can my childs image be used without permission?

[pgbollig]

The photographer holds the copyright to the photo, but you as the parent have a right to the privacy of your child's image. So, your basis to stop publication of the photo would be privacy, not copyright. If the photo was taken out in public, you may not be able to stop them. However, if the photo was taken at a private wedding or a private reception like at a rented banquet hall, it would seem you would have a very high expectation of privacy at the private gathering. Plus the fact it's a child probably helps you, and I assume you did not sign any kind of release form. The photographer's contract with whoever hired him cannot change or release your rights (because you did not sign the contract!). So your next step would probably be to have a lawyer write a "cease and desist" letter (a warning letter telling them to stop distributing/using the photo for commercial purposes or else your lawyer will have to file a lawsuit requiring them to stop). Usually this scares people into doing the right thing. If you don't know of a lawyer who can help, you can look for one here - try to find one who offers a free consultation: http://apps.americanbar.org/legalservice...directory/