Downloads - Office of College Advancement
Photo Release / Photograph Release / Photographer's Release / Model Relase
Please contact Gosia Gizycki at (510) 659-6206 with questions.
Each person who is recognizeable in a photograph or other image used in any Ohlone College publication in any format (such as print or electronic, including the College website) must sign a Photograph Release Form which gives the College permission to use his or her image. A parent or guardian must sign for anyone under the age of 18 years.
In addition, after the subject signs the release, the Photographer is required to provide each person/model with a shortened version of the contract (i.e., the Photograph Release Terms document) to take with them.
- Ohlone College Photograph Release Form (for groups) (PDF) (each person signs this form)
- Ohlone College Photograph Release Form (for individuals) (PDF) (each person signs this form)
- Ohlone College Photograph Release Terms (PDF) (each person who signs the above form(s) must be provided with a copy of this document)
The original signed and dated Photography Release Forms used in marketing the college should be kept on file in College Advancement. Signed and dated forms for photos used on the website should also be filed with College Advancemtn, with a copy of the form provided to the Web Team.
Photo release forms are usually not required of subjects in news photographs (including campus newspaper coverage) at public events, such as a basketball game, campus rally, etc. Media visits to the classroom are not considered public events, so release forms should be collected and students should be given the opportunity to opt out of the photo session.
Generally speaking, what can be seen from public view on public land can be photographed without legal repercussions. Photographs taken in private places require consent. Photos taken where there is an expectation of privacy (such as in classrooms or at student events) require the person(s) in the photograph sign a Photograph Release Form. Public events, such as the Ohlone College Graduation Ceremony, do not require a Photograph Release Form.
Whenever practical, it may be best to collect a signed release form simply to avoid any possible liability problems.
For related information, see Photographer's Guide to Privacy and The Photographer's Rights.
