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The past few weeks have brought unsettling news for K-12 and early childhood educators nationwide.
A major school photography corporation — one that serves millions of students — has been mentioned as having possible ties (through corporate ownership) to Jeffrey Epstein. That speculation has led several San Diego school districts to delay or reconsider class picture days as families ask tougher questions about data privacy, image security, and student safety. 

As a San Diego school photographer who works directly with private preschools, I want to address those concerns honestly and help you feel confident in the photographer you choose for your students and families.

Because when it comes to children’s images, transparency isn’t optional, it’s essential. Schools and parents deserve clear answers about who owns the photos, how they are stored, and who has access to them.

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How I Protect Your Students’ Images

The safety and security of the student images entrusted to me is paramount.

That’s why I chose PhotoDay as the online platform I use to share student photo galleries with families.

Specifically:

• PhotoDay was one of the first certified and audited SOC2-compliant volume photography platforms in the world. SOC 2 is an independent, rigorous audit (done by outside experts) that checks how well they protect customer data against unauthorized access, breaches, and other risks. It covers security, privacy, and more. For you, it means trusted third parties have verified their systems and processes are solid.
• Every image in the PhotoDay database is protected by a significant security firewall, and any image access requires authenticated login access.
• To their knowledge, PhotoDay is the only platform in the photography industry that requires mobile or email verified accounts before anyone can access a picture day gallery. This provides an extra layer of verification and security that helps ensure only authorized customers can access the gallery.
• Individual student galleries are always password protected, and parents must set up a verified account in order to access them.

The only person that has access to students’ photos is me, the one who took them. And even parents must be invited by me, and then set up a verified account, in order to view them.

One more thing – student images are NEVER shared (i.e. used to market my San Diego school photography service) without written parent permission. Even then, names are never used.

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Your Families Deserve Confidence and Peace of Mind

If you want to talk through how I handle privacy and gallery security, or if you want sample language you can share with families, I can provide that. I’m always happy to help school directors get exactly what you need to reassure and build trust with your families.

To read more about what I offer to San Diego schools and inquire about working together to provide an easy and secure school photography experience, click here: https://lovemichellephotography.com/school-photography-san-diego

Warmly,

Michelle