Skidmore College uses photography, audio, and video recordings to support education, publicity, student recruitment, marketing, media relations, archival documentation, and other official College purposes.

Photos, audio, and video may be used on Skidmore websites, social media channels, print publications, advertising, news stories, presentations, and other College communications. Some materials may be used shortly after they are captured; others may be archived and used in the future.

Photography and video in public spaces

Photography and video captured in public spaces or at public College events may be used by Skidmore without individual written authorization. Public spaces and events may include outdoor campus spaces, public areas of buildings, athletic events, performances, lectures, ceremonies, and other College-sponsored activities.

By being present in or around College facilities, College properties, public College events, or off-campus College-sponsored locations, individuals may be photographed, recorded, or filmed for official College purposes.

Private or sensitive settings

OCM approaches photography and video in private or sensitive settings with care. These settings may include classrooms, club meetings, small group discussions, advising settings, residence halls, health or counseling settings, or other situations where privacy expectations may be higher.

When appropriate, OCM will identify itself in advance, explain the purpose of the photography or recording, and provide an opportunity for individuals to opt out.

Faculty members, staff members, event organizers, or supervisors may also contact OCM in advance if a setting requires special consideration.

Paid advertising and image releases

Although this policy permits Skidmore to use photography, audio, and video captured for official College purposes, OCM generally seeks a signed image release when a student’s identifiable image, voice, or likeness will be used in paid advertising.

Once a release has been signed, Skidmore may rely on that permission for the approved advertising use. Requests to withdraw or limit a signed release will be reviewed by OCM and considered only in cases involving extenuating circumstances.

Opting out or raising concerns

Individuals who do not wish to be photographed or recorded should notify the photographer, videographer, event organizer, or OCM representative when possible.

If you have concerns about the use of your image, voice, or likeness in Skidmore communications, contact OCM at info@skidmore.edu or reach out directly to a member of the OCM staff.

Photography and video by campus partners

Faculty, staff, students, departments, programs, clubs, and offices that capture photography or video for College-related purposes are responsible for respecting privacy, obtaining permissions when appropriate, and following College policies.

Do not photograph, film, or record individuals in private or sensitive settings without appropriate permission. Do not publish images, video, or recordings in ways that reveal protected, confidential, or sensitive information.

When photography or video will be used for official College communications, marketing, media relations, websites, social media, or public-facing materials, OCM may review or approve use before publication.

Outside photographers and videographers

Noncommercial photographers and filmmakers who are not working for or hired by OCM may photograph or film in public campus spaces when they have permission from the people they photograph or record and when their work does not disrupt College operations, classes, events, or campus life.

Offices, departments, programs, and student groups should contact OCM before hiring freelance photographers or videographers for College-related work. This helps ensure appropriate permissions, brand alignment, privacy protection, and coordination with existing College photography and video resources.

Student photography and videography

Students who capture photography, video, audio, or other media for personal academic work, class assignments, student publications, or approved College activities should follow applicable academic policies, student organization expectations, and standard permission practices.

Students who capture media as part of a business, freelance service, paid influencer arrangement, sponsored content, revenue-generating vlog, commercial portfolio, or other income-generating activity are considered commercial entities for the purposes of this policy. In those cases, Skidmore’s commercial photography, filming, and third-party production requirements apply.

Students engaged in commercial or revenue-generating media work must receive advance approval from OCM before photographing, filming, or recording on campus for that purpose.

Commercial, media, and third-party filming

Commercial filming, commercial photography, media filming, or third-party production on campus requires advance approval from OCM unless other formal arrangements have been made.

Outside vendors, agencies, freelancers, news media, or production companies should confirm permissions with OCM before conducting photography, filming, or recording on campus.

Filming or photographing classes requires permission from the faculty member and appropriate notice to students. Students must have an opportunity to opt out when needed to protect privacy and comply with FERPA requirements.

FERPA, privacy, and protected information

Photos and videos may be subject to privacy considerations, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, when student education records or personally identifiable information are involved.

Anyone conducting photography or video work on campus should take care not to capture or publish protected, confidential, or sensitive information without appropriate permission.

For additional guidance, review the U.S. Department of Education’s FAQs on photos and videos under FERPA.

Questions

If you have questions about photography, video, permissions, campus filming, privacy concerns, or use of your image or likeness in Skidmore communications, contact OCM at info@skidmore.edu.