INTRODUCTION

As a parent myself I appreciate the privilege that is working with and around children, and the paramount importance of protecting them. As a photographer I can’t avoid coming into close contact with children and it is often part of my commission to photograph them. It’s super important therefore that I’ve taken the time to think through how I can make sure that I safeguard them as much as possible, and consider the best practice approaches to avoid any confusion, concern or upset as a result of my work. Just so that we're all on the same page here, this policy assumes defines a child as anyone under the age of 18.


BEST PRACTICE

It is absolutely foundational to me that my work respects personal space, dignity and rights of children. In order to uphold these values I will; 


  • Keep an up to date enhanced DBS available to view upon request
  • Remain in open spaces in full view of other responsible adults
  • Avoid initiating physical contact with children unless directly necessary to carry out the scope of my commission. Where direction is required, verbal communication will be the first choice. Where physical contact is required, consent from the guardian (and child where they are able to consent) will be obtained. 
  • Never force a child to do something that they do not wish to do, or would not naturally do
  • Demonstrate the values, qualities and language expected of a good role model
  • Never knowingly communicate with a child via private messaging service or accept friendship requests on social media from children
  • Not allow inappropriate comments from a child to be directed at me unchallenged
  • Avoid sustained attention on a particular child or children in comparison to others
  • Defer to the guardian of any child whose conduct in my presence could potentially lead to concern and/or remove myself from the situation if possible
  • Maintain open communication with no secrets


DATA PROTECTION & PRIVACY

As part of my work, I will often unavoidably have access to personal information and images of children whom I do not directly know. Predominantly this will consist of photographs which I have taken as part of my role. Photographs are uploaded directly from my camera memory cards into image editing software on my computer called Adobe Lightroom. This software uses a cloud based synchronisation feature to enable me to edit on different devices. It requires two step authentication to access and devices which it is installed on are protected by fingerprint and password authentication. Memory cards with original images on are stored in my locked office until project delivery, after which they are wiped. Where project delivery includes images of children, online galleries will be password protected by default and downloads will be PIN protected. These features can be disabled at the client’s request. Other forms of data will be stored digitally on password protected databases and retained in line with GDPR regulations. You can read a full copy of my privacy policy here.


USE OF IMAGES

It is a natural necessity of business to advertise and market its services and this applies to mine. Given part of my work is being commissioned to photograph children, it is necessary to use images of children to do this. Where a child's face is shown, I will always obtain explicit written consent from parents and/or guardians before doing so, and where the child has the capacity to make informed consent/refusal, I will obtain consent from the child also. 


OPEN CAPTURE POLICY

I appreciate that it can be difficult as a third party to tell exactly what has been photographed when observing someone using a camera. Therefore in the interests of openness, wherever I have made photographs of a child, my client and/or the guardian of that child may ask to see those images and will be shown them directly on the camera without unreasonable delay. This policy also applies for anyone, child or adult who appears in one of my photographs. I believe that if someone has taken a picture of you, you have the right to see that picture.


ANY QUESTIONS?

If there's anything not covered in here that you think should be, if you'd like to know more or if you have any concerns you'd like to discuss in a bit more depth, please do get in touch.