PRIVACY & SECURITY
File security and you privacy is paramount...
Make an informed decision.
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ARE YOUR FILES SAFE?
So, what happens to your image files after your session is completed? Ever stop to think about that? Although, boudoir has come a long way over the past fifteen years and is more "mainstream," there is still an expectation of security & privacy when it comes to your files. Are your boudoir photos safe? Shockingly, 95% of boudoir photographers have no security plan in place, or mention their security procedures on their website. THIS IS SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE ONE. Even worse-- if you asked them about this, you'd be greeted with a blank stare.
This is an important topic, and I make an effort to educate not only boudoir clients, but also boudoir photographers on practices that should be implemented to help your private files secure. You can read my detailed article about What Happens To Your Boudoir Photos After Your Session here.
Even if I am not your final choice, one of the questions you should be asking any prospective photographer is "What happens to my files after my project is completed?" If there is any hesitation or uncertainty, it may be an indication this person may not have a security plan for your photos. This is a red flag and a sign it may be time to work with another photographer.
My standard is to archive your files using AES-128 bit Encryption, which is one of the strongest standardized encryption available. It is used for secret information all over the world. For more information on AES encryption you can read here.
Although I do not guarantee life time storage of archives, your photos are stored securely in the event you need copies, or would like to make reprints in the future. (Hey, albums have wound up in the hands of "exes" after a break up, and clients may need to recreate albums, or get second copies down the line.) It is certainly not unusual that clients request copies of photos for extra prints, personal file loss, etc., after a period of time a sessions has been completed.
Additionally, at the request of a client, your files can be purged immediately after your project is competed, as well. Remember: This action is final, and your photos will not be available the event of personal loss of data or prints.
IMPORTANT: A Word On Image Outsourcing
I NEVER outsource image editing.
A growing number of boudoir photographers outsource their image editing... meaning they're a bit too lazy to do the work so they share your private photos with random people to edit without your knowledge or permission. Again, this is a gross breach of a client's privacy. Emailing a client's private photos to an unvetted 3rd party editor hired on a gig website for a few dollars is a violation of your privacy. --And you won't even be told about this. Do you want your private photos on the laptop of some unknown person in the Mid East or Asia? Who knows where they could end up next.
Always ask a boudoir photographer if they outsource their editing. Not only might your images not be safe, but it creates huge inconsistencies in editing style. If they have no answer, or say yes-- it's a huge red flag and a sign it may be time to find another photographer. You can read more about outsourcing here.
