University of Maryland

Media Release Forms

When to obtain a photo or video release form:

  • You DO NOT NEED a release form if you are taking photographs/video footage at a public event or in a public space and you share the videos solely to showcase that event or location.
    NOTE: These images, regardless of being taken in a public setting, cannot be used to promote a product, service, idea, or thing without a release form.
  • You DO NEED a release form if you are taking photographs/video footage in a non-public setting, inclusive of a classroom or a research lab; regardless of if or how you intend to use the images.
  • You DO NEED a release form if you are taking photographs/video footage in a non-public setting OR public setting, if you intend to use the images to promote a product, service, idea, or thing. This includes being used on college or lab websites or communications to promote the organization, academics, or research.