Before digital cameras, casual photographers used Polaroids to shoot nude pictures.

They had to. Unless you had your own darkroom, it was difficult, and somewhat awkward, to find a commercial lab that would make prints of naked people. Now, all anyone has to do is point their smartphone at the subject, and tap.

Very convenient.

Photography today is easier... and a bit more risky - especially the part about sharing the images. Doesn't seem like we have complete control over who can access our shots.

I used to send 4"x6" glossies to family and friends (to be clear, fully clothed pictures). I would order "double prints" so I would have enough to go around. I would organize the snapshots on the kitchen table, write the letter, address the envelope, determine the correct postage, and get it all to the mailbox before the postman arrived.

The process was a bit clunky, but relatively secure. Unless I had a rogue lab worker or incompetent mail handler, I was in good shape.

Today, I press a button to take a picture, then another to share it with the world - whoops, I mean my friend. Yes, there's risk associated with convenience. If someone really wants to get in my business, they probably can.

Our house, computer, and cloud storage site can all be targets for those who think it's acceptable to take what isn't theirs. Does that mean we shouldn't use these services? I don't think so.

But at least we can make it difficult to break in. Practice good password security, and hope for the best. And in my case, I have a little extra.

The pictures of me aren't as desirable as those of beautiful Hollywood actresses. A few more years and a couple pounds have become my outer layers of security.

I mean, really. Who's going to pay

to see those shots?

-Derrick