AI Usage & Image Protection Policy

Last Updated Date: July 2026  

Applies To: All photography sessions with ELM Photo Co.

1. Purpose of This Policy

This AI Usage & Image Protection Policy outlines how images created by ELM Photo Co. may and may not be used in relation to artificial intelligence systems, machine‑learning models, biometric analysis tools, and AI‑enabled social media platforms. This policy exists to protect client privacy, artistic integrity, and the rights of minors and vulnerable individuals.

2. Copyright & Ownership

All images created by ELM Photo Co. are protected under copyright law. Clients receive personal‑use rights only. Copyright is not transferred, shared, or licensed for AI‑related use unless explicitly agreed to in writing.

3. Prohibited AI Uses

Clients, guests, family members, and third‑party recipients may not:

• Upload images to any AI training system, dataset, or machine‑learning model.  
• Use images to generate synthetic portraits, digital lookalikes, or AI‑altered versions of individuals or pets.  
• Submit images to facial recognition tools, biometric databases, or identity‑matching services.  
• Use images to create AI‑generated composites, stylized pet renderings, or digital replicas of any subject.  
• Provide images to any third party (including apps, vendors, or relatives) who may use them for AI training or analysis.

These restrictions apply to all images, including delivered galleries, previews, behind‑the‑scenes content, and social media posts.

4. Social Media Restrictions

Many social media platforms reserve the right to use uploaded content for AI training, dataset expansion, or biometric analysis. To protect client privacy and artistic rights:

Clients may not upload images to any platform whose Terms of Service allow:

• AI training or dataset creation  
• Biometric or facial recognition analysis  
• Image repurposing for machine‑learning development  
• Third‑party sublicensing of uploaded content  

If clients wish to share images on such platforms, they must request written permission. ELM Photo Co. may provide watermarked or modified versions suitable for safe posting at its discretion.

5. Minors’ Privacy & Protection

Special protections apply to images containing minors:

• Images of minors may not be uploaded to any AI‑enabled platform or service that collects biometric data or uses content for AI training.  
• Parents/guardians must ensure that relatives, friends, and event guests follow these restrictions.  
• Images of minors may not be shared with apps or services that create digital avatars, age‑progressed images, or stylized AI renderings.  
• No third‑party AI use is permitted under any circumstances without explicit written consent from the parent or legal guardian.

These protections apply to newborns, children, teens, and any individual under 18.

6. Event Photography Considerations

For events, the client is responsible for ensuring that:

• Guests do not upload images containing other guests, minors, or pets to AI‑enabled platforms.  
• Vendors (e.g., planners, venues, florists) comply with this policy when sharing images.  
• No images are provided to AI‑powered facial recognition or crowd‑analysis tools.

Event clients accept responsibility for communicating these restrictions to all parties who may receive images.

7. Photographer’s Use of AI Tools

ELM Photo Co. may use AI‑assisted tools only for standard editing tasks such as:

• Retouching  
• Noise reduction  
• Colour correction  
• Background cleanup  

These tools do not grant any rights to third parties, nor do they allow external systems to train on client images.

8. Violations & Enforcement

Unauthorized AI use of images is considered a serious violation of this policy. ELM Photo Co. reserves the right to pursue:

• Legal action  
• Damages  
• Recovery of costs  
• Revocation of usage rights  
• Immediate removal of images from public platforms  

Compliance with this policy is a condition of booking and receiving images.

9. Questions & Permissions

Clients who wish to request special permissions or discuss specific use cases may contact:

ELM Photo Co.

info@elmphotoco.com

www.elmphotoco.com/contact-us

All requests must be approved in writing before any AI‑related use occurs.

10. Policy Updates

This policy may be updated at any time to reflect changes in technology, privacy standards, or legal requirements. The most current version will always be available on this page.