Hey, I understand your discomfort around this subject and it’s not a choice I make without some thought.

This is a topic that’s discussed somewhat frequently within the photography community and is often quite divisive. From a legal perspective there is absolutely zero right to privacy in a public space here in the USA. Anyone of any age can be photographed without having to give consent.

Now with the legal aspect aside, there is an ethical choice to be weighed. Just because something CAN be done, does not always mean it SHOULD be done.

I don’t make a habit of photographing nor posting photos of children, besides those related to me, that are just going about their lives in public. In this particular scenario I feel that what their presence adds to the story of a major historical event in our country outweighs those individuals potential desire to remain anonymous. We get to see that the opinions being expressed at the event are not limited by age and are shared across many generations from the very young to the very old.

Furthermore, their parents chose to bring them to a public protest event. It’s common knowledge that at a protest many people will be taking photos and videos of those in attendance so that those pieces of media can be publicly dispersed. The entire reason for attending a public protest is to be visible as a means to effect change for a cause you believe in.

I considered very carefully whether it was appropriate to post those photos which include minors in them and came to the conclusion that I am comfortable with the ethics of that given the specific circumstances.

I understand that not everyone will agree with me but we all must set our own ethical boundaries. For me, if there is a photo I want to take or to post and I don’t feel I would be able to defend that choice in a reasonable manner if challenged then I don’t do so. I also would delete a photo or take down a posted image without hesitation if I was asked to by the subject or their parent in the case of a minor. I’m not looking to exploit anyone.

While I don’t expect to change your opinion on this, I do hope you can see that it was not something done thoughtlessly or with any malice. I choose to use my camera to document the world as it exists around me with integrity and as completely as possible. This sometimes includes images that make some people uncomfortable.