[dtengineering]

I really don't think the robot cares whether or not someone takes a photo of it or not, but do agree that it is proper etiquitte to ask to take a photo of a person, whether or not you have the legal right to take a photo and regardless of whether someone has signed a waiver allowing their photo to be used.

Since the pit areas usually have people in them, as well as a robot, the suggestion that it is polite to ask permission to take a photo is quite reasonable. I don't think I would suggest that anyone "should have a problem" with it when not asked for the photo, however, if a photographer asks nicely, the people will probably move out of the way and/or pose the robot to give the photographer a much better shot.... as well chat about their machine and team.

At the same time, there are great photos to be had of teams in action when urgent repairs are under way, and at those times it is probably inappropriate to butt in and ask for a photo... but don't go shoving a camera in there or blasting off your flash a dozen times, either. Discreetly take your photo and carry on. If you captured a great shot, come back later and share it with the team.

Although it could, perhaps, have been phrased a bit differently, I think the original post serves a valuable reminder to everyone with a camera to use discretion and good manners when taking photos... at FRC events and anywhere else, for that matter.

Jason