Child Safety & Photography Policy

At Portrait Patch, your child’s safety and wellbeing always come first. We’re committed to delivering a fun and respectful photography experience while meeting the highest standards for child safety, privacy, and professionalism.

🌟 Our Child Safe Commitment

We operate in alignment with Queensland’s Child Safe Standards and the 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. This means we:

• Prioritise the safety, dignity and rights of every child.

• Create a culturally safe and inclusive environment for all children, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children from diverse backgrounds.

• Welcome family input and feedback to continuously improve our practices.

• Support children to participate in a positive, pressure-free experience.

📸 During Photography Sessions

We work hand-in-hand with centre staff to ensure a calm, secure and supportive environment. Our photographers:

• Are always within sight of centre staff.

• Use only professional photography equipment (never personal devices or phones).

• Photograph children gently and respectfully, without pressure or force.

• Never enter private areas or change nappies/clothing.

• Use centre-approved open areas (such as the playground or a designated room).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Consent & Group Photos

• Parental or guardian consent is required before we photograph a child.

• A Consent Form is provided and must be completed before photo day.

• For group photos:

  • A composite group photo may include your child’s first name alongside other consenting children and educators.

  • Group images may be displayed internally at the centre and are available for purchase by other families in the same group.

  • If you do not wish your child to appear do not complete the consent process and they will be excluded entirely from all photography including group photos.

🔐 Privacy & Image Handling

• Your child’s images are stored securely on password-protected devices and encrypted cloud storage (using Australian-based servers).

• Families receive a private access code to download purchased digital images online. Only your child’s images are available for download by you.

• We never share children’s names or images publicly without your written consent.

🧑‍💼 Our Team

All Portrait Patch photographers and assistants:

• Hold a valid Working With Children Check (Blue Card).

• Have been trained in our Child Safety & Privacy Policy.

• Know how to speak with children gently, and support them to feel comfortable and confident during their photos.

📣 Feedback, Questions or Concerns?

We welcome your feedback and are happy to answer any questions you may have. If something doesn’t feel right, please contact us — your voice matters, and we are always here to listen and act.

📧 admin@portraitpatch.com.au
📞 07 54927284