09/29/2026
Your photographer’s portfolio is not more important than your child’s privacy.
As fall family photo season gets underway, talk with your photographer about privacy before your session (and ideally before you sign the contract).
A professional photographer should clearly explain whether your images may be shared and obtain your permission, preferably through a signed model release. Permission should be clear, not assumed.
You should understand:
• Whether the model release is optional
• Where and how your photos may be used
• Whether you can keep all the images private or approve only certain images for sharing
• Who will have access to your online gallery
Privacy doesn’t have to be all or nothing, either. You can keep most photos private while intentionally creating a few photographs you feel comfortable sharing. You can also share your purchased photographs yourself without giving your photographer permission to use them for marketing. When it comes to your child’s privacy, you’re in control.
I wrote a complete guide to protecting your child’s privacy in family photos, including questions to ask your photographer, details that can identify a child even when their face is hidden, and ways to create meaningful photographs without showing their face.
The full article is available on my website with a link to the blog in my bio.
What questions do you have about privacy, model releases, or how photographers use client images? Leave a comment or send me a DM. I’m happy to answer!
