Photography and video on campus for promotional purposes are permitted with the written consent of the individual(s) involved. This is required according to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) law protecting the privacy rights of students.
- PSU staff and their agents (professional photographers) may photograph events and participants in public areas, which includes classrooms.
- PSU staff and their agents (professional photographers) must obtain the written permission of those who will be identified specifically in photos. A large group of people (approximately 6 or more) who will not be named in the photo caption may be photographed without permission as long as they are not identifiable in the photo.
Photograph/Video Consent and Personal ID Information Forms
- There are two types of photo permission forms; one for individuals and one for small groups of people. All people who may or may not be identified in a photo caption must sign a PSU photo release form.
- The PSU photo/video release form does not specify the purposes for which the photo will be used; however, it does indicate the date and event or location in which the photo was taken.
Digital Form for Photo/Video Consent and Personal ID Information
Digital Form for Photo/Video Consent and Personal ID Information for Minors
Digital Form for Photo/Video Consent - Spanish version
Digital Form for Photo/Video Consent - Russian version
Photography Rules and Guidance
- It is prudent to assure that our photo release expressly states that subjects are waiving their rights to commercial benefit from the use of a photo or recording of them. This prevents people who are depicted in PSU photos from pursuing commercial benefits from PSU for using their face, image, or voice. For advertising purposes, PSU may choose to work with professional models to avoid this problem.
- As a courtesy, people in an instructional setting such as a classroom should be aware that photography will be done. Those who do not wish to be depicted in such a setting should be given the opportunity to opt-out or be re-seated so as not to be within the camera's range.
- Organizations/individuals intending to take photos on PSU's campus for commercial purposes must contract with the Campus Events and Student Union office. PSU generally charges a modest fee for using its campus and insurance conditions apply to these projects. For information on producing video or photography on campus, please refer to our PSU Film/Photo/Video Guidelines.
Authentic Imagery
Photos and video you create and use are assumed to be an accurate representation of the information you are sharing with your audience. Please visit the "Authentic Imagery" section of this best practices resource for guidance on creating and using imagery that authentically and accurately represents PSU and your subjects.