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

I don鈥檛 understand all the legal stuff on the page, what exactly does this form do?
By signing this agreement, you are giving SF permission to use your image to market and promote the college, without financial compensation.

I know my students signed releases when they enrolled with my program. Will those work?
They need have signed the release approved by SF鈥檚 General Counsel. A hard copy of that release needs to be on file with MarCom.

I have a stack of signed releases, what should I do with them?
MarCom needs hard copies of all releases. Scan, copy, send all releases to MarCom.

Who needs to sign a release?
Anybody recognizable in an image or video that will be used to market or promote the college. Student, faculty, staff or anyone else.

Do I need to get a release if I鈥檓 just posting the image on social media?
If the image is being used within a day or two of an event and posted as 鈥渘ews鈥� 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鈥檒l need the subjects in the image to sign a release.

Do I need a release if the image or video will be used for educational purposes.
Yes.

Do I need a release if I鈥檓 just using the photo in a PowerPoint presentation?
Yes.

Why do we need to go through the hassle of getting these things signed?
We wouldn鈥檛 want to use someone鈥檚 likeness to promote our institution without their permission. It鈥檚 both legally necessary and the polite thing to do.