Photo & Video Policy

Last updated: March 11, 2026

Introduction

Alive Church regularly captures photographs and video recordings during our services, events, and activities. This policy explains how we use these images and how you can manage your preferences.

Why We Capture Images

We use photographs and videos to:

• Share the life of our church on our website and social media
• Create promotional materials for events and services
• Document church history and milestones
• Provide online sermon recordings and livestreams
• Create resources for church communications

Where Images May Be Used

Images captured at our church may appear in:

• Our church website
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube)
• Church newsletters and bulletins
• Printed promotional materials
• Presentation slides during services
• Video recordings of services (available online)

Consent at Services and Events

By attending our services and events, you acknowledge that photography and filming may take place. We display notices at our venue entrance informing attendees of this.

We rely on legitimate interest as our lawful basis for general photography at public church gatherings. However, we respect your right to privacy and offer opt-out options.

Opting Out

If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed:

• Before an event: Let a member of our welcome team know when you arrive
• During an event: Speak to any team member or sit in designated "no photo" areas where available
• After publication: Contact us to request removal of specific images

We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your preferences, though we cannot guarantee that you will not appear in the background of wide-angle shots.

Children and Young People

We take extra care with images of children and young people:

• We obtain parental/guardian consent for any child registered with our children's or youth programmes
• Consent forms are provided during registration
• We do not identify children by name alongside their photo without specific consent
• Parents/guardians may update consent preferences at any time
• We avoid images that could be considered inappropriate or that show children in vulnerable situations

Live Streaming

Our services are livestreamed online. During livestreams:

• Cameras primarily focus on the stage/platform area
• Congregation shots may be included but are typically wide-angle
• If you prefer not to appear on livestream, please sit outside the main camera angles (our welcome team can advise)
• Recordings remain available on our YouTube channel

Photography by Attendees

We ask that attendees taking their own photos or videos:

• Respect others' privacy
• Do not photograph children who are not their own without permission
• Avoid disruptive flash photography during services
• Consider others if sharing images on social media
• Follow any specific guidance given for particular events

Professional Photography

For weddings, dedications, and other special occasions:

• Professional photographers must be approved in advance
• Specific agreements will be made regarding image usage
• Photographers must respect the privacy of other attendees

Image Storage and Retention

Images are:

• Stored securely on church systems and approved cloud services
• Retained for as long as they remain useful for church purposes
• Periodically reviewed and deleted when no longer needed
• Not shared with third parties except as described in this policy

Your Rights

Under data protection law, you have the right to:

• Request access to images we hold of you
• Request removal of images from our website and social media
• Object to the use of your image
• Update your consent preferences at any time

Please note that once images are published online, we cannot control copies made by third parties.

Safeguarding

This policy operates in conjunction with our Safeguarding Policy. Any concerns about the inappropriate use of images should be reported to our Safeguarding Coordinator.

Contact Us

To update your preferences, request image removal, or ask questions:

• Email: office@alive.me.uk
• Address: Alive House, Nelson Street, Norwich NR2 4DR