Dad called pervert for taking pictures of his own kids in public

by Bethany Sanders (Subscribe to Bethany Sanders's posts) Jul 19th 2008 3:00PM

Categories: Fun & Activities, Safety, Weird But True

British man Gary Crutchley was enjoying watching his sons having fun on a large inflatable slide at an outdoor event and thought he'd capture the moment with a few pictures. Those innocent snapshots turned the family friendly event ugly, however, when the slide operator and a parent standing inline asked him to stop, even accusing him of taking pictures of their children to post on the internet. The word "pervert" was also thrown around.

Gary showed them the pictures he had taken, pictures of his own children, and even grabbed two police officers walking by to confirm he'd done nothing wrong. He hadn't, of course, but it ended what had turned out to be a pleasant day.

In this age of easy technology, parents can be understandably protective about strangers photographing their children. But does that mean that parents can no longer take pictures of their own children in public? I think this is a case of over-protectiveness gone bad, but there have been instances when I was uncomfortable with another parents' photography. Just last week, an older couple who appeared to be endeared by my children at an outdoor event turned their camcorder on them. I was left momentarily speechless; my gut told me they were harmless, yet I wasn't sure why they'd want video of my two kids.

How do you feel about parents taking pictures of kids in public places?

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Comments (115)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)

Jenni 7-19-2008 @ 7:14PM

I would definitely be a bit apprehensive (and say something) if someone were taking pictures of my children out in public. But, if someone wants to take pictures of his own children, that's his business. This dad even showed everyone his pictures. They should have left him alone.

roby 7-19-2008 @ 9:58PM

They don't call it "public" for no reason...if you are afraid to live your life, or afraid for your children (ie...paranoid) then DON'T go out in public!!! No, I don't think I would want someone snapping candids of my children, but for goodness sake, this man PROVED he was taking pictures of his OWN children! People, there are WAAYY more important things to make a fuss over!

Bill 7-20-2008 @ 2:22AM

As another poster noted, everything on the street or beach is in the public domain and it is not against the law to photograph. It is just plain common courtesy, however, to ask persmission before taking a picture of other people or their children.

Melanie 7-20-2008 @ 5:24AM

How sad , we have nothing better to do than sit , stand around & judge . I wonder how empty my photo albums would be If my Mom & DAD hadn't been allowed to take snapshots of fabulous friends & memories. NOW , I have to worry about filling up my son's photo albums with him & his Buddies, My nieces & nephews ..His prom date in the 8th grade ? His Graduation pics of him & his buddies....
Geez He's a sophmore now ...should I get him to sign a release form ? and have the parents of other kids sign it too ~!

GET A LIFE people.

Jim 7-21-2008 @ 8:38PM

something tells me that if it was the mom taking a picture nobody would have said a word.... that my friends is sad.

undrgrndgirl 7-19-2008 @ 10:35PM

parents should be able to take pix of their own kids (and *gasp* maybe even kids that come to their kid's birthday parties) in public without harassment, but if someone wants to take pix of others then they should get permission first.

Karen 7-19-2008 @ 9:56PM

That's just terrible. A parent should be able to take photos of their
own children out in public without being called a pervert. How embarrasing for the poor dad.

debbie goldschmidt 7-19-2008 @ 9:52PM

what is wrong with everyone. A parent is taking photos of his children for many reasons none of which should be a problem or the business of anyone else. What has happened to our society that we drop our jaws and point fingers when a parent snaps a photo of their child. And you thought Big Brother was going to be a problem. We have turned into a group of raving lunatics.

anita 7-19-2008 @ 10:01PM

what has be come of family mento

tigerlily 7-19-2008 @ 9:59PM

I'm so sick of hearing crap like this. Who's the real weirdo here? The parent who suspected him, what's going on in that person's mind? He's not sick, but the parent??? The jury is still out on that.

Kay 7-20-2008 @ 1:52AM

Anyone should be able to take pictures of their own children. Several times when my children were young and we were at disney I had some vistors from an Asian county want to take a picture of my kids. With them, first time I thought is strange but then was informed that is was just taking pictures of where they were and who was there.

SheriR 7-19-2008 @ 9:59PM

Anyone is allowed, by law, to take pictures and record anything that happens on public property. Anything. Celebrities, cars, kids, whatever they want. That's just the way it is.

angel 7-19-2008 @ 11:41PM

actually there are situations on public property where you're not allowed to record or photograph period, case in point, going over bridges ie the verrazano from long island to staten

mindy 7-19-2008 @ 10:00PM

i take pictures of my kids all the time in public places and not once was i accused of being anything but a loving mom who wanted memories thru pictures of my children growing up. I treasure those pictures as i look back thru the years. It just goes to show how times have changed but that dad was just being a dad taking pictures of his kids as he should be able to do without being questioned. What a terrible thing for someone to make more of this.

sarah 7-20-2008 @ 4:02PM

i had at one time gone on a hiking trail and was jumping of a small dock in the woods when i spotted a man with his autistic daughter taking pictures of my in my bathing suit. my best friend lost it and we left after arguing with the guy. i was only 16

Adriamarie 7-19-2008 @ 10:29PM

My goodness, Parents can't even enjoy a Kodak moment anymore without another Parents mind thinking abscene things. I love looking at old photo's My Parents took of Us as kids and Thank Goodness they did, I have memories to share with My kids.
Some Parents are just a tad bit anal and need to realize there are Camera's & Video's everywhere these days, If You don't want your Picture taken then stay home and Don't enjoy Life with Your kids, Geez. Where do You think the phase KODAK Moment came from, without a photo or video where do Old memories come from. Think about that, those Parents whom think other Parents are taking pictures of there Children and Get over Yourself and Have some fun : )

Kim 7-19-2008 @ 10:16PM

I feel bad for the dad and I know it's ridiculous, but honestly, the people that accused him of being a pervert probably didn't stop to think that maybe the guy was related to the kids he took pics of. They are wrong for jumping to conclusions BUT we live in a society where men are not expected to take care of their children. Think about it. They put diaper changing tables in women's restrooms but not men's. They talk about a "women's choice" for abortions, but not the guy's. If a woman were taking the pictures, I bet people would have assumed she was their mother and no one would have stopped her.

mark 7-20-2008 @ 1:03AM

kim i don't know how many mens rooms you jave been in but they do have changing tables in them

txarmadillo123 7-20-2008 @ 1:15AM

Kim, I can tell you've not been in many men's restrooms. Diaper changing tables are prolifertate in public places. Walmart has them as do most travel plazas on the interstate, as well as large dept stores, grocery stores, public facilities in malls, etc, etc etc. Ask your husband or boyfriend.

robert 7-20-2008 @ 5:50AM

kim,
alot of men, most in fact take care of their kids, I take mine to the park and such, all the time...and there are changing tables in most mens rooms as well..??? siily comment kim