I voted that yes, it was safe, because it was stated that all the weapons were checked and assuredly unloaded. Is this smart? No. Is it responsible? Not really. It's a bad example, but it's not the end of the world as some posts seem to indicate.
Now, I'm new in here and I live in California, but I'm involved in the whole Hollywood scene, and as you know from watching movies, guns are an intrinsic part of our filmed entertainment. And those aren't airsoft guns. Many of them are real, sometimes loaded with blanks, sometimes completely unloaded. Now yes, there have been accidents (Jason Lee was killed when an over-charged wax bullet was used at too close a range) but for the most part it is very safe.
As long as there is someone who is tasked with, and it is there responsibility to assure the safety or arms, whether on a set or at an impromptu photo shoot like this, I'm ok with some leeway. I've personally been in charge of arms around others and the rules I set down are simple. One table is clearly marked "Unsafe" - these are guns that have not been checked or verified by me personally. Then there is a safe table. Only I or someone I designate can go to that table. It is always supervised. I personally assure every magazine is empty and every chamber clear.
I use this same method for training friends, family, etc, for using firearms. Before I let someone touch a firearm, I personally inspect it to make sure the weapon has been made completely safe. And then there is room for leeway.
So what these kids are doing is not something you should emulate, but a responsible and knowledgeable gun owner can make a weapon completely safe to be handled. Like in the movies where real guns are pointed at real people (verified safe) or in photos, or portraits.
I've never posted a picture before, but I'm going to try. Below is John Browning, finger on the trigger for a portrait. Shall you demonize him or trust that he has made the weapon completely safe?