Reason

BC FIPPA states that if the event is private (e.g., the invitation to attend was sent to a specific group of people), then permission should be obtained or attendees notified that the event will be photographed/filmed/recorded.

If the event is (1) open to the public, and (2) people are attending voluntarily (e.g., a football game), then it is permissible to capture and publish images (there is no expectation of privacy).

Best practice - Assume university property is private property, even though the public may access grounds, walkways, hallways, etc., and post/notify when you are capturing images for a work-related project.

See more at BC FIPPA.

Kinds of consent

Model release form (Regular form or Adult Consent for Child), other release statement, email confirmation, on camera consent, and/or signage, may be obtained if attendees are attending a private event.

Consent is not required for a public event where attendees are there voluntarily. However, when in doubt assume SFU property is private and avoid recording individuals who are recognizable.

Photography signage/notification best practice (private and public events) – Advise attendees beforehand and at event that filming/ photography will take place and how the images will be used.

Options to publish

• If a "photography allowed" sign is the only method used to convey that permission was granted to photograph or film on location at a private or public event, it’s prudent to only publish images in event-related publications. Avoid using in any other context. Keep images safe.
• If a model release (written consent) is obtained at a private or public event then the image may be reproduced in unlimited work-related uses and duration (e.g., printing and posting to web, etc.)
• If consent has not been obtained at a private outdoor event and a person’s image has been captured incidentally, blur face or other recognizable traits so that the person is not identifiable.
• If consent has not been obtained at a public outdoor event and a person’s image has been captured incidentally, it may be published. However, best practice would be to blur face or other recognizable traits, especially of children, so that the person is not identifiable.

References and forms

BC FIPPA