Photographs and/or video of worship activities and our members brings our website and social media to life, providing a window into the vitality and friendliness of the community that gathers at Grace each Sunday. Accordingly, as we continue working to grow our congregation, you may see more and more of our staff photographer during worship and other Grace activities.
With that in mind, we are providing this policy for our member and visitors.
When you enter a worship service at Grace United Methodist Church or a church-sponsored event, you will be entering an area where photography, video and audio recording may occur. By participating in these events, you consent to photography or video recording being used in Grace marketing materials, including but not limited to: websites, social media, newsletters, brochures, advertisements, displays, etc.
Our photographers and staff will aspire to abide by the following:
To ensure the privacy of photographed subjects, personal identifying information – beyond the use of full adult names - will not be used in any publications, videos, displays, websites or social media.
We may identify children or youth and if so, by first name only, in any publications, videos, displays, websites or social media.
We will not tag anyone in social media posts, but instead allow our congregants, staff and visitors to tag themselves as they see fit on pages sponsored or managed by Grace.
Subjects of images may receive digital copies of published images at no cost.
We will gladly remove any photo or video upon written request from our online websites, social media and resource files.
If you or your children wish to not be photographed or appear in our publications, displays or online media, please do any one of the following:
Email Ms. Joy Smith, Communications Coordinator, and provide the name of those who should not be photographed and include a photograph of said persons for reference, if possible. Grace will use the photo for identification purposes only and will hold it in confidence.
Make your wishes known to the photographer in person at the time of photography.
Complete and return to the church office the media use revocation form found here.
If circumstances change and you wish to reverse or modify your decision, please speak with the church administrator.
By participating in Grace worship or events or by failing to notify Grace of your desire to not have your image used, you are agreeing to release Grace from any and all claims involving the use of your picture or likeness.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
A GENERAL REMINDER TO CONGREGANTS AND VISITORS
Please be mindful and considerate of other people's privacy when photographing at Grace for the purpose of sharing on social media. This is especially important when photographing minors. At Grace, we want children to feel welcome and safe and we want them to form friendships and relationships. If you are taking photos of someone’s child, please take a moment to ask their parents if they are okay with you posting images of them on social media.