Ideas for ensuring photo use permission at your church events.
- Some churches include a signature sheet at a registration desk for their event or include the photo release form in the registration materials for an event.
- Updating the church directory is a good time to get blanket permission from members that is not event specific.
- Having the photo release form and opt-out form available on your church website is a great idea. Then any small group leader can ask their participants to bring the signed form to the next gathering.
- Provide an opt-out message in the footer of your church e-news, printed newsletter, and Sunday bulletin.
When do you need a photo release?
Photos taken on public property do not require a photo release form. Churches are not technically public property because they are not owned by the government. When a church event takes place at a park or other public location, you should be ok. However, being on public property doesn’t restrict someone from suing the church for invasion of privacy. The best policy is to always ask for permission before using photos of people.
Opt-out language for bulletin
Participation in our church events implies permission for the use of images taken at those events. You have the right to opt-out of inclusion in photographs or media used for (insert your church name) online or printed publications. To opt-out, please sign the form available at (web address) and turn in the completed form to the church office along with your photo.
Opt-out language for newsletters and website
We believe that using photos of friends of all ages in our print and web publications fosters a greater sense of community. Photography and video of our church members and friends help to display the vibrancy and joy of our church community. We use photos to enhance the quality of our print materials, newsletters, website, social media, publicity, and fundraising. As a participant in our church events, you have a right to opt out of inclusion in photographs/media, but unless an Opt-Out form is signed and on file at the church office with a reference image of the person opting out, participation at our church events implies permission for the use of images taken at those events.
To opt-out, please sign the form available at (web address) and turn in the completed form to the church office along with your photo. Individuals who have submitted an opt-out form should also inform event photographers of their decision to opt-out so that they are not accidentally captured in crowd shots.
