3 Ways Your Boudoir Photographer May Be Violating Your Privacy

Boudoir photography privacy should be a top concern for every woman when picking a photographer. Boudoir photoshoots are personal and revealing, meant to showcase confidence and beauty in an intimate setting.

Yet, and perhaps unsurprisingly, not all photographers hold the privacy of these moments with the care they deserve. Some might share your images on social platforms like Instagram with you unknowingly giving them permission.

Others may be letting random people edit your photos or include sneaky clauses in contracts that give them rights to use your pictures as they please. Also, lapses in digital photo security could expose your private images to unauthorized eyes.

Hi. I'm Mike Cassidy. I'm a seasoned expert from New Jersey with over 15 years under my belt, and I know the importance of safeguarding client's images. I've seen how quickly trust can break if privacy is not treated as priority number one.

This articles contains some important concerns, and questions you should be asking any boudoir photographer before you hand over your cash. Your boudoir photos are between you, and the person you share them with... and that is how it should be.

Keep reading for insights into keeping your boudoir photography experience safe and sound.

Key Takeaways

• Check if your boudoir photographer outsources photo editing and ask about the security measures those third parties use. It's important to confirm that only trusted professionals handle your sensitive images.

• Always read session contracts carefully for any clauses that might risk your privacy, such as unwanted sharing of photos. Look for permissions or model release sections that detail how your images can be used.

• Ask your photographer about their methods for securing digital photos after the session. Ensure they use strong encryption and secure storage practices to protect against unauthorized access or data breaches.

• Consider requesting a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) from your photographer to legally ensure your privacy is maintained according to agreed terms.

• Knowing where and how your photos are stored, edited, and potentially shared empowers you to take control over your own privacy during the boudoir photography experience.

Issue 1: Outsourcing Photo Editing

There is a growing trend among boudoir photographers who choose to send their raw images to someone else for retouching. Outsourcing may not be a big concern for a nature photographer dealing with waterfalls, but when the subject is you without clothes on, it becomes a major privacy issue. This step might expose your private photos to people you don't know (or the photographer doesn't know!) without proper security checks.

Risks of unvetted third parties handling sensitive photos

Plain and simple: Your photographer should not be outsourcing your personal photos for editing to ANYBODY. Handing over your boudoir photographs to unvetted third parties poses significant risks. These photos hold personal value and showcase intimate moments. Yet, this is increasingly happening in boudoir photography, and worse, your boudoir photographer will not even tell you...

This outsourcing can occur, for example, in the case of newer boudoir photographers who don't have the desire, or want to put in the time to learn editing (which is painstaking process.) There are no shortcuts, and in this era of now! now! now! new photographers love the idea of calling themselves a boudoir "pro" but don't have interest in putting in the time and energy of learning the craft in an expert manner.

You won't see outsourcing mentioned on a boudoir photographer's website, and in many cases the ignorance of these photographers will keep them from even realizing their privacy offense... but this shouldn't be an excuse.

How can you tell if this is happening? Well, it may not be easy, but one sign may be "Girl Boss"-type boudoir photographers who refer to themselves in their website copy as "CEOs of their businesses." This can be a euphemism for "I want to be seen as running a business, but I'm not doing any of the work..." Meaning, they show up to take your photos, but they don't have time for "petty" tasks, like photo editing, and your private photos may wind up being emailed to a rando's laptop in the Mid-East for editing.

Imagine someone you didn't approve, or even know of, viewing or even sharing your private photos online! This breach of privacy can lead to emotional distress and tarnish personal transformation experiences. Hello, and welcome to the world of boudoir photography!

Importance of confirming security measures in place

How can you really know if this is happening with your potential boudoir photographer? Plain and simple... you have to ask them. Remember: Anyone can call themselves a "pro" photographer. "Pro" doesn't mean anything. Boudoir photography is a weird world. It's flooded with people who wake up one morning, decide they are going to "change the world" and launch careers as "pros" with no experience, technical photography skills, or editing skills.

I've heard stories of boudoir photographer's hiring "random" people on websites like fiverr and paying them a few bucks to handle their sensitive photo editing. Not only does this lead to mass inconsistency in photo styling, but it's exposing your personal photos without your knowledge.

Boudoir photography is an art form that is unique to each photographer. Just like a guitar player develops their own style, photographers develop their own style and look. Often, photographers who outsource will have no consistency or style among their images-- which makes sense, because it could be dozens of different people editing them. --Not only that, typically, it's low quality work, as well.

Unvetted third parties can mishandle your sensitive photos, as well. So remember, always ask your boudoir photographer candidate during your consultation who is doing editing of the photos. If they mention anything sounding like outsourcing, it may be a signal to find another photographer.

Issue 2: Sneaky Inclusions of Photo Releases In Session Contracts

Boudoir photographers may include sneaky clauses in their session contracts giving them permission to use your photos in various way. These can easily violate your privacy. Always carefully check for model release statements before signing anything. Make sure you understand how they will use your images.

Common clauses that may violate privacy

Boudoir photographers may include clauses in session contracts that can invade your privacy. One common clause allows them to share or showcase your images without you even realizing you've approved this!

This practice can lead to unwanted exposure on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, or the photographer's website. A "model release" in their session contract may give them the right to use your retouched photos for marketing purposes, which you might not want.

