A female photographer is facing backlash for snapping a 'sexist' holiday picture of a mother and her two daughters posing with their mouths covered with neon green tape and their hands bound by Christmas lights, while the patriarch of the family holds a sign that says 'Peace on Earth' as his son gives the camera a thumbs up.

Hannah Hawkes Photography, a studio based in Rosepine, Louisiana, is responsible for the controversial image that sees the women in the family tied up at what appears to be a Christmas tree farm, while the men gloat behind them. Thousands of critics argued that the photo, which was captioned 'Finally, Peach on Earth', perpetuates 'violence against women' and promotes the idea that women should be seen and not heard, and Facebook removed the image from the company's page.

While the family featured in the image has not been identified - and is referred to simply as 'the Johnsons', the female photographer who helped them create their vision took to the Hannah Hawkes Photography Facebook page on Monday to defend her image, which she says was requested by the family, while insisting it was meant to be a 'comical Christmas photo'.

Sparking outrage: Thousands of people criticized Hannah Hawkes Photography for taking this image which features the female members of a family tied up with their mouths covered in neon green tape

'After being silent, now isn't that ironic, I would like to speak! I have been called every name in the book, and have received some very hateful and vulgar comments and messages.

'I would like to say that as a female I do NOT and have never promoted violence to women!' she wrote. I do not support abuse, or the degradation of women.

'My controversial photo was taken by request by the family, and was in no way meant to promote abuse. This photo was taken with humor in mind, and was meant as a comical Christmas photo. I personally know this family, and have known them for many years.

'They are not abusive to their children in any shape or form. Also, I would like to add that no one was harmed during the process! So everyone have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and MAY GOD BLESS you and yours!'

Nearly 2,000 Facebook users commented on the post, and while some found it humorous and urged critics to 'lighten up', a majority of people were appalled by the imagery.

Defending her actions: The female photographer who snapped the controversial photo maintained that it was 'meant to be a comical Christmas photo' and does not 'support abuse' of women

Unforgivable: Despite the photographer's explanation, many people maintained that the image is sexist and promotes the abuse of women

'There is absolutely NOTHING comical about having little girls tied up,' Ashtin Newman wrote. 'You used poor judgement and it's incredibly disgusting that you're still standing by this disturbing picture.'

Meanwhile, Johnny Donaldson took a moment to argue with the photographer's logic.

'You can still be against it, but you are still, even if it is beyond your intention, promoting abuse,' he explained. 'And you may know that family but that doesn't make them good people - or their photo concept anything less than an endorsement of female assault and subjugation.'

And Katrina Carpenter noted: 'It wasn't funny and it should have never been taken. Teaching littler girls that they should sit down and shut up [while] teaching little boys that it's okay to silene the women in their life is messed up. Being part of that is messed up.'

However, despite the controversy, some people were fans of the photo. Amber Phillips Ashworth commented: 'I love this picture... I think it is a very cute idea for a funny Christmas picture...'

Professional opinion: Facebook user and photographer Lindsay Klugh noted that she wouldn't have 'complied with this request to show the mother and girls silenced with duct tape'

Not acceptable: Kat Moore explained that the photo perpetuates 'old stereotypes of women talking to much'

Difference of opinion: And while some commenters found the photo amusing, Erynn Ahern argued 'not sensible person' would make 'light of abuse'

On Sunday, Hannah Hawkes posted a more traditional image of the parents and their three children, which she captioned: 'Johnson Family Photos'.

But Ruth M. Glenn, Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, maintained that the image is 'not laughing matter'.

'Unfortunately, we live in a culture that still perpetrates violence against women as evidenced by this photo,' she told the Daily Dot. 'What is equally as disturbing as the duct taping of the woman and girls’ mouths and the binding of their hands is the image of the young boy behind them giving a "thumbs up".

'It is obvious, he is already influenced. Though we are glad the photo has been removed, that people responded so strongly against it, and the photographer asserted that the photo was taken in jest, it is no laughing matter.