Where should the line be drawn with child photographs?

[Psytrox]

These people you speak of offend me...

Its terrible that we are in a world were people are like this.
So grateful I'm not in US...

 

[DarkShadow]

When my first son was born as most excited new parents we want pictures and took some snaps of my son in a kiddie plastic pool in diapers only and sent the film out cant recall who did the dev but got my snap shots back with my son in the pool grand parents in the picture, my aunts etc etc along with a warning letter about child porn.Now how screwed up is that and it actually pissed me off and never used there service again. It was the furthest thought from my mind when taking or sending the pictures in for dev and just think some people blow things out of context from there own sick ass mind. I do realize there is a lot of child pornography out there but its not in the middle of the day in the middle of the yard in the summer time with 30 family guest and all the neighbors can see. The pictures where so obvious innocent to everyone but the dev company.

 

[Psytrox]

When my first son was born as most excited new parents we want pictures and took some snaps of my son in a kiddie plastic pool in diapers only and sent the film out cant recall who did the dev but got my snap shots back with my son in the pool grand parents in the picture, my aunts etc etc along with a warning letter about child porn.Now how screwed up is that and it actually pissed me off and never used there service again. It was the furthest thought from my mind when taking or sending the pictures in for dev and just think some people blow things out of context from there own sick ass mind. I do realize there is a lot of child pornography out there but its not in the middle of the day in the middle of the yard in the summer time with 30 family guest and all the neighbors can see. The pictures where so obvious innocent to everyone but the dev company.

SMH... I guess my parent should be arrested. Our family albums are full of those pictures, diapers not included...

 

[Derrel]

Welcome to 2019...

 

[vintagesnaps]

I think the photos are lovely. I always worked jobs where I was a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse/neglect and I don't see anything of any concern here. I think kids can look older than their actual age, and to me she looks older which might be why someone asked or commented about the appropriateness of the child wearing just a skirt.

But as the OP found, if you post and share photos you may get comments. I think too it's necessary to read Terms and think about what you're posting; many Terms allow for the site or others to use your photos. Once you've put photos on a site that allows sharing or on social media you lose control over where the photos may end up. These might be better shared with friends and family on a password protected gallery or by emailing the photos.

 

[CThomas817]

To you they're innocent, but they're also personal, and in my modest opinion belong in your home, in a photo album or frame, but not on the internet for the world to see and abuse.

This. I don't find them offensive or provocative but I don't understand why you would want to share those with the public.

I am showcasing my work and ability, not my daughter. I am a child photographer, and these images are part of my portfolio. The intent of sharing the photos is to show my scope to potential clients who would like similar images of their children, just like any photographer shares sample images of the genre in which they work. My (public) website is filled with images of babies and children that I have worked with. Countless babies are topless in a cake smash session. Many inspirational photographers that I follow have shared images they have created with their children. Look at Lisa Holloway. She made a name for herself by taking and sharing beautiful photos of her children.

Could I have popped a shirt on her? Sure. But I wasn't thinking there was anything wrong with a shirtless baby.

 

[CThomas817]

The only thing troubling me is the posing. Nice setting... good lighting... BEAUTIFUL model... not so much with the posing.

Sort of plopped down showing the back of her open hand... rigid horizontal line formed by her arm...

I think you have to do additional photography. You're on the verge of greatness with this concept.

NICELY DONE!!

I often say nakedness does not equal sensual. And when the subject isn't even a sexual being... ?
I'm not surprised though in this day and age. I'm afraid Dan might be right. Share them only with people who love you. Unless you get that amazing moment with the perfect pose.

-Pete

I appreciate the critique but you do realize that not much intentional posing can be done with a hyper, strong-minded toddler right? All of these poses were candid, natural movements. I did not remotely attempt to pose her. The idea was to capture her in natural motion and emotion, not create a photo for competition judging.

 

[CThomas817]

I think the photos are lovely. I always worked jobs where I was a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse/neglect and I don't see anything of any concern here. I think kids can look older than their actual age, and to me she looks older which might be why someone asked or commented about the appropriateness of the child wearing just a skirt.

But as the OP found, if you post and share photos you may get comments. I think too it's necessary to read Terms and think about what you're posting; many Terms allow for the site or others to use your photos. Once you've put photos on a site that allows sharing or on social media you lose control over where the photos may end up. These might be better shared with friends and family on a password protected gallery or by emailing the photos.

Thank you...

 

[CThomas817]

You will always here this from someone, unfortunately. Just ignore and go with your gut. As mine got older, I did choose to not share topless photos publicly. People will complain about anything, breastfeeding images, birth, or an innocent child playing who happens to be not clothes. (are toddlers ever? [emoji23])

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Thank you

 

[CThomas817]

..rigid horizontal line formed by her arm...

I got the impression that she was trying to imitate a yoga pose.

Which I thought was very cute.

Lol well she does that too sometimes

 

[CThomas817]

I felt that the photos tastefully conveyed the idea of purity and innocence, ..

Can we talk about the photographs now?

Yes, you did a very good job of meeting your goal. It could be argued that a shirt would have detracted from your intent.

Thank you!

 

[CThomas817]

No I'm not certain, but I took the images down because it made me second guess my judgement. Wanted to get other professional opinions before considering to repost them

Why are you asking others how you should feel and how you should judge things? Everyone's different. Reminds of the joke of the guy who goes to the doctor.

"Doc, everytime I raise my left arm over my head this way, I get this strange feeling in my shoulder. What should I do?"

"Well, stop raising your arm like that."

Hi Alan,

Not asking how I should feel. I know how I feel. Just want to make sure I wasn't crossing some ethical guidelines that could get me into trouble!

 

[CThomas817]

shooting 61 Years, a working studio Pro since 1964. I see No Issues whatsoever. It is simply a beautiful Image.........period.

Thank you

 

[CThomas817]

Offensive? No. CPS wouldn't take issue with this.

But to go off your idea that this is questionable for older children but ok for younger: I think most adults (men and women) look back at their shirtless childhood photos (because we ALL have them!) with fond memories. We're not offended by them or weirded out by them. Just think, 15 years from now, will you be comfortable showing these photos to your daughter? I assume your answer is yes, but just some food for thought as to when the "shirtless cut off age" should be.

Gorgeous images.

Thank you, and a good way to think about it. At this age, absolutley I would be comfortable showing her as a teen or adult. I have worked with children for many years and I feel like that cutoff lands right about when the child him or herself becomes uncomfortable with those areas not being concealed. At this age, my daughter could run around the beach with no diaper on without a care in the world, but my son (almost 4) would be very embarrassed.

 

[CThomas817]

If it bothers you, stop doing it.

Alan, I am not asking for emotional support. I am asking if I can get into legal trouble.