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Photographing children: no child’s play
Before getting ready for a photo session with the tots, make sure you have a Working with Children certification. Read on to find out why.
Oliver Pennington
Jul 11, 2014
Photographing children is one of the most challenging jobs since kids are often spontaneous and unpredictable. Sometimes, it’s so difficult to get or keep their attention, and when they’re doing something they really enjoy, they don’t like being disturbed.
Nevertheless, because a child’s image is one of the most precious things any photographer can ever capture, it’s not a surprise that many imagists choose a career in child photography. But before getting ready for a photo session with the tots, make sure you have a Working with Children certification.
What is a Working with Children Check?
Working with Children Check is a pre-employment screening program implemented across most states and territories in Australia, including QLD, NSW, WA, Vic, and NT. Working with Children Check aims to protect children from people who pose a risk of harming them or behaving inappropriately.
Photographers are required to apply for this before starting a job that involves working closely with children. So, they may not need to have licenses, but it is their responsibility to obtain a Working with Children certification.
How to apply for a Working with Children Check
Applying for a Working with Children Check is almost the same in all concerned states and territories in Australia. Whether you’re a photographer doing freelance or volunteer work or you’re working for a photography business, you need to fill out an application form and provide proof of identity (POI) documentation.
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You need to pay an application fee when you lodge your application form at any authorised Australia Post outlet. It usually takes 3 to 12 weeks before the Check is completed.
Some states issue cards to those who pass the Check. Blue Cards are given in QLD, while Ochre Cards are given in NT. Working with Children cards or certifications are valid for 2 to 5 years.
Who else needs a Working with Children Check?
As long as your job entails making contact with children, you must apply for Working with Children Check. However, there are certain situations where people who are engaged in child-related work are exempt from the Working with Children Check. Here are the exemptions.
Meanwhile, Police Checks and Vulnerable People Background Checks are required in SA and ACT, respectively, for those who are working directly with children. For more information, visit http://www.aifs.gov.au.
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