My sister sends a yearly calender to all of my family members with photos of her family matched with each month. This year her order was denied due to a photo that was of her son playing hockey and copyrighted by a photographer I have yet to get info on, but suspect is employed by a company in the media business. I wondered about the laws of photographing him as a person, and a minor, and what the rights and regulations are concerning the photographer. Is he/she required to ask permission to use such photos and is he required to ask permission of the subject or in the case of a minor, his parents or legal guardian? Jake? Anyone?

My understanding is that at a public event (and sports events usually qualify unless the facility has specific requirements for commercial photographers) photos taken by individuals of a public activity of public figures (athletes, for example) are fair game. So, no, the photographer probably does not need the subject's permission.

Here's a link to what appears to be a pretty decent overview of when a release might be required or not. Look under the "Use for commercial gain" section under "Also excepted..." - that would apply to your nephew, I think.

http://www.baja.com/sensuousline/sline0799/mag4-6model_releases.shtml

(but don't look at the rest of the site unless you like sensuous pictures ;-) ).

Jake