Sharing Kids’ Photos Online: A Family Guide to Privacy, Consent, and Choice
Deciding whether — and how — to share photos of your children online is a deeply personal choice. Many parents feel torn between celebrating their family publicly and protecting their child’s privacy in a fast-changing digital world.
As a Toronto family photographer (and a parent myself), I take this responsibility seriously. My role isn’t just to create meaningful images — it’s to respect your values and give you full control over how those images are shared.
1. Consent First — Always
Your privacy, and your child’s privacy, comes first.
Every family I work with has the option to opt out of having their child’s face shared online, clearly outlined in the contract. Whether you’re comfortable with full sharing, prefer partial anonymity, or want everything kept private, your choice is respected — without question.
This isn’t just paperwork. It’s about clarity, trust, and making sure we’re aligned before the camera ever comes out.
2. What Counts as “Posting”
When we talk about sharing images online, this is what it includes:
Featuring images on my website or blog
Posting on social media (Instagram or Facebook)
Submissions to photography contests or publications
I will never tag your family unless you’ve explicitly asked me to.
And to be clear: nothing is shared without your consent.
3. Creative Alternatives: Faceless Photos
If you prefer not to show your child’s face online, that choice is completely valid — and it doesn’t mean sacrificing storytelling or emotional depth.
Some of the most powerful documentary family images come from working creatively around faces, such as:
Silhouettes in window light
Action shots from behind or just out of frame
A small hand wrapped around a parent’s finger
Details like hair, hands, or bodies in motion
Eyes closed in a quiet, natural moment
This approach isn’t a workaround — it’s a legitimate and respected style of storytelling.
Award-winning documentary family photographer Sabine Doppelhofer built her entire international portfolio around faceless imagery, proving that deeply moving, artful stories don’t require visible faces to be powerful.
Why This Matters Now
Social media and AI technologies are evolving quickly — and so are conversations around children’s digital privacy.
Deciding early how your child appears online isn’t just about photography. It’s about digital agency, long-term autonomy, and giving your family space to decide what feels right — now and in the future.
My job is to create beautiful images and honour your right to choose how those images live in the world.
What to Consider Before Your Session
Before your session, it can be helpful to think about:
How do you feel about your child’s face appearing on social media or blogs?
Would you prefer a mix of private images and faceless storytelling shots?
Are there specific platforms (for example, contests vs. Instagram) you’re comfortable with — or not?
We’ll talk through all of this together and make a plan that fits your comfort level.
Final Thought
No matter what you decide, your photo collection will always be yours — personal, meaningful, and respectful.
If you ever want to revisit your choices after seeing your images, I’m always happy to adjust. Your comfort comes first, always.
🔗 Learn More from Sabine
Want to explore Sabine’s philosophy and portfolio? Check out her article on the “6 Reasons for Faceless Photos” — a thoughtful dive into the creative and ethical power of choice:
👉 6 Reason for Faceless Photos: sabi-doppelhofer.camerafamily.com+1sabi-doppelhofer.camerafamily.com+1
Let’s Chat
Have questions or ideas about privacy, creative shooting, or anything in between? Just reach out — I’m here to listen, share, and support your family’s storytelling journey.
