Wyoming Parents Push Schools to Dump Lifetouch Photos Over Alleged Epstein Ties

Some Wyoming parents are calling on school districts to cut ties with Lifetouch, a major school photography contractor, after its parent company was linked to deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein through its former CEO.

The controversy stems from Lifetouch’s ownership by Shutterfly, which was acquired by Apollo Global Management in 2018-2019. Apollo’s former CEO, Leon Black, had documented financial ties to Epstein.

While Lifetouch has launched a damage control campaign—CEO Ken Murphy sent statements to superintendents insisting Apollo never had access to student photos and that Lifetouch isn’t mentioned in the Epstein files—some parents remain unconvinced.

Terina Frederiksen, a Natrona County parent and photographer, brought her concerns to the local school board. She’s helped start a petition calling for the district to drop Lifetouch and instead use local photographers who can be thoroughly vetted.

“Unless it can be proven 100%—without a doubt—the schools shouldn’t be allowing it,” Frederiksen told Cowboy State Daily. “They shouldn’t be affiliated with it.”

Fellow parent Brooke Brown said she finds the situation “alarming.” “I don’t think my children’s personal information should be available in such a way that anybody can get ahold of it.”

Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder weighed in without naming Lifetouch directly, stating that districts should “demand full transparency and ensure airtight privacy safeguards are in place.”

But not all districts are convinced. Fremont County School District 1 Superintendent Mike Harris said he investigated the claims “in depth” and found no reason to switch providers. He noted that Epstein died before Lifetouch was part of Black’s portfolio, and that the district already runs background checks on every photographer who enters its schools.

Albany County School District shared Murphy’s reassurance letter but declined further comment.

Lifetouch maintains it follows all federal privacy laws, including FERPA, and was the first school photography company to sign a voluntary privacy pledge.

Some parents argue the controversy highlights broader questions about vetting. Clint Saunders, a photographer on the parents’ alternative list, said anyone working with children should undergo fingerprinting and background checks—including Lifetouch employees.

“If they’re willing to put their photographers through that same process, I’d be fine with it,” he said.