Photo and Film Release Form
When a Release is Typically Required
A release is generally required if students or others (except UT faculty/staff) are:
- the primary focus of a photograph taken in a non-public space, are recognizable, and have been recruited specifically to serve as subjects/models.(this includes the students who sign up to be models for the viewbook)
- minors. It is important to obtain a signed release for minors. Exceptions may include: public events, such as athletic events. In the absence of a signed release, verbal permission from the parent or guardian is advised.
- current students, identifiable, and in a location for a specific purpose other than being photographed. For example, if a group of current students is studying in the library and you want to take a photograph of the group studying, a release/consent form or verbal consent should be obtained from each subject/model.
When a Release is Not Typically Required
A release is generally not required if students or others are:
- photographed in a public space or at public events where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy, including but not limited to: sporting events, Student Convocation, Commencement. These types of photographs include general “campus scene” photos.
- the primary focus of the photograph taken in a non-public environment and are not recognizable, such as when a silhouette, back view, or out of focus shot is taken.
- UT faculty or staff.
- invited to attend a group activity/event and chose to participate of their own free will (speaker series, student-led discussion forums)
- in a classroom or lab environment where the photography has been requested by the faculty member, department, college, or other appropriate agent of the University.