Here's the thing... in some cases the boudoir photographer may not even realize they are doing it! They may be purchasing generic photo contracts via someone selling starter photography documents or "kits" online. These kits may include common documents photographers may use such as pricing menus, marketing materials, etc.. These kits may also include generic photographer session contracts, which by default may include photo releases.

The photographer may copy/paste these session photo contracts into their CMS booking software, and often not read them (big mistake.) Then, when you are booking your session with them, and paying your session fee, you are likely digitally signing this session contract, which you, yourself, may have not even read (geez! I don't blame you... they can be long) and perhaps you just signed away permission for the boudoir photographer to use your photos in any way they wish... in perpetuity.

Some photographers may even know the release is there and say, "Yeah, I saw that, but I don't use anyone's photos like that...it's OK." Alright. So, why aren't you taking it out of the session contract?

By understanding these aspects and asking questions, you can protect your image and privacy effectively.

Thoroughly review your session contract

How will you know these photo releases are in your session contract? Well, you have to do a bit of reading, and although it can be worded differently, you have to pay attention to wording along the lines of...

To the extent permitted under applicable law, the Client hereby grants to Photographer and its legal representatives and assigns the irrevocable, perpetual, transferable, and unrestricted right to reproduce, display, publicly perform, use and publish Photographs of the Client and any Photograph acquired during the Clients' photography session(s) for editorial, trade, advertising and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; and to alter the same without restriction. To the extent permitted under applicable law, the client hereby releases Photographer and its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to said Photographs.

If you see something that looks kind of like that, there may be a photo release in your boudoir photography session contract.

So, what to do? Yes, it can be an innocent mistake. As noted, photographers may purchase these session contracts from a photography document company (or a photographer selling digital products) and may have not even read it themselves. Signing this session contract, however, gives the photographer permission to use your photos how they wish.

They may say, "Well, I don't use my client's photos," or "I just get pre-permission in case a client wants to donate photos after a session," but if you are uncomfortable with this language, ask them to remove it from your session contract before your sign anything. If they don't want to, it may be time to find a new boudoir photographer. They may indeed, not share your photos, but why would they then include that language in their session contacts? Either way, it's not a good look.

Issue 3: Lapses in Securing Digital Photos

In today's digital age, securing your boudoir photos is crucial. You'd be surprised that 99% of boudoir photographer don't mention any sort of privacy or photo security policy on their websites. OK... so what is the photographer doing with your photos after your project is completed? A lack of a proper policy can lead to unwanted access. Always ask your photographer about their security practices.

Importance of encryption and secure storage post-session

What should your boudoir photographer be doing? Simple... either deleting your photos when your project is complete, or encrypting and archiving your photos. Encryption protects your photos after the session. Photographers must use strong encryption methods, like 256-bit security, to keep images safe from prying eyes. Storing photos in three separate locations—working drive, archive drive, and encrypted cloud backup—adds layers of protection.

Insecure storage can lead to serious consequences. Computer viruses are everywhere which can give bad actors assess to a photographer's computer...and your photos. Likewise, leaving your photos unprotected on an external hard drive can expose all your images in a case of theft or loss.

Leaked boudoir images can violate your privacy and cause emotional distress. Always confirm that your photographer follows strict security measures for digital storage.

You deserve peace of mind regarding how they manage sensitive content, so ask about their practices upfront. Searching for a nondisclosure agreement? It’s a good step towards ensuring confidentiality as well.

As I noted earlier, shockingly, many boudoir photographers will not even mention privacy or how they secure your images on their websites. And even more shockingly, when they are confronted about their security plan-- often there is no answer. Remember that boudoir photography is a bit of a weird industry. Anyone can pop up on any given day and claim they are a pro. Often these people will not only lack photography skills, they will be probably also lacking in the technical department, as well.

I cannot express how important it is a potential boudoir client, to ask hard questions, such as about security, to a potential boudoir photographer candidate. You need to be informed about such critical issues, because odds are, your photographer won't be!

Conclusion

You now understand three key ways boudoir photographers might compromise your privacy. First, outsourcing editing services can put your sensitive photos at risk. Second, hidden clauses in contracts may allow unauthorized sharing of images.

Third, poor digital security can lead to unwanted exposure of your private moments. It certainly may be the case there where photographer's aren't even aware they are violating your privacy. We've all seen Kitchen Nightmare's, and the horribly disgusting manner in which restaurants can be run-- this type of scene isn't lost on boudoir photography. There are plenty of bad photographers out there. You need to be educated to help prevent from walking into one of these "Kitchen Nightmares" scenarios.

These strategies are straightforward to implement and essential for safeguarding your personal images. Prioritizing privacy not only protects you but also enhances the confidence you place in your photographer.

Boudoir photography is a fun, amazing experience, but there are many pitfalls that you, as a client, must navigate. Always. Always. Always. Have a list of prepared questions about concerns, such as these, ready to ask any potential boudoir candidate before you book.

Take charge of your experience! Your comfort is paramount in boudoir photography. Embrace this opportunity to celebrate yourself confidently and privately!

If there is a way I can help. Or if you have questions. Send me a note.

--Mike.

FAQs

1. What are some ways a boudoir photographer may violate my privacy?

A boudoir photographer could potentially breach your privacy by sharing your photos without consent, storing them insecurely, or even using them for promotional purposes without obtaining explicit permission.

2. Can I ask my boudoir photographer about their privacy policies?

Absolutely! It is crucial to ask about how they store and use your photographs before hiring them. You have every right to know how they intend to protect your privacy.