Is your early learning photographer compliant?

Photography in early learning is not just about great pictures. It's about child safety, consent, privacy and data security.

Why compliance matters

Children's images are sensitive personal information. Centres share responsibility for what happens on site, how images are handled, and how families' trust is protected.

Quick reality check: most centres assume their photographer is compliant. Very few ever ask for documentation or clear explanations.

A practical compliance checklist

Use these questions when selecting a photographer, renewing a contract, or responding to parent concerns.

1. Insurance & risk management

• Minimum $10M public liability, with a current Certificate of Currency on request
• Working With Children Checks and a clear staff-screening process
• A documented incident process — what happens if something goes wrong on site?

2. Consent & child-safe practices

• A clear, documented consent process (opt-in / opt-out, and how it's respected on the day)
• A process for children with restrictions (court orders, protection orders, or safety plans)
• How withdrawals of consent are actioned quickly and reliably

3. Data security & image handling

• Images are not stored on personal devices without controls (policy plus technical safeguards)
• A secure online gallery platform with access controls and password protection
• A defined retention and deletion policy — what's kept, for how long, and why

4. Standards & accountability

• What framework or standards guide their work (e.g. ELPA-aligned policies)
• Staff training and supervision in early learning environments
• Transparency — can they explain their policies in plain English and provide documents?

About ELPA — Early Learning Photographers Australia

The ELPA framework was created to establish a clear, practical benchmark for early learning photography, focused on child safety, consent, privacy, data security and professional accountability. Magic Photography is a founding member. Centres can use these principles as part of their broader child-safe practices when selecting suppliers.

This article provides general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.