Today I want to talk about a question I get asked from fellow boudoir photographers all the time, “How do I share my clients’ boudoir photos online?” The answer goes hand in hand with a common client question, “Will my photos be posted publicly online?” Of course this is a common client concern! Boudoir photography is intimate, personal and vulnerable for our clients. Of course they would want to know if their photos – and which photos – will be shared online! Here’s how we do that respectfully and legally.

 

For most photography businesses, contracts will include a model release stating that you (the photographer) may use their (the client) photos for any of your advertising or marketing purposes. This includes websites, social media, printed marketing materials – you name it! For boudoir, we have to be a little more careful with our image distribution and use.  

 

Boudoir clients are typically dressed in a little (or a lot) less than they would be for any other type of photo. They are, understandably, concerned whether if, when, and what will be posted from their session. I mean, I wouldn’t want my own images shared without my consent, would you? Of course not! It can be hard, as a photographer, because we love their images and want t0 not only share them for everyone to see and celebrate but to use them for marketing too! That’s where a limited model release agreement comes in.

 

 

The first step to gaining permission to share clients’ images is their consent. Give your client the choice! Don’t pressure or persuade them into image allowances – let them decide what’s best for them! Ensure they know that not sharing their images is entirely their choice and no one else’s. Remember that their comfort and experience is the top priority here, so don’t push them to share things they are not comfortable with.

 

 

If they decide they want their images shared, the next step is a limited model release agreement. This agreement protects your client’s images, and also allows you to use their images for marketing purposes. Sounds pretty great, right? It is! 

 

So basically, a limited release is contractual agreement stating that not ALL of their photos are going to be shared, just the ones that are mutually agreed upon. We go through all of our photos together and identify the ones that they approve to share. These are typically the ones that do not show their face or are close-up detail shots. I go through all of the client’s choices and then decide which of those best showcase my work. It’s important to have marketing content featuring a comfortable, confident client (take a peek at my Body Positive Posing Guide for more about this!). I’m all about making my clients comfortable so I really lean on this agreement to assure them that I take this seriously – and then I have some shots to share and post! 

 

Also, it’s great to write down the specific numbers of the photos for future reference too! When a few months or years have passed, you won’t question if you’re allowed to share a specific photo from the shoot because it’s all documented!

 

You can grab a model release contract and a Boudoir photography contract from The Legal Paige! Sometimes contracts and legal agreements can seem intimidating but trust me, it’s worth it! You’re protecting yourself, your business and your clients. Use code “EMMA” for 10% off your order from The Legal Paige!

 

As always, make sure to join my Light and Airy Boudoir Facebook group that is a full community of other boudoir photographers! We are always talking about tips and tricks to make your boudoir business successful and smooth sailing.

-Emma