >>teams in action and display them on the net -- for sale or not. It gets their school's kids >>exposure and they like looking at their photos on the net.
I do not think it is the point of what is wrong with that, the problem is that many people in the profession had to work their tales off to get credential to cover an event through very hard work and proving themselves, and I do not think anyone should just be handed them as it devalues the meaning of it.
Maybe it is just me, but believe, you should earn them with hard work and proving yourself and not just getting them handed to you.
If you want to cover games, that is totally cool and I support people doing it, but unless you are with the media you shouldn’t be carrying around credentials that are not real. The handing out of cards is cool and I am all for self promotion, no problem at all. I think it is great if you can earn a living doing what you love and I praise anyone that has the guts to get out there and do it!
But in all fairness I think everyone should remain honest and professional at all levels just as you would any other job you shooting. That way everyone knows who you are and what you are doing there.
Maybe I am just being nitpicky and a pain so I will shut up now.
Again thank you everyone for the responses,
Kev |
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Rick Burnham, Photographer
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Enfield | CT | USA | Posted: 3:31 PM on 10.10.04 |
->> Kevin,
One of the advantages of the percentage split with a company like Maxpreps or Game Face Sports Photos, who I shoot for, is all I need is my gear to shoot. I have no additional out of pocket expenses, like 4 color litho-cards, and other hand outs etc. I shoot a game of my choosing or work with them shooting a tournament, we up load the shots onto the sales site, I keep all my copyright and my photos. I don't have to have printers, tables, chairs, display items, paper, ink, extra people to run a booth, make prints and up load the shots. I just shoot the game and two weeks later collect a check for my side of the sales.
Rick Burnham
http://www.gamefacephotos.net |
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Todd Shurtleff, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Cameron Park | Ca | El Dorado | Posted: 4:21 PM on 10.10.04 |
->> Kevin,
I am the Director of Photography with MaxPreps, a national high school sports information Web site (http://www.maxpreps.com) that also features online action photos.
I am disappointed to learn that your first experience with our company was unpleasant.
I would like an opportunity to talk to you on the phone to discuss what happened this weekend so I can address it with the photographer in question. I will also be happy to answer any questions you might have about our company and our photography.
My e-mail is todd@maxpreps.com, or please feel free to call me at 530-676-6440 ext. 253.
Regards,
Todd Shurtleff |
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Louis Lopez, Photographer
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Ontario | CA | USA | Posted: 5:20 PM on 10.10.04 |
->> Kevin, I also shoot for Maxpreps, and in the Southern California Section, of the 11 photographers currently posting galleries 8 are current Sports Shooter Members.
I know that two are Newspaper Staff photograpers in our area, and the rest are working pro shooters and contibute to various news outlets and publications as well.
I have found MaxPreps to be a straightfoward company and I find the split to be quite fair, as all I do is shoot and post to their site and I do not have to worry about any marketing, fulfillment and or refunds or exchanges etc.
Photographers on assignment either by publications or contracted by others to games where they retain their rights are able to post photos and "piggyback" for additional sales. This is a win-win situation for me and with speaking with other shooters they concur as well.
The shooters I personally know, that are contributing to MaxPreps, I have found are Professional and are working and published in our industry and are working professional photographers.
It is too bad you met an unprofessional photographer, but every profession has them. |
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Rick Rowell, Photographer
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Canoga Park | CA | Usa | Posted: 5:28 PM on 10.10.04 |
->> My only point is. Max Preps may think that they have their butt covered on this one by not explicitly assigning any photographer to any game or games. But Max preps cannot give out a legitimate credential to cover a CIF high school event without the permission of theCIF or the school in question itself. The CIF gives out credentials to the media (and I know I'm guessing here) assuming they are responceable enough to have insurance for their employees. But freelancers are another question. If you submit your work onto Max Preps web site, understand that Max Preps will not defend you in a lawsuit. You're on your own if their are any problems. If little Jonnie falls on your 400mm lens and breaks his ribs and his parents decide to sue you. You better have a real good reason for being there, such as a contract with the school. You'll need an insurance company that will hire a lawyer to defend you. Take this into concideration. The CIF (the governing body for all public high school athletics in California) may not want to pay for little Jonnie's injury and instead go after you for reinbursment because you did not have a good enough reason for covering the game other than you wanted to post the images on Max Preps and make a few dollars on the parents.
