09/29/2026
A REALLY IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS πΈβ οΈ
** EDIT: I have updated the image so that the focus (excuse the pun!) is not completely on my son! This is because I did not realise how much attention this post would get! I have permission from all parents to use the photographs. The image was made using Canva!!
Something is happening with school photographs that I feel parents need to be aware of. π
Photographers are increasingly seeing parents use AI tools to remove watermarks from school photographs rather than purchasing the image. π€πΈ
I understand that school photographs are an expense, and that AI makes removing a watermark incredibly easy. But there are two very important things to consider. β οΈ
Firstly, the photograph is still copyrighted. Β©οΈ
There is something many parents may not realise about school photography.
I don't charge the schools for taking their photographs. π«πΈ
I turn up with professional cameras and lighting, photograph hundreds of children, spend hours editing and preparing the images, provide secure online galleries and deal with all the administration - in the hope that parents will choose to buy the photographs. β€οΈ
Those sales are what make it possible for me to provide this service. π
So when a watermarked photograph is uploaded to AI and the watermark is removed instead of the image being purchased, it's not just a missed sale. It directly affects my livelihood and the ability of my small business to continue providing school photography. π
But I'm even more concerned about something else. β οΈ
Your child's photograph is being uploaded to an AI service. π§π¦π€
That may be a recognisable photograph of your child in their school uniform, potentially alongside identifying information. Parents may not know exactly how different AI services process, retain or use uploaded images. π
Please think carefully before uploading your child's photograph to an AI tool simply to remove a watermark. β€οΈ
If you'd like the photograph, please purchase it through the photographer's secure gallery.
But please don't use AI to remove the watermark. π«π€
Behind every one of the school photographs I take is a real photographer, a real small business and a livelihood. πΈβ€οΈ
And behind every photograph of a child is something even more important: their privacy and safety. β€οΈπ
Please share this. I genuinely think parents need to be aware π