Photographing friends.

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[selvin]

There will always be some aura of suspicion about taking photographs especially if it's done on the sly.

I would recommend doing as much as possible out in the open, when the parents are present and also giving copies of your work to the parents assuming of course these are G rated.

Good luck

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[BillDrew]

Why would parents be more suspicious of what you are doing just because there is a camera? If you have that problem, I doubt it has anything to do with photography.

[rjseeney]

I don't see anything to be worried about...if however you are planning on selling photos, I would get model releases and announce your intention prior to shooting. If the subject is a minor, the parents will need to sign the model release.

[eric s]

Another thing you need to consider is how you interact with the models.
You need to talk with them about what will be happening. Some people will be uncomfortable if you touched them in any way ("turn your shoulder like this..." In other words completely innocent) Others won't care.

You'll want to talk about what ideas you have, and listen to their ideas. If you'll include props (a book, a flower, whatever.) You'll want to make them comfortable. Just because they want to do it (as a concept) when it actually comes time to do it their reaction might be something else.

And lighting is very important. It sets a mood, enhances and reduces the importance of specific areas of the image. Experiment with lighting, you'll be happy you did.

Eric

[atlantagreg]

You might want to save up and invest in one of the fold-up photo backgrounds that attaches to a tripod type stand - even a light or two if you have the money. Places like B&H and the larger Wolf stores have less expensive starter kits for people just getting into it.

I mean, going to a friends house and going up to their bedroom with a camera might freak out mom and dad, especially if they're in a conservative area like the deep south (they can find sex references in pizza down here). But going to a friends house with a background, light, and a camera just shows your interest in photography. The parents will probably even want a copy of the pics themselves at that point.

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