That sort of brings us back to the original question. What is Max Preps? Are they a Media (Wire Image type of business) or are they a (Printroom.com type of business) They are in my opinion trying to be both and their's the rub as they say. They are asking photographers to shoot games that will profit them and ofcourse their is nothing wrong with that as long as they follow the same rules that all of the rest of us are asked to follow by the CIF and others school officials in this state. I would be interested to know how the CIF or any of the public school officials in this state think on this matter. I'm thinking of drafting a letter to the governing bodies expressing my concerns on this matter.
Joe, as to your thought's. Little Jonnie can bang his head on the other players all he wants and they can do the same to him. They are all covered by insurance for that. You however are not part of the game play. You are supposed to have your own insurance either provided by you or from the employer who asigned you to photograph the game. If injuries are sustained by the athlete as a result of a collition involving you. You can be held liable for all or part of the damages. Weather this will happen to you or not, is not the question.
Your comparison of 140 hits on your web site to 300,000 hits on Max preps web site per day, sorry that doesn't hold much water either. That 140 hits on your web site if your doing thngs right should bring you more sales than the 300,000 hits on Max Preps, the vast majority of which don't care about the images that you shoot of the local high school team. Unless you have alot of images of that all American feenom at tailback. But how offten does that happen?
Also, are you absolutly sure that the District and school officials are "cool" with it. Because in this state (California) I'm not so sure.
As you said "Try as I might, I could'nt find any history of such an event occuring involving any people on the sideline who are supposed to be there." Supposed to be there", are the key words in this matter. As a business owner I am required by the CIF and other governing bodies to hold liability insurance. If your not holding insurance and Max Preps is not providing insurance, then you have a problem if an accident happens involving you. Max Preps are trying to play on both sides of the fence. Making a profit directly from interested parties, IE parents and others. As well as selling images to media outlets, IE newspapers and magazines. Even though you are making a profit from all of these sales, so is Max Preps. Nowere in their agreement do they tell prospective photographers that liability insurance is required in order to cover the high school athletic events for posting on their web site.
The CIF in this state have alot of issues on their plate. It would'nt surpise me to find out that they don't understand all of the legal issues involved here with Max Preps or other such businesses in this state.
I could be wrong about all of this but my gut and experience tells me I'm at least on the right track here. |
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Louis Lopez, Photographer
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Ontario | CA | USA | Posted: 5:42 PM on 10.10.04 |
->> Rick,
Todd over at Maxpreps should have most of the answers to your questions, as last spring Lifetouch Photography which had paid for the rights to all photography for the CIF-SS, attempted to ban all Maxpreps coverage and apparently they had a meeting of the minds with CIF and everything would seem to be worked out. As to the issues of liabilty of persons on the sidelines, they would have to address all the extra booster club people and mom's with their point and shoot cameras and the local video camera club and all the other hangerons that crowd the sidelines, that really have no business being there other than they are friends of the "Program". |
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Kevin Saitta, Photographer
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Groveland | CA | USA | Posted: 6:04 PM on 10.10.04 |
->> Well,
I just got off the phone with Todd and he is one of the nicest guys I have talked to, very down to earth. After speaking with him and understanding who they are and what they do. They seem to be legit as well as having interaction with the different media sources. Also from what I understand, "do not quote me", they do interact with the CIF directly in having the credentials issued and maxpreps only gives the credentials to their top shooters so there is a screening process and from what I understand, they just do not hand them out to anyone which is a good thing.
I also asked about the liability issue and from what I understand, the photographers are to be insured either by themselves or by the client / paper they are shooting for, "again do not quote me".
So if this is the case then Jonnie will be covered in the case of an accident and everything should be fine and good to go.
So it seems they do have their basis covered as I understand it...
Kev |
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Brian Jackson, Photographer, Photo Editor
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South San Francisco | CA | USA | Posted: 7:09 PM on 10.10.04 |
->> I shoot HS games and have images up on www.MaxPreps.com. I also shoot and post images on www.ActionAthletics.com. Same basic deal, each company pays a % of each sale to the photographer for their images that sell. It's basically like a stock company, but a little quicker turnaround and targeted towards slightly different markets.
I stumbled upon maxpreps last year trying to locate HS schedules and standings(as opposed to going to EVERY schools website and hope they have updated it from the previous year). The local papers sure don't have this information. They're a site with HS sports information, which just happens to have photos, they sell some of them, just like the local weekly does. It's the only place I've found to get standings of local schools.
