Purpose and Scope

Kirsty Bowen Photography works with children and families in school and event settings, providing professional photography services. This policy ensures that:

Children and young people involved in my services are protected when photographs or videos are taken.
My approach to capturing and using images aligns with safeguarding principles and legal requirements.
Parents, carers, and schools understand how images will be used and stored.

This policy applies to all staff, contractors, and anyone representing Kirsty Bowen Photography.

Legal Framework

This policy is based on UK safeguarding laws and guidelines, including:

• The Children Act 1989 & 2004
• The Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR
• Guidance from the NSPCC and Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

For further information, visit NSPCC Learning.

My Commitment to Safeguarding

I believe that:

• Children should never experience abuse of any kind.
• It is my responsibility to protect children and promote their welfare.
• Parents, carers, and children must have control over how their images are used.

I recognise that:

• Sharing images can showcase and highlight my style of work.
• There are risks involved in sharing images online.
• Consent is only meaningful if parents and children fully understand how images will be used.

Keeping Children Safe

I will ensure that:

• I work with the schools child protection policies and procedures at all times.
• Clear explanations are provided on how images will be used, stored, and shared.
• Never publish personal information about children, such as names, school name or class 
• Parents understand that once an image is shared online, it may not always be possible to remove it.
• Images are used in a positive and appropriate way.
• Children’s faces and full-body shots will be avoided in certain activities (e.g., swimming) to reduce risks.
• Using images that positively reflect children’s involvement in activities, focusing on the joy and engagement of the moment.
• Parents and carers can withdraw consent at any time by contacting: kirsty@kirstybowen.com

Photography for Kirsty Bowen Photography’s Use


All photography is planned and consented in advance to ensure I:

• Follow a clear brief on appropriate content.
• Wear visible identification at all times.
• Not have unsupervised access to children.
• Obtain parental consent for any children featured on my website or any marking material.

Storing Images Safely


• Images will be stored securely.
• Hard copies will be kept in locked storage.
• Digital files will be password-protected with restricted access.
• Images will never be stored on unencrypted devices like personal phones or USB drives.
• Only business-owned equipment will be used for photography.

If Consent is Not Given


If children, parents and/or carers do not consent to photographs being taken, I will respect their wishes. We will agree in advance how they would like to be identified (for example by issuing them with a coloured sticker) so I know not to take pictures of them, and ensure this is done in a way that does not single out the child or make them feel isolated. I will never exclude a child from an activity because we do not have consent to take their photograph.

Contact Information & Reporting Concerns
For any concerns about image use or safeguarding, please contact: Kirsty Bowen – kirsty@kirstybowen.com

This policy is reviewed annually.

Policy last reviewed: January 2025
Signed: Kirsty Bowen / Business Owner - Kirsty Bowen Photography