Several Texas school districts are postponing or canceling student picture days after social media posts raised concerns about school photography company Lifetouch and a chain of corporate ownership tied to Jeffrey Epstein.
Districts across Texas and other states said they acted out of caution after parents contacted administrators about online claims connecting the company to the disgraced financier. The concern stems from a corporate ownership trail: Lifetouch is owned by Shutterfly, which is controlled by private-equity firm Apollo Global Management. Apollo’s former CEO Leon Black previously had documented financial dealings with Epstein.
School officials emphasized the posts do not allege the photography company itself mishandled student images or data, but said they paused picture days while reviewing vendor contracts and addressing parent concerns. Some campuses rescheduled sessions, while others began exploring alternate photography providers.
Lifetouch and its parent company have stated there is no operational connection between school photography services and any individual associated with Epstein, and that student photos are handled according to strict privacy protections. The situation has become a reputational issue rather than a safety investigation, but districts say community trust is central when activities involve children.
Parents who contacted schools said the online claims spread quickly through community groups and messaging apps, prompting administrators to respond before scheduled photo dates. District leaders said pausing the events allowed time to verify information and answer questions from families.
No law enforcement agencies have opened investigations related to student data or photography practices tied to the company. Officials described the cancellations as precautionary and temporary in many cases.
The incident highlights how rapidly viral claims can influence school operations, particularly when vendors interact directly with students. Administrators said they expect picture schedules to resume once reviews are completed and families are informed.