Why You Won’t See Children’s Faces on My Website or Social Media Anymore
Privacy for children in portrait photography is something I've been thinking and praying about for a long time.
Thoughts About Privacy for Children from Family Photographer in Kansas City
For years, I've had the honor of photographing families in some of their most meaningful seasons—welcoming new babies, documenting the wild and wonderful in-between, and capturing the legacy of everyday moments. Many of those moments include children—laughing, exploring, clinging to their mom or dad, or racing ahead barefoot. And so many of those photos have been shared on my website and social media over the years, with love and permission.
But I've made a shift.
Starting now, I've decided not to share photos that include children's faces online—whether in blog posts, on my website, or social media.
A Changing World and a Shift in Perspective
Technology is moving at a rapid pace—faster than most of us are comfortable admitting. Between AI, facial recognition, image scraping, and increasing cases of technological crimes against children, it's easier than ever for someone to download and use a photo in ways we never intended. I don't share this to cause fear but to acknowledge the reality: what once felt harmless or simple doesn't feel that way anymore.
As a mom and a photographer, I've been increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of sharing children's faces online—even with consent. Because the truth is, children can't truly understand what they're agreeing to.
Their faces are not part of a portfolio. They are part of someone's childhood. And while I've always tried to share with care, I've come to believe that for me, the most respectful and responsible choice is not to share those images at all.
While this practice is practically unheard-of in the photography world and the reality is that it may cost me business because I will not be sharing new content featuring families smiling at my camera, I trust that this is the right decision for my most vulnerable clients.
What This Means for Your Session
This change won't affect how I photograph your family.
I'm still here to document the belly laughs, the curls and chubby toes, the dirt-covered fingers, the snuggles and joy. I'll still tell your family's story with the same attention, warmth, and honesty as always. The only difference is where those images go afterward: into your gallery, onto your walls, into your hands—not onto the internet.
You may still see photos where children are pictured from behind, in silhouette, or in a way that doesn't show their faces. However, I won't be sharing any identifiable information about minors in the future.
If I've already photographed your family and featured your children's images in a blog post or online gallery, and you'd prefer those to be removed, I'm happy to take them down. Just reach out.
Protecting What Matters Most
This shift is personal. It reflects my values, both as a parent and a business owner.
I believe in telling stories with care. I believe in protecting what matters most. And I believe in giving families something lasting, not something that trends for a few hours online and disappears into a sea of likes.
This decision doesn't come from a place of fear—it comes from intention. And if you've worked with me before, you already know how much I value intentionality in every part of the photography process.
For Fellow Parents Navigating This Too
If you've been thinking about this too—about how and where your children's images are shared—I want you to know you're not alone. We're all learning as we go. There is no judgment here about doing things "right.” It's just a choice I've made after a lot of thought and prayer, and it's one I feel peace about.
Whether you share your kids' faces online or not, whether you're still figuring it out or you've never thought about it until now—your decisions are your own. My goal is simply to be clear about mine.
Thank You for Trusting Me
To every family who's invited me into your story: thank you.
Thank you for your trust, your warmth, and for allowing me to witness the beauty of your real, everyday life. That part hasn't changed—and won't. If anything, this decision will enable me to focus even more on delivering images that are meant to be cherished in real life, not just scrolled past.
I'm still photographing families. I'm still telling stories. I'm just choosing to keep those stories a little closer to home.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, I'm always happy to chat.
With gratitude and joy,
Merry
Thanks for reading about why you won’t see children’s faces on my website and social media in Kansas City! Leave your thoughts and comments below!
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