Campus Photography/Videography Policy

To preserve the integrity and safety of our campus environment, photography/videography (which includes videography) on campus grounds are subject to the following policy:

1. Personal Photography/Videography

Non-professional photography/videography for personal use is permitted, subject to respect for the privacy of others, and subject to the general provisions of the student disciplinary code.

2. Professional Photography/Videography for Commercial Purposes

Professional photography/videography for commercial purposes is expressly prohibited unless written consent is obtained in advance from the University’s director of marketing and communications.

3. Professional Photography/Videography for Non-Commercial Purposes

Professional photography/videography for non-commercial use (e.g., only for personal use, such as Christmas cards, senior class photos, etc.) is permitted subject to the following:

  1. Permission Required
    • All photography/videography requests must obtain prior written permission from the Office of Marketing and Communications before conducting any sessions on campus.
    • Requests should be submitted at least two weeks in advance and include the date, time, purpose, and expected duration of the session.
  2. Permitted Areas
    • Photography/videography is limited to exterior campus locations only unless permission is otherwise granted by the director of marketing and communications.
  3. Behavioral Expectations

    Individuals and professional photographers/videographers and their clients must:

    • Respect the campus community by avoiding disruption to students, employees, and scheduled events.
    • Refrain from using props, equipment, or attire that may be inappropriate, unsafe, or disruptive.
    • Refrain from blocking walkways, entrances, or emergency access routes.
    • Clean up after the session and leave the area as it was found.
    • Comply with all campus rules and local laws.
    • Uphold the integrity of the University in dress, actions, and content of photographs/videos.
  4. Prohibited Activities
    • Use of drones or aerial equipment without explicit written approval.
    • Photography/videography that includes signage, logos, or branding without permission.
    • Moving planters, pots, benches, or other University property.
    • Stepping into garden beds or over plant material.
    • Removing or picking plant material.
    • Climbing or standing on structures, walls, or other objects or trees.
    • Entering any closed or fenced off area.

Release of Liability

The individual(s) and their photographer/videographer waive, release and hold harmless St. John Fisher University, its trustees, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from any and all claims, demands, damages, or causes of action in any way arising out of or related to their photography/videography activities or presence on campus.

Indemnification Clause

The individual(s) and their photographer/videographer jointly and severally shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless St. John Fisher University and its representatives against any claims, liabilities, losses, or expenses (including attorney’s fees, and attorney’s fees to enforce this provision) in any way resulting from or associated with their photography/videography activities or presence on campus,  including but not limited to violation of privacy rights, misuse of images, or any breach of this policy. The individual(s) and their photographer/videographer shall be jointly and severally liable for any damage to University Property or personal injuries, and shall indemnify the University against the same.

Permission to engage in photography/videography may be revoked by the University at any time, for any or no reason.

Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in removal from campus and denial of future photography/videography requests.

To make arrangements for professional photography/videography, please contact Kate Torok, director of marketing and communications, at ktorok@sjf.edu.