Q: In the family plan can I keep my pics, texts, contacts etc independent from the others

Hi augoma,

I see that you have some questions about Family Sharing and the data that would be shared across devices with this feature turned on. I have some documentation for you to look at that may help you understand this a little better:

Family Sharing - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201060

When you set up Family Sharing, each person will use their own iCloud account, so allow me to address some of your questions directly. Photos can be shared with your family if you decide to store the photo in the shared photo album. Texts are not shared across devices that have different Apple IDs. Contacts are backed up to your iCloud account, but are not shared across devices that are signed into different iCloud accounts. Lastly, your iCloud information on your iOS device is not synced to a computer through iTunes if iCloud is active and syncing on the device.

For further information about iCloud Family Sharing, see these links:

What types of content can I share with Family Sharing? - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203046

Set up Family Sharing - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201088

Thanks for being a part of the Apple Support Communities!