Now Rick R- I've been shooting HS sports in California for only 3 years(several years in Texas), and in Northern California...man, they let anyone on the sidelines. At Valley Christian (#1 ranked team in the SF Bay Area), people are camped out on blankets having a picnic not but 15' from the endzone. Volleyball, soccer, football, lacrosse...everyone is on the sidelines. Baseball and Softball are the best at keeping people where they belong.
I've NEVER been asked for liability at a HS game and this includes CCS playoffs and championships. I have it and can prove it if needed, but it's never come up. Maybe it's just the Southern sections that are super strick about this.
Also, how is the liability thing different with maxpreps as it is with a freelancer shooting for the local weekly? Do you think that the weekly will cover a stringer(read, non-employee) in case of a lawsuit? I don't think so, I could be wrong, but I truely doubt it. |
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Andy White, Photographer
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Neenah | WI | USA | Posted: 7:37 PM on 10.10.04 |
| ->> After all this, I found out that MaxPreps doesn't have anything where I live. |
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Joseph Toth, Student/Intern, Assistant
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Ft Walton Beach | FL | USA | Posted: 7:39 PM on 10.10.04 |
->> Andy,
I think it might be worthwhile to contact Maxpreps.com and speak with them about shooting in your area. They are always looking for new area shooters.
Joe |
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Andy White, Photographer
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Neenah | WI | USA | Posted: 7:56 PM on 10.10.04 |
| ->> I did email Todd, but right now it seems that they only cover football. With the equipment I have, well lets say night football isn't possible. Now if they want some basetball images for the umcoming season, I can handle that. |
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Andy White, Photographer
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Neenah | WI | USA | Posted: 8:03 PM on 10.10.04 |
| ->> I live very close to over 10 high schools, so I can always try and put in a solo effort. |
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Micheal Hall, Photographer
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Sacramento | CA | USA | Posted: 9:32 PM on 10.10.04 |
->> Aside from the generally low standards of photography that I have seen and the 50% cut of the profits ... MaxPreps looks like a pretty cool deal. That and the fact that everything that leaves our hands is custom retouched/printed and I don't know if MaxPreps does anything to the images they have printed and shipped out.
The best part of it is that they have put in the time to be well known and they surely get good traffic.
Both my brother and I have been asked a occassions if we are from MaxPreps and had to clarify that we are not affiliated with them, so they are well known (of course, they are a Sacramento company, as are we, so I would expect that they are known around here).
At any rate, the biggest drawbacks from my perspective are ...
• Quality of Print.
• Embargo on publishing the images anywhere else for up to 10 days.
• 50% of profits to MaxPreps.
• Dilution of quality/reputation by being placed with many other photographers that aren't anything more than parents with cameras or guys that figure they just need a camera and can be a pro.
• No brand recognition for ME or MY company - the effort you put into shooting doesn't distinguish you, just builds more traffic for them. So you aren't building any sort of long term business but theirs.
~Micheal |
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Joe Nicola, Photographer
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Fort Worth | TX | USA | Posted: 9:39 AM on 10.11.04 |
->> Rick R.
You took the time to make a huge argument against MaxPreps when, if you had done your homework, you would have found out that CIF and MaxPreps are working together.
Again, your argument that little johnnie running into me is weak, especially when you consider all of the various people on the sidelines who have no official capacity there or who are there to support the school's activities in a "volunteer" capacity. Band boosters, for example. Cheerleader booster parents, for example. The kids who erect the inflatable run-through for the team. Under whose insurance are they covered???
Do you sell insurance or something?????? |
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Nick Doan, Photographer, Assistant
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Scottsdale | AZ | USA | Posted: 11:13 AM on 10.11.04 |
->> Joe,
I'm not an insurance salesman, and I don't want to argue, but not having insurance is a risk that you are taking. People are trying to advise you to help, not to try to make you waste money.
It may not seem logical, but if a player is injured by you or your equipment, no matter who else is on the sidelines, it is *you* that will be sued. The other part of that is that you probably want to have insurance in the event that Little Johnny runs over you and snaps your super-telephoto in half, and sends a piece of metal therough the back of your mirror destroying your sensor.
Liability and Equipment insurance is a necessity for any professional photographer in my opinion. Not having it seems like taking an unnecesary risk. And, minimizing your risks seems like a real smart thing to me.
