Teenage Paparazzo?

With all of the coverage celebrities receive (most of which sometimes not even newsworthy), it was only a matter of time that the nation discovers the lives of the paparazzi. But a documentary by actor Adrian Grenier showcases the daily life of one very special paparazzo. This certain paparazzo's name is Austin and he's 13 years old.

13 years old.

Paparzzo is defined as "one who takes candid pictures of celebrities for publication; freelance photographer." Most celebrities find these individuals annoying because they are constantly trying to snap the best or most controversial picture. If a paparazzo happens to catch a celebrity coming out of the restaurant with their trousers unzipped, paycheck. If a celebrity has been in a car accident and a paparazzo is on the scene, paycheck. This is a way of life for these individuals. It is how they pay for their child's school or feed themselves for the week. Austin doesn't have to worry about that. He's only 13.

The documentary (set to air on HBO tonight, Monday, at 9pm) follows Austin as he snaps pictures of Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and other big name celebrities. He has his own camera, stays out until the wee hours of the night, and gets paid for his photographs. Is this ethical?

Where are his parents???

Everyone raises children differently. Some are strict and some are lenient; however, should a mother and father let their child go out into the streets at night alone to take photographs of celebrities? Maybe they believe it will be a phase and Austin will decide he does not want to choose this way of life for a career. Maybe they accept his hobby and want to teach him at a young age how difficult the lifestyle can be. But are the dark streets of Los Angeles a place for a 13 year old? Is it safe for him to be out there with people who are twice his size? Are there child labor laws involved here? When does he go to school, since he most likely sleeps in the daytime?

I've linked the title of this blog entry to the HBO site where you can watch the trailer.