Online Privacy: How We Protect it for ALL of Our Clients

Let’s talk about something real for a second. That elephant in the room we’ve seen popping up more and more in conversations with the amazing couples, moms and families we photograph: online privacy.

You’re not just booking a wedding photographer or a family photo session anymore. You’re navigating the wild west of the internet, where one cute baby photo can go viral before you’ve had your second cup of coffee (and didn’t even post it yourself! *Insert eyeroll* Thanks, Aunt Carol). And hey, I get it. As a mom of four myself, I really get it. We’ve got tiny humans with big personalities and zero digital consent… and it’s our job to protect them.

So, what happens when you want tangible memories captured beautifully without the pressure of having those moments floating around the internet forever? Let me pull back the curtain on how we honor your privacy while still creating stunning heirlooms for your family, no public posts required.

Hi, I’m Markie. PNW Wedding + Family Photographer.

I’m a mom of four, which means I fully understand snack negotiations, sudden mood shifts, and the very real effort it takes just to get everyone out the door looking halfway coordinated. When I photograph families, I’m not expecting perfection. I’m watching for the way your toddler reaches for your hand, the way your big kid pretends they’re “too cool” but still leans into you without realizing it, and the quiet pride in your eyes when you look at your crew.

But the world as a whole is a scary place and sometimes, we just don’t want to show the internet everything about our families. We’re supportive of your decision to not have everything online.

There’s a Mama Bear inside all of us, and this post is for you.

Your Kids Don’t Have to Be Internet Famous (Unless You Want Them to Be)

Let me tell you a little secret: not every photographer is flexible about this stuff, but it’s baked into how we do business.

From the start, we include a model release clause in our contract but that doesn’t mean you’re locked into giving us the green light to share every meaningful moment, sweet little grin or family cuddle on social media. That clause? It’s there so we can use your images with your permission. The moment you express concern about your family’s online presence, we hit pause. Not metaphorically. Like, literally, Jake and I stop and have a real conversation with you about your online privacy and what you’re comfortable with.

Want us to skip sharing any photos with your little one’s face? You got it. Want us to stick to detail shots, like tiny toes, chubby fingers gripping their favorite bunny stuffy, or the back of your daughter’s curly pigtails as she twirls across a grassy field? We’re all in.

This isn’t about limiting your gallery. It’s about respecting your boundaries while still telling your story in a way that feels authentic and safe.

Let’s Protect your Online Privacy and Keep Your Wedding (Mostly) Offline.

Weddings are public events, but your personal moments don’t have to be. We’ve had plenty of brides (and mamas of brides) tell us, “I love these pictures… but I’d rather keep them private.” Whether you’re a private person or your partner works a sensitive job (looking at you, military spouses and government employees), you shouldn’t have to choose between stunning documentation and online exposure.

That’s why we offer several online privacy options in how we share or don’t share your day:

No faces or names, just vibes in your blog post: We can focus on venue shots, rings, flowers, cakes, shoes, and alllll the ambiance without showing guests or recognizable portraits. We’ve even had couples opt to allow us to use their photos with a different name or just an initial, because they didn’t want to be recognizable. Check out M+J’s Elopement Blog to see it in action.
Blurry backgrounds, soft focus, strategic cropping: Sounds artsy, right? Because it is. We still get to show beautiful images that don’t spotlight faces and you get extra artsy stuff for your Instagram while keeping faces and identifying details offline.
Client-only galleries: Everything gets delivered in a secure, password-protected gallery. And unless you say otherwise, we don’t share them publicly.

We’ve even had couples opt for an unplugged wedding and an offline gallery. Their images were delivered and safely tucked away in a USB and print set. Bottom line? We’re not here to chase clout or create viral TikToks out of your vows. We’re here to serve you. Period.

Why We Take Online Privacy Personally (Hint: We’re Parents Too)

Let me be totally honest: this whole online privacy-first approach didn’t come from a marketing brainstorm or some trendy algorithm trick. It came from us, sitting in our living room, holding our own kids and wondering, “What does the internet really do with all this stuff?”

We know what it’s like to wrestle with that gut feeling of wanting to share a magical moment… but also wanting to guard your family’s safety and dignity. And y’all, the internet can be a scary place. Not just because of the weird corners where photos can end up, but also because once something’s online, it’s nearly impossible to reel it back in. So, we built our business around real life online privacy options. Not “here’s a checkbox and we’ll ignore it anyway” options. We mean it when we say: you’re in control. Always.

We even double-check the contract and our notes before we post anything. Whether it’s a sneak peek from your wedding or a cozy family session at sunset, if you’ve told us you want one of the online privacy options, we honor that like the gold it is. And can we talk about the peace of mind that gives you? Knowing your family memories are safe, personal, and respected? That’s what we want for our clients because that’s what we want for our own family, too.

How to Talk to Us About Online Privacy (No Awkward Vibes, Promise)

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Okay, but do I have to ask for online privacy?” The answer is yes but it’s not weird at all. In fact, we expect it. Every couple, every family, every mama who reaches out to us is different, and we love that.

Here’s what you can do:

At booking: Just tell us you’re privacy-conscious. You don’t need to explain or justify it.
At your session: Mention if there are any moments you definitely don’t want photographed (or shared). We’ll adjust instantly.
After delivery: Didn’t think about it until later? No problem. Just shoot us a message and we’ll make sure your wishes are followed across the board. Note: our typically delivery system is an online gallery. We can remove your images once you’ve downloaded, and password protect your gallery. We also have an email collection system in place and monitor our galleries, so if for any reason there seems to be suspicious downloads or email addresses, we will lock down your gallery until we’ve chatted with you.

Your comfort (not our social media feed) is our priority.

Final Thoughts from One Mama to Another

Privacy isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about being empowered. You deserve photos that celebrate your love, your babies, your memories without sacrificing your comfort or your boundaries. And you deserve a photographer who gets it, who listens, and who makes it easy to say, “Hey, can we keep this just for us?”

So, whether you’re planning a wedding with a strict no-posting policy, or a cozy in-studio family session where you want to hold those memories close instead of hash-tagging every second, know this: We’ve got you. We’ll still create those heart-tugging, joyful, laughter-filled images that feel like your favorite memories already… but they’ll stay safely in your hands unless you tell us otherwise.

If you’ve been hesitant to book because of online photo worries, breathe easy, friend. Let’s chat, figure out what works for your family, and create something meaningful, beautiful, and private, just the way you want it.

📸 Curious to learn more? Visit us at www.markiejonesweddings.com
💌 Have questions about privacy or want to book? Shoot us a DM on Instagram @markiejonesphotographyllc or check us out on Facebook at MJPLLC