How do I lodge a complaint against "Lifetouch" photo?

Question

They asked if I wanted to buy more pictures of my child (after I've already paid twice for pictures). This is the third time they have been to the school to take pictures. I did not fill out anything and my daughter knew that she wasn't to have her picture taken and even told the people that her mom did not want her to take pictures. They told her that everyone was taking pictures and they took her picture. Three weeks later they send home a packet of pictures and told us to send a check if we wanted to keep them or send them back to be thrown away if we didn't. Is it illegal for me to keep the pictures without paying? I again did not fill anything out saying I wanted them, this is something they do regularly I'm told, on the hopes everyone just sends them money for them. I want to lodge a complaint. I don't like being manipulated through my kids! Especially at school! How do I go about this? Thanks

Answer 1

They did the same thing in my daughter's school. I never paid for the photos or returned them. They never said a word.

As far as the complaint, I'm sure you could contact the school or Lifetouch and request that no photographs be taken without your permission- but it's probably more hassle then it's worth.

Answer 2

I would lodge a complaint with the school. Your child's teacher is their surrogate parent while they are in their custody. It is their responsibility to ensure that your wishes are carried out, if possible. It's their job to protect your children from the coercion of the photographers.

Don't expect it to do very much, though. Schools have a vested interest in getting as many parents to buy photos as possible. They get a kickback. Another reason is that if they believed the child, and the child was lying, the parent might get pissed at the school for not getting the photo taken. You should have sent the teacher a note. And you are now on notice that, barring any written agreement between you and the school, your child will be photographed every time they show up, like it or not. Next time it will be your responsibility to keep the child home or go directly to the schoool administrator personally.

My kids don't get their photos until paid for. We only get sample proofs and have to order a package and pay for it before it gets printed. I've never bought school pictures. Why anyone would spend forty dollars to get the same package they can get at Wal-Mart for $3.95 is beyond me.

Answer 3

Does Lifetouch have a website on the information? Google "Lifetouch photos". I am sure you can get their corporate office address to write a letter, or send an email. My opinion is, however, that you are overreacting. If you don't want to pay, send the pictures back. It makes perfect sense to me that they would photograph your child first, and then ask you to buy. Once most parents see their beautiful kids in the photo, they will want to buy it right? They do this at my kids' school too and I don't see anything wrong with it. It's not like they're selling your kids photographs on the internet or using them for child porn or something.

If you have a scanner, then scan in the picture and send the printed ones back. Then you can share it by email.

Answer 4

Yes you can keep them. You are not bound by their deception. As for lodging a complaint, you have an even bigger problem. The school is not looking out for the welfare of your child and not respecting your wishes as a parent. I suggest you speak with your child's school and make it clear that they are to follow your wishes on such matters. I recommend that you see an attorney.

Answer 5

That new law will hurt the democratic party vote. They depend on cheaters. We have to present ID for a beer,the elderly who do not drive have to have some kind of ID. Everyone has to have ID to conduct any legitimate business in this nation. Voting is more important then a beer.