A new policy from Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Kizner means they can’t take pictures of athletes during school sporting events.
Professional photographers Sandie Waters and Jen Mulenbruck are the inferred subjects of the new policy. The duo had been hired to take photos of athletics teams at Stafford and Colonial Forge high schools, respectively. They’ve been shooting team photos since 2013.
“I am saddened by the decision, I also feel for the Colonial Forge wonderful photographer that this has affected also,” Waters wrote in an email to Potomac Local. “The tremendous outpouring of affection and support from all over has been totally overwhelming! I appreciate everyone’s kind words and comments as they have shared memories they treasure that I have captured for them.”
The photographers struck agreements with the individual high schools that allowed them to stand on the sidelines, shoot photos, and then sell the photos on their respective websites. They both shot football, basketball, baseball, and soccer games. No other school had such agreements with other private photographers.
Waters was not allowed on the sidelines to take photos for Stafford High School’s football game against King George High School on September 6. Waters said she got a phone call from Stafford High School’s athletic director the day before the game telling her to about the new rule.
Despite this, Waters still supports the team.
“I will be in the stands on Friday nights cheering on our Stafford Indians and will continue to support my local community however I can,” Waters wrote.
The photographers offered free watermarked photos for parents and athletes to preview. Both photographers sold the photos privately and would remove the watermark after parents bought the photos.
Both photographers put together each athletic team’s ‘Senior Night’ banners at no cost to the individual school, parents, or players. The photographers sold pictures in digital download and print starting at $4 per photo.
Under Kizner’s new rule, paid student interns will shoot game photos and provide them to the public at no cost. Taxpayers will pick up the tab, paying the students about $14 an hour.
Kizner and Mulenbruck did not respond to Potomac Local’s request for comment.
