09/03/2026
I’ve been thinking a lot about the conversations happening right now around photographers sharing children’s images, AI, and what the future of putting our work online looks like.
After thinking about it, I’ve decided that I’m not going to stop sharing the beautiful, genuine moments I’m trusted to photograph, and share with permission. I’m not going to let the worst people on the internet dictate how we experience photography, how I run my business, or how families get to enjoy their memories.
We created digital footprints long before most of us ever heard the term “generative AI.” And here’s the uncomfortable truth: *we have never been completely risk-free.* Before AI, there was Photoshop. Before that, people could physically cut photographs apart and manipulate them. People have always found ways to misuse images.
I don’t think the answer is for all of us to surrender the joy of documenting our lives because someone *might* misuse a photograph. I think the answer is to demand better protections. There ARE ways for these AI programs to have safe-guards in place, and they need to be required.
We should be demanding that our government take the misuse of AI seriously and protect children and families not simply protect the enormous investments being made into AI technology. The recent court ruling involving AI-generated CSAM is exactly why this conversation needs to continue. The fact that our laws can collide with rapidly evolving technology in ways that leave children vulnerable should make all of us pay attention. I just don’t want fear to convince families that they should stop celebrating their children with their loved ones.
For my business, my answer is going to be simple:
I will keep sharing my work when I have permission to do so.
You should be able to look at my page and get a first impression!
You should be able to look and see the squishy newborn cheeks, the missing teeth, the wild toddler expressions, the siblings who actually love each other for five minutes, the quiet little moments between a parent and their baby.
That’s the work I’m proud of!
But there is one thing I will never assume:
*CONSENT.*
If you hire me and you don’t want your child’s images online, just tell me. I don’t need a reason. I’m not going to try to convince you otherwise, and I’m not going to make you feel like you’re taking something away from my business.
*These photographs belong to your memories first and my portfolio second.*
Maybe you’re comfortable with your child being featured, but you’d rather I share images where their face isn’t visible. That’s completely fine, too. Let’s collaborate on what feels right for your experience.
I don’t believe there is one universal answer for every photographer or every family when it comes to AI and the internet.
Some families will choose complete privacy.
Some will be comfortable sharing.
Some will change their minds over time.
*All choices are valid.*
What I can control is how I run my business and how I treat the people who trust me as their photographer.
*My portfolio helps tell people what I do.*
*Your permission tells me what I’m allowed to share.*
And I think both things can exist at the same time. 💜
