Photo and Social Media Policy

The Presbytery of WNY and her churches value how photos, videos, and other media contribute to the growth and vitality of our faith and community. We share our narrative, and showcase the vibrancy and joy within our church communities through visual and audio content. This content celebrates the work of those who serve, and allows us to communicate our mission as a church as well as the pulse of our community.

Based on the United States constitution's protection of free speech and a free and independent press, and upon long-established privacy guidelines, we generally share all news-related photos without permission unless doing so would violate the rules/guidelines below.

• We try not to post anything that would be embarrassing, objectionable or hurtful to anyone in the photo. If we know someone is shy about such things, we ask them before posting the photo.

• We don't put names as captions with photos (except for pastors/staff or other adult members who have given expressed written consent). 

• We will gladly provide credit for a particular photo if desired by the photographer, and we would certainly honor any copyright wishes or restrictions.

• We will gladly remove any photo immediately upon request (click here to contact us).

• We will not intrude into anyone's solitude, seclusion, or private property without permission.

• We will not publish private information (whether photos or stories) without permission.

• We will not print any photo or story that presents the subject in a false light.

• We will not appropriate any photo of any person for any commercial use without permission.

Resources:

Brotherhood Mutual Legal Guidelines for Photo and Video Use

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: Guidelines for using photos of congregation members

Pacific Union Conference: News Photo Permissions not Usually Necessary

Click here to contact us to request that a photo of yourself be removed and/or to opt out of inclusion in photographs/media