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<\/p>\nParents have been placing their children’s professional school photographs into AI to remove copyright text from over the picture so they can use them online or in their homes<\/p>\n
08:09, 04 Oct 2026Updated 08:09, 04 Oct 2026<\/p>\n
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The mum and photographer is warning parents about putting their children’s school images through AI (stock)(Image: thianchai sitthikongsak\/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n
A mum is urging parents to think twice before putting their children’s professional school pictures into AI to remove copyright text. When it comes to heading back to school, we all know the routine, a freshly ironed uniform, new shoes and a bag that’s almost bigger than the child themselves.<\/p>\n
It’s also common for children to get their picture taken on the first day of school with a professional photographer from the area. These pictures are then often shared with family and will be hung on walls or placed on mantelpieces across the country.<\/p>\n
However, the pictures do come at a cost – with many parents admitting they cannot afforded to get more than one, or any at all. In recent years, this has led to parents taking matters into their own hands to remove the large watermark often placed on the proof pictures by the photographer.<\/p>\n
Many parents have actually taken to using AI to remove watermarks from image, which a mum and photographer, Victoria Welton from Somerset, has now warned parents against doing.<\/p>\n
She 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.<\/p>\n
“I understand that school photographs are an expense, and that AI makes removing a watermark incredibly easy. But there are two very important things to consider.<\/p>\n
“Firstly, the photograph is still copyrighted. There is something many parents may not realise about school photography. I don’t charge the schools for taking their photographs.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Why Victoria is urging parents not to put their children’s pictures through AI<\/p>\n
Victoria went on, however, to tell parents that this was only half of the problem she was facing.<\/p>\n
She continued: “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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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Back to school pictures have become the norm on social media (stock)(Image: Oscar Wong via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
The post quickly gathered hundreds of shares and comments from parents, many of whom complained about the price of school photographs.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
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Back-to-school photos can reveal lots of information in one shot to criminals (stock photo)(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n
Others, however, agreed with the photographer and urged people to think twice before putting pictures of their children through AI.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n