09/04/2026
Alright my friends.. we need to talk about something. I normally NEVER share my opinions on something like this, as I don't think that controversial things belong near my business.. but I think this one deserves to be recognized.
And I have been asked my stand point now from a few people, so it's time to share mine.
There have been an overwhelming amount of people / photographers posting about changing policies to stop sharing photos of children due to the new ruling around AI generated CSAM.
I don't think a lot of people realize that.. there is AI in our editing. Photoshop has AI. A lot of culling programs, editing programs, etc etc etc have AI in them. Removing faces of children from social media doesn't stop AI from having access to these photos.
And I get it. I see the fear. Children's protection comes first. Children should always be the priority.
I also respect every photographers decision on how they choose to handle this.
But when did we stop respecting what a parent wants for their own children?
I A L W A Y S ask my clients before posting if they are okay with their photos being on social media / the web. Always have, always will.
And guess what - from a follower stand point there are a lot of sessions you don't see posted because some parents choose to not post their kids / family, and that's okay! Some times my social medias may look slow (could be because I stink at posting as my husband would say) but sometimes it's because not all sessions are being posted.
It's also okay if a parent is okay with having their kids posted. No matter what a parent chooses - is the right answer.
And that is why I will continue to post the same content around here.
Because at the end of the day - it's the parents choice.
And parents - if you want some photos to share on social media but don't want your kids face in them.. ask.
I will never deny / judge you for what decisions you make for your children, and the type of photos you want.
At the end of the day, my job is to create photos and connection that serve you as the client.
I don't think photographers who have permission from a parent to post are the enemy here. I don't think how ever a photographer chooses to move forward with this is wrong.
Sincerely.... a business owner, photographer, momma and someone who cares.
XOXO,
Desiree