Section 2.11 Photo Releases

Before adding images that include photos of people to your publications, newsletters, flyers, web pages, social media accounts, or incorporating them into a video,  you must have a signed release on file from the individuals in the pictures. If the faces can’t be recognized, because they are too small, turned away from the camera, or blocked by another person or object, no release is necessary. If the person is recognizable, a signed release is necessary.

Do not rely on a verbal okay to use a photo, particularly if the picture is of a child. Get written permission from the child’s legal guardian.

You can use the University of Maine’s release form or, if the photos are 4-H related, UMaine Extension’s 4-H release form. Both forms are available at Release (Photo, etc.) Forms.

The most convenient time to get a release signed is when participants sign up for an event or program before any pictures are taken. Make it a practice. Keep all your signed release forms in an easy-to-find file.