How to Protect Your Non-profit When Using Event Pictures in Marketing

It’s a common sight at any non-profit event – a photographer is walking around, taking pictures of all the scenes at the event, capturing the night for the organization and its guests. 

In most cases, those photos will be posted on the organization’s social media channels and the event page of the website, with a few maybe being used in other ways. After all, the organization wants to show how many of the community’s key players are at the event, believing that a “who’s who” at the event will draw other people to the next event.

However, what happens when you photograph someone who may not want to be seen at an event? What happens if you use the photograph in a sales piece asking for donations or membership? What happens if you film an event and use the B-roll at a major conference?

For the most part, using photographs in such a way will not cause an issue. After all, the people at the event are there to support the organization.

But, non-profit laws are there to protect that one person who may not want their image or likeness to be used in a donation or sales pitch. As such, any non-profit organization must take steps to protect itself.

The attorneys at The Orlando Law Group specialize in helping non-profit organizations in Orlando, Sanford, Winter Garden and Kissimmee with all of an organization’s essential legal needs, including what is needed for human resources and employment.

Florida Statutes are clear about consent requirements

For years, Florida has had very specific requirements as to the use of images and likenesses of individuals without consent.

Florida Statutes 540.o8 state:

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