Photos and images policy

Photos, images & videos policy

When taking photos, videos or recordings on behalf of ADRA or during an ADRA Connections trip or Community Transformation Project, it is important that you have a full understanding of ADRAs policy to protect both yourself and those present in any media. After reading through our media policy, you can download our Permission and Release Form if you plan to capture media on behalf of ADRA.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to set minimum standards for the agency to follow to ensure respect for the dignity and culture of the people with whom ADRA works.

Introduction

The taking of photos and video footage by ADRA New Zealand staff, interns, volunteers and contractors for use by ADRA New Zealand is not unusual. These photos and video footage may be used by ADRA New Zealand for a variety of purposes; marketing, promotion, information, presentations, displays and illustrations, to name a few. The majority of these photos will capture individuals, or families or groups of people, as ADRA’s work is people-centered. These people may range in age from babies to older persons. The location where these photos are taken could literally be anywhere in the world. Given this context, it is extremely important that ADRA, first and foremost, protects the interests and privacy of those who are appear in the photos and video footage; their rights are paramount. ADRA is committed to respect and empower individuals, and recognize they each have their own values, beliefs and customs that must be respected. For these reasons clear guidelines must be provided to anyone who takes photos and video footage for ADRA New Zealand.

Scope

This policy applies to all ADRA New Zealand staff, interns, volunteers and contractors, and in general to anybody taking photos and video footage on behalf of ADRA. In addition, all ADRA New Zealand partner offices are expected to apply this policy when taking photos and video footage for ADRA New Zealand.

Policy

Consent

  • Consult with local ADRA staff regarding the culture of the local people and their sentiments regarding being photographed/videographed.
  • For photos taken outside of NZ ensure local ADRA staff have attained appropriate permission/authorisation from the local government as well as the communities to be visited for photography/videography, if necessary.
  • Inform subjects before they’re photographed/videographed of where/how their image may be used and share examples e.g. ADRA Update newsletter, Website, Direct Mail campaigns, presentations etc.For photos taken in NZ with the primary subject being three or less persons obtain the subjects signed approval before photography/videography begins using the Photo/Video/Recording Permission and Release Form
  • When taking pictures of a group (more than three people) in NZ, obtain verbal permission and explain to the group how the pictures may be used.
  • When images are obtained via secondary sources independent of ADRA (e.g. ADRA Connection groups, volunteers) written consent from the secondary source, confirming consent of the key person(s) in the image(s) should be obtained (see Appendix 1).
  • Images taken of an ADRA project by a secondary source independent of ADRA will need to seek consent before releasing images for mass communication (television, newspaper, etc) or commercial use.

Photo Composition

  • Images taken of an ADRA project by a second
  • Images of subjects should present them in a dignified manner. (i.e. no “fly in the eye” shots)
  • Images should be decent and respectful and not present people as victims or in a vulnerable or submissive manner.
  • People (including children) should be adequately clothed in photographs and not in poses that could be interpreted as sexually suggestive
  • The use of images should not in any way endanger or stigmatise the people they, include.

Storage

All photos taken by staff should be tagged, categorised and stored in the agency’s photo library.

Captions / Use of Photos

  • Photographs/footage should be used in context and should be representative of the project or country referenced.
  • Photo captions should be fair and accurate

Copyright 

All photos of ADRA subjects/projects taken by an ADRA NZ employee or contractor (unless otherwise specified in their contract) are the sole property of ADRA NZ. Photos shall not be submitted for contests or used by any other person/entity without the written consent of ADRA NZ.