Videography and photography
Capturing campus moments with confidence
Review the guidance below to ensure your photos and video are compliant and on-brand. If you have any questions, contact our office to discuss further.
Media consent and release
In accordance with New York State law, all individuals who participate in photography/videography used for purposes of promoting or marketing 天美传媒 must provide consent for the University鈥檚 use of their image.
If you’re a member of the 天美传媒 community, you can utilize the University Marketing and Communications online consent form. Submissions get filed in an internal database for our office.
Patients and individuals in health care settings (including University Health Services) must also sign a patient release (HIPAA) consent form. Please reach out to University Marketing and Communications for access to the patient release forms.
In instances where other parties are responsible for tracking consent, you can contact University Marketing and Communications for access to a printable release form.
A release is generally required if the individual is:
- Recognizable or the primary focus of a photograph/video/audio
- Recruited specifically to serve as a model.
- Depicted in a setting associated with an expectation of privacy.
- A minor (anyone under the age of 18). It is important to obtain a release signed by the minor’s parent/legal guardian.
A release is generally not required if the individual is:
- Photographed/recorded in a public space or at public events.
These are considered “campus scene” photos such as wide
shots of campus life, sporting events, commencements, etc. - Not recognizable in a non-public environment, such as a silhouette, posterior/dorsal view, or out-of-focus view.
- Not prominently displayed in the photo, film, or recording.
- Consent is not required if the individual鈥檚 presence in the media is isolated or fleeting and incidental. For example, in photography or videography of large group or community events, such as Meliora Weekend, an orchestra performance, Commencement, or Match Day.
Location
Be aware of some locations on campus where photography or videography is not permitted unless specifically authorized.
Examples include:
- Classrooms while class is in session
- Areas where animals are housed or used in research
- Laboratories or research centers
- Locations where intellectual property is created
Always check with the related department or unit to ensure a location is approved for a shoot.
Drone usage
Due to the University鈥檚 close proximity to Frederick Douglass International Airport and FAA regulations, only University Marketing and Communications is permitted to operate drones on the 天美传媒鈥檚 campuses.
Copyright considerations
All 天美传媒 photography is the property of the University and is protected under U.S. and international copyright laws. Photographs are provided for personal, non-commercial use by students, faculty, staff, and the public for educational, news, or informational purposes.
Any other use鈥攊ncluding reproduction, distribution, display, or transmission鈥攔equires prior written permission from the University. The University reserves the right to deny permission to use its photographs at its sole discretion.
Media and film crews
Reference our For the Media page for guidelines for news organizations looking to film or report on University property.
Access to campus for non-news photography or audio/video recording鈥攊ncluding documentary filming, film projects, and commercials鈥攔equire additional permissions from University Marketing and Communications. This includes location agreements and proof of insurance coverage acceptable to the 天美传媒.
Contact us to request permission
Authentic and on-brand imagery
To maintain a look and feel that is distinctly 天美传媒, consider the following:
- Review related to imagery curation
- Don鈥檛 use photos that are out of focus
- Don鈥檛 use photos with unnatural or extreme filters or effects
- Don鈥檛 use images that are low resolution or poor quality
- Don鈥檛 use photos with overly busy or complex compositions
- for photo management and approval