Who's the parent?

[Sherry]

Any suggestions on a good and friendly way to find out who the parent is?  I feel a bit awkward in this situation that comes up a lot at events.  I want parental permission to take a photo and many times there are adults all crowded up around that appear to me to be a parent or part of the family, but come to find out, it's not even their child... they are in fact just a bystander.  The parent may end up far away at a picnic table or whatnot.

Many times, I'll say, "are you here with your mom or dad?"  But this feels a bit silly if the mom or dad happens to be standing right there next to the child. 

[MandiIlene]

I usually just ask the people standing around if it is ok, and then they will say if they are not the parent or not. You cant be responsible to know who all these kids parents are. But honestly I usually take pictures at public gigs, unless its amazing and I need it that bad.

Mandi