Before using photographs, video and audio recordings of individuals for the purpose of media, marketing, development, and/or customer service, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Medicine and their affiliated entities may require the subjects of the photographs and recordings to provide their consent. Guidelines have been developed to assist in determining whether such consents are necessary.

A photographer or videographer will typically need to obtain consent for photographs, videos or other media containing a person’s image or likeness:

• When the person being photographed or recorded is under the age of 18 (see below);
• When the person being photographed or recorded is in a place where the person might have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., a residence hall room, restroom, or changing room);
• When the person being photographed or recorded has been asked to appear in, or model for, a photo or video for communications or marketing purposes, including social media;
• When the person being photographed or recorded appears to be a patient or visitor accompanying a patient in a medical setting; or
• When the person being photographed or recorded is or appears to be a current student; is the intended subject of the photo or recording and is identifiable (e.g., photo of a student making a presentation).

A photographer or videographer will not typically need to obtain a release form for photographs, videos or other media containing a person’s image or likeness:

• If the person being photographed or recorded is not recognizable, such as a photograph of the person’s silhouette, or a posterior view or out-of-focus view;
• When the photograph or recording is taken at a university event that is open to the general public (e.g. athletic game or competition, parade, commencement);
• When the photograph or recording is taken at a university event sponsored for students, faculty, staff or community members (e.g. student life event, concert);
• When the photograph or recording is taken at an event sponsored by a student organization recognized by the university (e.g. student club activity or event);
• When the photograph or recording is taken during an academic activity (e.g. class; lab; honors and awards ceremony); or
• When the photograph or recording is of large group settings, such as wide shots of classrooms or campus scenic shots with no single subject.

Using the Digital Forms—Non-Health Care Only

Our updated digital release form makes it much easier for employees, students, and visitors to grant permission for photography, videography or audio recording, as long as they are not being identified as a patient.

Employees and Students

After logging into the form, users should select whether they are students and/or employees. If they are students or employees, they should log in with their BlazerID and password to review the release and accept the terms. The digital releases will then be added to our records. Employee permissions are valid for as long as the individual is employed by UAB. Student permissions will remain active for one year.

If a student or employee can’t remember if they’ve signed the form, they can simply log in to verify. If they have signed the form, they will receive an immediate automatic response that we have a signed release form on record.

Students who are under 18 should indicate their age on the form when prompted and should provide parent/guardian permission for their voice and image use.

Communicators can also email forms ahead of time to employees and students if we know there will be photography or videography taking place in a building or classroom. Anyone who may be captured via photo, video or audio can sign the form in advance of the event.

Visitors

After logging into the form, visitors should answer “no” when prompted to state whether they are students or employees. They will then be asked to provide their names and contact information before reviewing the form and granting permission. UAB does not keep visitor forms on file.

Health Care

If a person is identifiable as a UAB patient, please have the patient fill out and sign the “Patient Authorization to Use/Disclose Information” form. This form is HIPAA-compliant.