I am saying this with the gentlest heart of a teacher and the voice of a business owner of almost 18 years who has made all of the mistakes in the industry.  This is not directed at anyone in particular and it is not a response to any specific post that I have seen recently. But I see it over and over in photography groups.

When people post photos in a photography facebook group with a statement like, “I can’t share these anywhere yet” (bridals, birth announcements, sneak peeks), my stomach always sinks.

As professional photographers, it is our job to maintain professionalism at all times, especially when it comes to client privacy.

Clients trust us to take care of something very intimate– their photos of private moments in their lives.

Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not you should post photos in a group before the world can see them.

You have no idea how many degrees of separation people are.

What if your client’s college roommate is in your group, and all of a sudden, your client gets an “OMG CONGRATS on your pregnancy!!!!” text?

What if your bride’s cousin is in your group and sees her cousin’s bridals before the wedding day?

What if your client’s coworker is in your group and sees the sneak peeks before your client sees it?

Your clients need to the photos first.

I know that there is so much excitement over these amazing photos that you took, but seriously, your clients need to be the first ones to see their photos.

Your clients should be the ones to share the images to an audience.

Something like a pregnancy announcement, engagement, elopement, or bridal portraits are typically things that the client wants to reveal themselves. Once you deliver them, you should ask them when it would be okay to share them.

Really, there are only two exceptions to this:

1.  “Hey, I am having a hard time editing this one photo.  Can someone give me some pointers?”

2.  You have a small group of photographers that you chat and consult with and you reach out to them privately.

Otherwise, please be cautious with how you share photos that your client wants to reveal publicly. 

Your reputation is on the line. Their privacy needs to be protected. And you need to continue to represent the industry in a professional manner that does not break trust with clients.

It needs to be about the client, and not the photographer.

That level of professionalism will take you far in your career.

What are your thoughts? Is it okay to share photos in photography groups with the phrase, “I can’t show these anywhere yet….”? Comment below.

Cara Parker is a Massachusetts photographer and educator who serves busy families, seniors, couples, and supports women who are balancing a photography business with life.

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