Why do Photographers Ask to Use Photos online?
Hi there!
First off, I completely understand why someone might want their photos to remain private. Whether it’s a personal preference, safety concerns, or just wanting to keep special moments just for yourself, your reasons are valid, and I respect that wholeheartedly. Let me explain a bit about why this marketing fee policy exists, and how we handle privacy to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
Why Do Photographers Use Photos Online?
Sharing photos is one of the main ways I connect with new clients. Photography is a very visual business (of course!), and most people find me through social media, blogs, or my website. Seeing examples of my work helps potential clients know what to expect, and it allows me to keep growing and offering sessions like yours.
Here’s the thing: being able to share your images helps me build trust with future clients. A current portfolio shows my style, skill, and consistency—and it’s a huge part of how I keep doing what I love.
Photography is content-driven
- Most of us rely on web searches, social media, and blog posts to get new clients, even if we get referrals from word of mouth.
- Without fresh content, it’s a lot harder to connect with future clients.
A current portfolio helps us book more sessions
- Potential clients want to see examples of recent work to know what to expect.
- Even with referrals, people usually check out our portfolios before booking.
For photographers, sharing our work online directly impacts our ability to grow and continue offering sessions like yours.
Your Privacy is Always a Priority
Even when I share images, I take privacy very seriously. I never use names (especially not last names) or share personal details. I also never tag clients in photos, even if I know them personally. Your safety and privacy are incredibly important to me, and I work hard to ensure that the photos I share are just about the art and the story, without any identifying information.
Also:
- I do not sell client images to stock sites
- I do not upload to free stock sites in hopes of ‘exposure’
- I do not turn your images into artwork that I sell to others.
Your images are only used to help me get the word out about my unique and beautiful sessions.
Why Is There a Fee to Opt Out?
Now, let’s talk about the opt-out fee. When you book a session, the ability to share your images is factored into the cost—it’s like a built-in discount. By allowing me to use your photos, you’re helping me grow my business, which means I don’t have to pass on those marketing costs to my clients.
If you decide you’d rather keep your photos private, that’s absolutely okay, but it does remove that discount. The opt-out fee covers the value of that lost opportunity to showcase my work. Think of it as paying for exclusivity—your photos will remain yours alone, never shared anywhere.
Let’s Work Together
I completely get it—some moments feel too personal to share, and if that’s the case for you, I want to make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your decision. At the same time, I hope this helps explain why the fee exists and how it balances the needs of my business.
If you have any questions, or if you want to talk through your concerns, please reach out! My goal is always to create an amazing experience that feels right for you.
