In today’s world, social media is both a beautiful connector and a quiet divider. It gives us the ability to be close to loved ones who live far away and allows us to share the big and small moments of our lives with people we care about. But at the same time, social media can carry a heavy weight—especially for parents and families who are trying to protect their little ones.
Over this past year, I’ve had the honor of photographing so many incredible families, children, businesses, and returning clients. And throughout this year, one thing has stood out to me more than anything else: the importance of transparency between families and their photographer.
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The Heart Behind “Please Don’t Share Our Photos”
As a mom, I deeply understand the desire to keep your children safe and your family life private. Truly, I do. I have family members who do the exact same thing—no photos of their kids online, ever. And I respect that with my whole heart.
But as a business owner, I’ll be honest: when a magical session is complete, the light was perfect, everyone looked incredible, and I’m so excited about the images… hearing the words “please don’t share any of these online” hurts—just a little.
Not because I don’t respect the request.
Not because I don’t understand.
Not because your choice is wrong.
It hurts because your photos are also how my small business grows. They’re how other families find me. They’re how my work reaches the people who feel connected to my vibrant, bold, and authentic style.
But every single time a family asks me not to share their images, I honor that request—completely.
And that’s why many families return to me year after year: because they know their privacy is safe with me.
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Where Transparency Matters Most
This is why full transparency is so important at the time of booking.
Please don’t ever feel afraid to tell your photographer upfront:
“We prefer our photos not be shared online.”
This isn’t something we judge you for.
This isn’t something we take personally.
This isn’t something that makes us think less of your family.
What it does is allow us to prepare.
Because here’s something most families don’t realize:
If we know ahead of time that your images must remain private, we can tailor your session to still capture stunning images that protect your little ones’ identities.
Silhouettes.
Over-the-shoulder moments.
Hands intertwined.
Candid laughter.
Movement.
Details.
Connection.
Some of the most breathtaking images never show a face at all.
But when we find out after the session—after every beautiful face-forward, smiling-at-the-camera photo is taken—it can feel like a punch to the stomach. Not because we don’t understand, but because we know those images will never be shared, even though we’re so incredibly proud of them.
And often, without knowing your preferences ahead of time, we miss the chance to create additional images designed specifically for social media use that still protect your privacy.
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Reading the Contract Matters, Too
Many families sign contracts quickly (we all do it—I’ve done it myself!). But in that contract is a model release. When you sign it, you’re allowing certain images to be shared for promotional purposes.
If you don’t want your images shared, it’s absolutely okay—but it’s important to communicate this before signing or during the booking process so we can make the proper adjustments.
It protects you.
It protects your boundaries.
It protects your photographer’s workflow.
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Candid Moments Are Where the Magic Happens
One thing I always tell my families—especially those with little ones—is this:
Don’t stress about perfection.
Don’t stress if a baby isn’t looking.
Don’t stress if a toddler is wiggly.
Don’t stress if moments feel chaotic.
That chaos?
That realness?
That connection?
That’s where the magic lives.
Some of the most meaningful images come from the in-between moments—the moments where love is loudest.
And those moments can be shared online without ever revealing a child’s face.
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Why I’m Writing This
This blog isn’t meant to call anyone out.
It isn’t meant to shame.
It isn’t meant to guilt.
It’s written with love, compassion, and total understanding—from one mom to another.
It’s written to encourage open communication.
It’s written to help protect your family’s wishes.
It’s written to help photographers prepare.
It’s written to show that:
Yes—you can keep your little ones safe AND have beautiful images captured.
Yes—you can have stunning family photos without showing faces online.
Yes—we can work together to honor both your privacy and my business needs.
Because at the end of the day, transparency is the foundation of trust.
And trust is the heart of every beautiful session.
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To All My Families This Year
Thank you.
Thank you for trusting me.
Thank you for letting me into your family moments.
Thank you for your kindness, your honesty, your vulnerability, your joy.
And thank you to the families who allow me to share their images. Your openness helps other families discover my work and helps my small business continue to grow.
But to the families who choose privacy—you are equally valued.
Your boundaries matter.
Your children’s safety matters.
Your trust matters most.
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A Special Thank You
I want to extend the warmest thank you to this amazing mama for answering my model call and trusting me with her beautiful family. Your openness, understanding, and willingness to embrace the vision behind this session means more than you know.
Thank you for showing up with your whole heart, for trusting the process, and for allowing me to capture these moments with your three incredible little ones. The transparency we shared as client and photographer is exactly what inspired this blog, and I am forever grateful for you. 💛
Tashena Shaw Photography 