Event Photography | Marketing Practices
Because it is impossible to gain consent from every person attending large events, it is useful to provide an alternative methods for avoiding or opting-out of photography.
DOs & DON’Ts | if nothing else, follow these guidelines
- DO provide advance warning when photographing in public spaces.
- DO make contact information available to bystanders.
Event Materials
Event materials, like programs, should include text informing attendees of their rights. The language should indicate where event photography will be used and who to contact in order to opt-out.
Celebratory Events
For events featuring students and alumni, like Commencement or Homecoming, use the following language.
TEMPLATE | Text
This event will be photographed. The photography will be publicly available and may be featured on social media or pacificu.edu for commemorative purposes.
The photography may be reused for marketing purposes. If that happens, we will make reasonable efforts to contact you for permission to reuse the images.
If you wish to opt-out or have concerns, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at MarCom@groups.pacificu.edu.
Hosted Events or Programs
For hosted events or programs, like Music In May or the Strings Project, use the following language.
TEMPLATE | Text
[Event Name] will be photographed. A photo album will be publicly available online. Photography may be used to highlight [Event Name] on social media or on pacificu.edu. In the future, the photography may be used to promote [Event Name].
If you wish to opt-out now or in the future or have concerns, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at MarCom@groups.pacificu.edu.
NOTE | All attendees or their guardians of photographed events must complete media release forms. You can find media release forms on the Pacific website at pacificu.edu/MediaRelease
Public Notices
Provide advanced warning to event attendees where possible. For example, place signs at stadium entrances notifying fans that photography will occur at the football game.
Notices should include information on who to contact if the subject believes they were photographed on accident or without permission.
Photography Safe Spaces
One method of allowing people to control their own likeness at large events is “Photography Safe Spaces.” These are differentiated areas where individuals who prefer not to be photographed can reside. For example, a section of bleachers at an athletic game or a group of tables at a banquet could be reserved as “Photography Safe Spaces.”
Care should be taken so that these spaces are not coercive. If your safe space is isolated or the worst seats at the event, then you are actively discouraging people from using the photo free areas.
You can mark off “Photography Safe Spaces” by using signs. Do not create a boundary that restricts access (e.g., walled or roped enclosures). Signs should clearly explain the purpose of the area but should not deter anyone from using the space.