The following guidelines outline requirements and suggestions for receiving permissions from individuals captured in Oswego photography and video. The following guidelines have been developed by SUNY Oswego’s Office of Communications and Marketing using industry standards.
Campus exteriors are public-access spaces. When filming video or shooting photos, there should be no issues for your shoots.
When using video/photographs of individuals in your promotional materials and media, it is important to consider if a release/consent form from the photograph’s subjects/models is required before the photograph is published or otherwise made publicly available.
A release is not typically required when:
- The person is being photographed while specifically posing for the camera; has direct knowledge of being photographed; or is part of a particular shoot, verbally consenting, of their own free will.
- The person is photographed/videographed in a public space or at public events where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy, including but not limited to: sporting events, events within the Deborah F. Stanley Arena, Torchlight, OzFest and concerts. These types of photographs include general campus scene photos.
- The primary focus of a video/photograph is taken in a non-public environment and is not recognizable, such as a silhouette, rearview or out-of-focus shot.
- The subject is invited to attend a group activity/event and chooses to participate of their own free will.
- Official or contracted university photographers will ask subjects in a classroom or lab environment if they prefer not to appear, and will find a way to work around anybody who does not want to participate
A release is typically required when:
- The subject is a minor. It is important to obtain a signed release for minors. Exceptions may include public events such as athletic events and public ceremonies such as Torchlight and Commencement. In the absence of a signed release, verbal permission from the parent or guardian is advised.
- The subject is a current student in a location for a specific purpose other than being photographed. For example, if a group of current students is studying in an Oswego library and you want to take a photograph of the group studying, a release/consent form or verbal consent should be obtained from each subject.
- The subject is in an area where one has a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as inside Mary Walker Health Center, Counseling Services Center or other spaces where confidentiality would be expected.
- As a courtesy to subjects/models, you are encouraged to obtain at least verbal consent in instances where an individual can be identified and is the primary focus of a specific photograph.