A mum and photographer is urging parents to think twice before putting their children's professional school pictures into AI to remove copyright text. Victoria Welton, from Somerset, has warned parents against using AI tools to strip watermarks from school photographs rather than purchasing the images.
Why parents are turning to AI
When children return to school, many have their picture taken by a professional photographer on the first day. These images are often shared with family and displayed on walls or mantelpieces. However, the pictures come at a cost, and many parents say they cannot afford more than one, or any at all.
In recent years, this has led some parents to remove the large watermark placed on proof pictures by the photographer. Many have used AI to do so, which prompted Welton's warning.
Copyright and livelihood concerns
Welton said: "A really important message about school photographs. Photographers are increasingly seeing parents use AI tools to remove watermarks from school photographs rather than purchasing the image." She added that the photograph is still copyrighted and explained that she does not charge schools for taking their photographs.
She said: "I turn up with professional cameras and lighting, photograph hundreds of children, spend hours editing and preparing the images, provide secure online galleries and deal with all the administration - in the hope that parents will choose to buy the photographs. Those sales are what make it possible for me to provide this service."
"So when a watermarked photograph is uploaded to AI and the watermark is removed instead of the image being purchased, it's not just a missed sale. It directly affects my livelihood and the ability of my small business to continue providing school photography."
Privacy and safety risks
Welton also raised concerns about children's privacy. She said: "But I'm even more concerned about something else. Your child's photograph is being uploaded to an AI service. That may be a recognisable photograph of your child in their school uniform, potentially alongside identifying information."
She added: "Parents may not know exactly how different AI services process, retain or use uploaded images. Please think carefully before uploading your child's photograph to an AI tool simply to remove a watermark. If you'd like the photograph, please purchase it through the photographer's secure gallery."
Welton concluded: "Behind every one of the school photographs I take is a real photographer, a real small business and a livelihood. And behind every photograph of a child is something even more important: their privacy and safety. Please share this. I genuinely think parents need to be aware."
Mixed reactions from parents
The post gathered hundreds of shares and comments. Some parents complained about the price of school photographs. One person said: "I agree with all if this. But the sad reality is many families are struggling to put food on the table and if there is a way around paying for something they will. The price needs to be reduced. It's mass photography. It's a promotional opportunity too."
A second said: "Agree no one should steal, but as they are unaffordable or not wanted by a lot of parents nowadays, is it not better for families to 'opt in' so those who know they do not want the photos do not have them." A third said: "If they weren't so extortionately priced for 1 photo, even digital copies, parents would probably not do this in the first place."
Others agreed with the photographer. One person said: "Not to mention if you upload the photo of your child it teaches the AI tool what a child looks like and when someone else generates an image of a child. Your child's face could be used as the reference in that image." Another said: "The amount of images people are putting through AI is genuinely scary. It’s almost like people have forgotten that most banking apps use facial recognition now."
