hoo-has and what-nots

Hoo-Has and What-Nots

my humble opinion

Lately in one of my amazing photographer's groups, a discussion came up about seeing "naked children" on facebook.  This sparked a heated debate from both mom and professional point-of-view.  Well, I have never been one to keep my opinion to myself, so here goes my two-cents.

I am like every other mom on the planet.  I think I have the cutest kids around....their little naked tushes included.  Naked little newborns make for some of the most beautiful portrait photography there is.  My four-year-old will fight me to the death over putting on a shirt, and when it's just the two of us here, I let her run shirtless.  No biggie.  I take pics of my youngest two children in the tub.  No biggie. But understand something, moms and photographers....unfortunately we live in a society crawling with pedophiles.  They are strangers.  They are authority figures.  They are relatives.  They are neighbors.  They are who we might least expect (do you think the mothers of those molested by Sandusky suspected him?).

Never assume you don't have a lurker on your "friends list", oogling at what you see as innocent images with malicious intentions.  Just simply don't put it out there.  No one wants to see your kid's hoo-has and what-nots.  I know we as mothers see the innocence in the photos, but fact is, nude photos of children over the age of one are considered child pornography.  It's illegal.  Keep those booty-laden bathtub pics at home (unless there are enough bubbles to hide ALL their little parts).

Recently I saw an image on a photographer's page of a child wearing something resembling a stripper's costume.  I commented. ( Okay, slap my hand- I NEVER should have done so- it is not right or professional to comment anything negative on a photographers page. If you have an issue you think should be addressed, privately message them.)  But in my humble opinion, a three year old shouldn't be portrayed in that manner.  It's too easy this day and age to find out where someone lives, DON'T ADVERTISE children or depict them in a sexual manner.  Just don't do it.

So to the lady that posted full-frontal nudity of her innocent daughter on facebook, please, for the love of God (and your child), keep those photos to yourself.  It's not fair to the child for her body to be displayed in public.  To the photographer that posted the toddler in stripper attire, please, if you photograph a child in that manner, don't share it on facebook, or anywhere in public.

Peace, love, hugs and respect for our children.