Photo and Video Release Forms
All identifiable people in a photo or video must sign the college's approved photo/video release form. All releases must be shared and on file with Marketing & Communications (MarCom). Email or drop off the approved and signed releases to the college photographer or videographer as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I don’t understand all the legal stuff on the page, what exactly does this form do?
A: By signing this agreement, you are giving SF permission to use your image to market and promote the college, without financial compensation.
Q: I know my students signed releases when they enrolled with my program. Will those work?
A: They need have signed the release approved by SF’s General Counsel. A hard copy of that release needs to be on file with MarCom.
Q: I have a stack of signed releases, what should I do with them?
A: MarCom needs hard copies of all releases. Scan, copy, send all releases to MarCom.
Q: Who needs to sign a release?
A: Anybody recognizable in an image or video that will be used to market or promote the college. Student, faculty, staff or anyone else.
Q: Do I need to get a release if I’m just posting the image on social media?
A: If the image is being used within a day or two of an event and posted as “news” then no release is needed. (Example: Photos from a fun event on the Oak Grove can be posted on social media later that day, without a signed release). If you plan to use those same images later to promote the college or another event, then you’ll need the subjects in the image to sign a release.
Q: Do I need a release if the image or video will be used for educational purposes.
A: Yes.
Q: Do I need a release if I’m just using the photo in a PowerPoint presentation?
A: Yes.
Q: Why do we need to go through the hassle of getting these things signed?
A: We wouldn’t want to use someone’s likeness to promote our institution without their permission. It’s both legally necessary and the polite thing to do.