Children's photography - using photos on the web?

<p>Hi there,<br /><br />I have been offline for a while, and it is lovely to be back. I am not sure if this is the appropriate forum for this question, but I couldn't find a forum for baby and children's photography, and given that I used to hang out in this one, I thought I would try here...<br /><br />I am currently setting up my website for baby and children's photography, and am umming and ahhing about what I feel comfortable including. Most children's photographers I know include lots of photos of naked babies or semi-wrapped babies (and clothed older children), and upload new ones to their blogs all the time... And that is what I was planning on doing... Until a colleague told me that she only has a couple of photos on her website, and that she works on word of mouth, and emails a link to her password protected portfolio if they are interested, as she is uncomfortable sharing photos of kids online.<br /><br />So now I am totally confused about how I feel about this. On the one hand I feel like this could seriously hamstring my business (although she doesn't find that to be the case), and on the other hand - I can see her point.<br /><br />What are other people's thoughts and feelings on this (not from a legal perspective - I of course would get model releases if I am going to upload any photos), but from the point of view of how comfortable we are with online photos of kids, and naked babies... Am I being paranoid? Or is it good to keep these things more private for the families.<br /><br />So confused! Thanks in advance!<br />Karina </p>

<p>Start with a written consent from the parents.</p>

<p>I work as a kids photographer. I find at least 95% of parents have no problems with me using their shots. I don't put names or locations, just the image. Every now and then I get someone who doesn't want their images used, so I don't. (Usually lawyers, I guess they don't trust people.)<br>

I never get written consent, although I might if i worked in the USA.</p>

<p>I would get written consent, not use any names, and definately no nude photos. You might offer a small discount if the parent lets you use the photo.</p>

<p>It's only the USA that worries about naked babies btw. The rest of the world doesn't have any problem with it.</p>

Obsessing about what a few sick idiots

might do with images is an industry

driven by other sick idiots.

 

Thank you for supporting our care in

the community programme for the

terminally daft.

<p>It may be seen as objectionable that the pictures will be used for advertising. In the USA that probably is something to think about. About the rest of the world, I agree with Ian.</p>

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<p>Thank you for supporting our care in the community programme for the terminally daft.</p>

 

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<p>I lol'd so hard as this. To true. :)</p>

<p>Of the People Photos I make, most are of children* and youths*: <a href="/photo/17465219">commissioned portraiture</a>; <a href="/photo/16546075&size=lg">street/candid</a> and <a href="/photo/9193571&size=lg">sports images</a>. I don’t have any issue with displaying or showing the images I make. I agree with the comments by Ian - I usually I don’t specifically get written permission to show the People Photos that I make, but, I also don’t work in the USA.<br />*[infants (colloquial ’babies’) are 0 to 2 years; children are 2 to 12 years; youths are 12 to 18 years]</p>

<p>It occurs to me that you are thinking of commissioned portraiture - I suggest that you should be abreast of the Copyright Laws as they apply to this type of Portrait Work – this is this area that I suggest you will need paperwork.</p>

<p>Although I don’t usually do much Baby Portraiture, I would have no issue making and displaying images which I had made, of naked or swaddling-style wrapped, Babies.</p>

<p>WW<br /><br /><br /></p>

<p>In the US labs have reported nude baby photos to the police and there have been prosecutions for child pornography. Even if not convicted, one does not need the trouble. The US is far more puritanical than Europe.</p>

<p>Thank you for your reassuring replies. I promise I am not obsessing HP - though you did give me a good laugh too; but just wanted a reality check after my colleague mentioned they don't post images, and because I know recently I have wondered about whether I should be posting images of my own DD on Facebook, and then that got me to wondering where you draw the line. There is a bit of media discussion in Australia (where I am from) at the moment, about thinking about the digital footprint legacy you are leaving behind for your kids, and I just thought it was worth considering these issues thoroughly before uploading, as once photos are out there, they cannot be taken back, so I want to make sure that whatever decision I make is well thought out. You have given me some good food for thought. Thank you!<br /><br /> </p>

Karina,

I am married to a woman who is very paranoid about images of our daughter being on line, for just the reasons you

noted, dressed or otherwise. But I would think having a good representation of your work is pretty important to your

business. I don't think I, as a customer, would be interested in your services unless I could see what magic you can

do behind the image.