Photo and Video Releases
Guidance for Photo and Video Release Forms
The university advises photographers to obtain an individual model release when…
- Filming in a private space (residence halls including dorm rooms and common spaces, classrooms, labs, and private offices).
- The photo/video will be used for commercial* purposes.
- A minor’s likeness in a photo or video is clearly recognizable, no matter the environment or usage.
*Commercial content is defined as content intended to sell or promote the university and any of its programs or services. (As opposed to editorial content, which is intended to inform, rather than to sell.)
Notice of Filming
The university advises photographers or event organizers to post a notice of filming (crowd release) at public events as a risk mitigator for all uses, whether commercial or editorial. However, if an image will be used for commercial use, and an individual’s likeness is clearly recognizable, an individual model release should still be obtained.
Distributing the Notice of Filming can be done in a variety of ways:
- Posted on the entrances and exits.
- Printed on tickets.
- Presented on event slides.
- Posted on the event website.
If you have further questions about the use of photo & video releases, please email [email protected].