I haven't worked with MaxPreps in any capacity, but I have shot at a number of high schools in my area, and you are more likely to get hit on a high school field than you are at any College or NFL game. Youth sports are even worse for safety precautions, and the parents much more protective of their young. I'd advise you to be very very careful if you are out there shooting without insurance. |
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Joe Nicola, Photographer
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Fort Worth | TX | USA | Posted: 12:30 PM on 10.11.04 |
->> Nick,
I'm not debating the need for insurance -- I'm covered. What I'm trying hard to understand is the need to perpetuate the belief that every aspect of our lives needs to be insured against every eventuality. You know, life happens.
Again, I'll say that I've been doing this for 32 years and I've never been hit by a player. There are certain realities about lawsuits and Burden of Proof is one of them. Can a player in full-pads prove that running into me, a 46-year-old guy who's as soft as a twinkie, caused his injury? I'm the one who would likely be injured, not the player. Have you EVER heard of a player getting hurt that badly by running into a photographer? I haven't.
In a court of law, I wouldn't have to prove that I didn't injure the player, he'd have to prove that I caused his injury. Yes, I'd have to defend myself, but I just don't see that as a very realistic possibility.
Thanks for sharing, though. |
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Rogan Taylor, Photographer
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Orem | UT | USA | Posted: 2:35 PM on 10.11.04 |
| ->> Do photographers working for Maxpreps give up their copyright? |
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Loel Thorpe, Photographer
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La Mirada | Ca | USA | Posted: 2:50 PM on 10.11.04 |
| ->> Just a note about CIF: They hand out a press pass to any parent that wants to shoot a playoff game. I told them I had a kid playing, (which I did) they asked for the players name, and gave me a pass. They didn't seem to be very strict about it. They normaly give a few to the Team to hand out to any parent that wants to shoot there game. |
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Louis Lopez, Photographer
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John Green, Photographer
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Redlands | CA | US | Posted: 5:50 PM on 10.11.04 |
| ->> Hmmm, when I’m shooting football the last thing I’m thinking about is me injuring a football player. Lets see, these are athletes in full gear moving toward me at 25 feet per second, I think the "little Jonnie" thats gonna get injured is me |
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Rick Rowell, Photographer
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Canoga Park | CA | Usa | Posted: 12:02 AM on 10.12.04 |
->> Joe, I'm not arguing against Max preps. I think it may be a beginners cup of tea or for someone just looking to make a few extra dollars on the side. I only brought up a legal question that I think makes some since. You could possibly shoot sports for another 32 years and never have an accident that hurts you or the athlete and we are not just talking about football here. When you accept a field credential from an NCAA school there is a disclaimer that any accident that involves you being hurt, that it is your responciblity to be insured for it. I've never seen any such disclaimer on the back side of a credential given out for a high school function and I've been to alot of them in the last 20 plus years.
I was under the impression that the CIF required liablity insurance to work on the sidelines, as I was told this by a CIF official several years ago. If they have changed their policy or I was given incorrect information then so be it. I would still carry a policy because Murphy's law will always apply at the most improbable moment.
If the CIF and Max Preps have worked out some deal, then so be it. I'm only asking if they have considered all the bad things that can happen along the sidelines. I'm a little concerned that some of these photographers are not that experienced and accidents can happen. Now, you can poo poo that all you want, but mark my words. The odds are that something bad will happen and the odds are increased when you have alot of people on the sidelines. Max preps and other businesses like them are now putting more people on the sidelines. A player or a photographer or some spectator will get hurt. It's happen in the past and it will in the future.
We live in a litigious society, make no mistake about that. Everyone go's after the deep pockets. It doesn't matter how rediculous you think the case may be. The Law has nothing to do with being right. There will always be a lawyer to take the case. I'm sure Max Preps and the CIF have their own policy's to handle that. I did not read anywere in the Max Preps photographers agreement that the photographers should have their own liability policy. I believe it's because they do not wish to scare off any prospective photographers from trying them out. I'm not trying to sell anyone any insurance. Each individual must consider his or her own situation and risk possibilities. because it doesn't seem as if Max Preps or the CIF are. |
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Rick Rowell, Photographer
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Canoga Park | CA | Usa | Posted: 1:58 AM on 10.12.04 |
| ->> Sorry, I stand corrected. There is a disclaimer on the Max preps photographers agreement. They will not assume responcebility for injury or damage of equipment. it's even in bold letters. I guess I read it over to quikly before. But the question still remains about any responcebility on the part of the CIF or the school in question itself. |
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Julian Jenkins, Photographer, Student/Intern
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