Ensuring our community has the facts and clearing up misinformation.

What is Lifetouch?

Lifetouch is a 90-year old company providing yearbook and student photo services to schools around the country, among other photography services. Our team includes thousands of vetted photographers who live and work in the local communities we serve.

Is Lifetouch in the Epstein files?

No. The claims of any relationship between Epstein and Lifetouch are completely false. This is an online social media conspiracy, with no basis in facts. News outlets have debunked this myth and are widely reporting that there is no connection between Lifetouch and Epstein. 

Did anyone from Lifetouch have any relationship with Epstein?

No. No Lifetouch executives have ever had any relationship or contact with Epstein.

If there is no connection to Epstein, how did this rumor start?

Again, this is an online social media conspiracy, with no basis in facts. We don’t know how the rumor started but we want to ensure the public has the facts about this situation, which is unfairly impacting our business and employees.

What is the news reporting about this online conspiracy?

Trusted national and local news media outlets have widely reported that there is no connection between Lifetouch and Jeffrey Epstein. See just a sample of this news coverage below:

  • Associated Press: “No evidence of Epstein or anyone in his orbit seeing Lifetouch photos has emerged from news organizations’ review of thousands of documents released this month”
  • Myth-busting site, Snopes: “There’s no evidence that Lifetouch, as a company, conspired with or even corresponded with Epstein.”
  • The New Republic: “Lifetouch is not mentioned in the Epstein files”
  • Salon: “Lifetouch maintains fully independent operations from Apollo, ensuring that student data remains secure and is not shared with Apollo”
  • Daily Voice: “Lifetouch is not named in the Epstein files”
  • NJ.com: “There has been no evidence directly linking Lifetouch to Epstein, according to the released files.”
  • Austin American Statesman: “There is no official evidence linking Lifetouch to Epstein.”
  • My San Antonio: “There is no official evidence linking Lifetouch to Epstein and his controversies.”

What is Apollo’s connection to Lifetouch?

Lifetouch was part of Apollo Funds’ acquisition of Shutterfly on September 25, 2019. As reported by Salon, “Epstein died in mid-2019, before Apollo Global Management acquired Shutterfly — and Lifetouch with it — later that year, eliminating any direct or indirect link”.

Does Apollo currently have or ever had access to any Lifetouch student images or data?

No. We have never shared student images with any third party, including Apollo Global Management. Apollo and its funds also have no role in Lifetouch’s daily operations and no current or former Apollo employee has ever had access to student images.

How does Lifetouch ensure the privacy of student images and data?

Student safety is always our top priority and this commitment extends to the privacy and security of student data. Many of us are parents ourselves, and we are dedicated to protecting the privacy of every family we serve. We strictly adhere to all applicable federal, state and local data privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). For more detailed information on how we store and protect student data, please refer to our privacy policy.

How long are student images retained and who has access to them?

Lifetouch retains student photos to meet the needs of the institutions we serve, and for the purpose of fulfilling orders for families. Parents and guardians have full access to and control over the use of student photos. Lifetouch images are also shared with the student’s school for the purposes of school records, which may include student IDs and/or yearbook photos.

Can I request that my child’s photo be deleted?

Parents or guardians can always request that their child’s photos and information be deleted by filling out a simple online form:

Does Lifetouch vet the backgrounds of its photographers?

Yes. Every Lifetouch photographer is a Lifetouch employee, not a contractor, and must pass a comprehensive background check. We are proud of the standards of safety and professionalism maintained by our team members across the country, who live and work in your local communities.