[familyop]

"She was pointing it at the photographer. Unless the camera was somehow set to a remote shutter - there is NO excuse for pointing a weapon at another person."

Which of your scenarios do you presume? If the former, please tell us as to what part the photographer had in the photo shot. Was the photographer a firearms hobbyist? If so, did he or she talk the subject of the photo into posing? Is he a gunsmith, and did he check the firearm before telling her to pose with it? Is the firearm capable of firing rounds?

...so many mindreaders and answers, so little testimony or evidence. It is most healthy to assume that the weapon was not capable of firing a round at the time of photo, and parents and school administrators are pathological for considering terminating anyone for that.

[Cringing Negativism Network]

Simple safely rule to avoid any confusion:

Assume all weapons, are always, loaded and off “safe”.

Behave appropriately!

Never. Never point a weapon at another person. Unless they are threatening you.

For any reason.

Even representing that act, is wrong.