Written by Lucy Holding
There’s a moment many parents will recognise.
It might happen after a school event when photos are shared online, or at a birthday party when another parent posts a group picture. Or it may come quietly at home, when a child asks:
“Why can’t I be in the photo like everyone else?”
For some families, particularly those with adopted or previously looked-after children, this question carries extra weight. Photography is no longer just about capturing memories; it’s about protecting identity, privacy, and sometimes even safety.
Why Privacy Matters
We live in a world where images are shared instantly and widely. A single photograph posted online can be saved, reshared, and viewed far beyond its intended audience. For most families, this is simply part of modern life. But for others, it can present real risks.
Children who are adopted or have been in care may have safeguarding considerations that make public visibility unsafe. In some cases, there may be individuals from a child’s past who should not be able to locate them. Even small details, such as a school logo, a recognisable street, or a familiar landmark, can reveal more than intended.
For these families, choosing not to share identifiable images is not about secrecy. It is about protection.
The Emotional Impact: Wanting to Belong
While the reasons for privacy are clear to adults, they can feel confusing to children.
Through both my work and my personal connections with adoptive families, I’ve seen how these questions can begin to surface as children grow older.
Children naturally want to belong. They want to be part of the class photo, to appear on the school website, and to see themselves reflected in family memories. As they become more aware of differences, they may start to question why their image is treated differently from their peers.
This is where sensitivity is key. Explaining boundaries in an age-appropriate way, framing them as a form of care and protection, can help. But it’s equally important to find ways for children to feel included, even when certain limits are in place.
Practical Ways to Keep Children Safe in Photographs
There are simple, thoughtful ways to balance safety with inclusion:
• Photograph from behind or use side profiles
• Focus on details such as hands, interactions, or moments of connection
• Avoid identifiable features like school logos, house numbers, or street signs
• Be mindful of backgrounds that could reveal location
• Share images privately through secure platforms rather than public social media
These approaches allow children to be part of the story without compromising their safety.
Photographing Children Safely: Navigating Everyday Situations
Managing photography in shared environments such as schools, nurseries, clubs and parties can be one of the biggest challenges.
Many settings now have policies for children who cannot be photographed, but these can sometimes lead to unintentional exclusion. Open conversations with teachers, caregivers, and other parents can help create safer, more inclusive alternatives.
Simple adjustments, like positioning a child differently in a group photo or ensuring images are shared only within closed groups, can make a meaningful difference.
Preparing Children for a Photography Session
For some children, particularly those who may feel unsure around new people or environments, a photography session can feel daunting. This is something I am always deeply mindful of in my work.
My sessions are entirely led by the baby or child. Some arrive full of confidence and ready to explore, while others need a little more time and that is completely okay.
Before each session, I ask parents to complete a short form to help me get to know their child. Learning about their favourite song, a much-loved cartoon character or even their best friend at nursery gives me a starting point for connection.
Something as simple as playing a familiar song or chatting about a favourite character can help a child begin to relax. Trust builds gently, at their pace.
Creating a calm, pressure-free environment is essential. There is no expectation for a child to perform or behave in a certain way. Instead, I follow their lead—allowing space for them to feel safe, comfortable, and themselves.
This approach not only supports more natural photographs but also ensures that the experience itself feels positive and reassuring for both the child and their family.
The Role of the Photographer
As photographers, we have a responsibility that goes far beyond taking beautiful images.
Consent is at the heart of everything I do. I would never share a child’s image without clear permission from a parent or guardian. For some families, the safest option is not to share images publicly at all, and that choice is always respected.
When needed, I adapt my approach creatively, capturing connection, emotion, and storytelling without revealing identity. Often, these images where faces are hidden hold just as much meaning. They show closeness, personality, and love, without compromising safety.
Celebrating Children Safely
Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and included.
Protecting a child’s identity doesn’t mean removing them from the picture. It simply means approaching photography with thought, care, and intention.
Whether through private albums, secure sharing, or creative composition, there are always ways to celebrate children while keeping them safe.
Because in the end, it’s not just about the photograph itself, it’s about protecting a child’s story, while still allowing it to be told.
Lucy is a newborn, baby and family photographer and runs Little Lens Photography Studio based in East Devon. She specialises in capturing special family moments to create lasting memories.
Photographing Children Safely FAQs
Protecting a child’s identity in photographs is essential for safeguarding their privacy and safety. Images shared online can be saved, reshared, and seen by unintended audiences, which may pose risks—especially for adopted or previously looked-after children.
Consent ensures that parents or guardians have control over how their child’s image is used. It respects family boundaries and is especially important for children with safeguarding needs.
Be aware of school or event photography policies, communicate with teachers and other parents, and avoid capturing identifiable details. Positioning and controlled sharing (such as closed groups) can help keep children safe while including them.
Children can still feel included through creative photography that captures their personality and presence without showing their faces. It’s also important to explain boundaries in an age-appropriate way so they understand it’s about care and protection.
Sharing children’s photos on social media can carry risks, particularly for adopted children, as images can spread beyond your control. For added safety, consider using private platforms, secure sharing methods, or limiting visibility to trusted individuals.
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