I've read a few excerpts from threads here on the forum with regard to a person's right to their images. No matter what a photographer's agreement with a client, whether it's a handshake (which is legally not a contract) or in writing, the law prevails.
Copyright is the subject of question here. The U.S. Library of Congress defines the law quite clearly and nullifies any myth surrounding the subject.
LADIES: The relevance here is not who owns the copyright, but what the copyright assigns to you.
This should be stated crystal clear in your contract. The contract is where the photographer and client reach a meeting of the minds with regard to what each can do with the photos.
My advice: no contract, no deal.
Now. If your photographer extorts your photos and is in violation of your contract, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. However, if there is no contract, the photographer can do with what he/she chooses with those photos.
Male, female, dog, cat or alien, reputation prevails. If you want good photos and no hassle, work with a professional photographer and familiarize yourself with the contract.