Photography Policy

Introduction

In response to the increasing number of requests we receive from photographers to take photos / film content at West matches, we have developed this policy to ensure that both the club and any such photographers have a clear understanding of the rights and obligations attached to the photos they take at West matches.

Who does this policy apply to?

This policy only applies to photographers taking photos / filming content on behalf of the club and/or those wishing to actively collaborate with the club in any way. These individuals will be referred to as "Photographers" in this policy, and any content they capture will be referred to as "Photographs". 

By collaborate, we mean sending out posts jointly with West's social media accounts - whether that's co-posts, tagged features, story takeovers or similar. We will not unreasonably decline any request from prospective Photographers to collaborate with the club, and we will generally ensure that they get complimentary access to the matches they wish to take Photographs at. 

Who does this policy not apply to?

This policy does not apply to anyone taking Photographs for personal use or for their own personal social media accounts.

Similarly, this policy does not apply to any paying attendee at our matches who takes Photographs for their own media channels in circumstances where they do not intend to collaborate with the club. As a matter of courtesy, we do however ask such individuals to give the club prior notice of this, and the club does reserve the right to to ask any attendee to stop taking Photographs if it is causing others distress and/or otherwise breaching our Supporter Behaviour Policy.  

Ownership of Photographs

Any Photographs taken by a Photographer at West matches belong to West Didsbury & Chorlton FC.

By taking Photographs for the club, Photographers agree to assign all rights (including copyright) in those Photographs to the club with effect from the moment they are taken. 

Although the club owns the Photographs, Photographers are welcome to use them for their own personal, non-commercial purposes. For example, these can be used in any portfolio, personal website and/or on their own social media accounts.  Photographers must not sell, license or give the Photographs to any third party (for example, media outlets, other clubs or stock photo websites) without the club's prior written consent.

Use of Photographs by the Club

The club can use the Photographs however it sees fit in connection with club activities - for example, on the website, social media, in programmes, on merchandise or in any other promotional material. We will try to credit the Photographer where possible, but it is acknowledged this may not always be practical, particularly on social media platforms with character limits.

Delivery of Photographs

After a match, event or other West-related activity, the Photographer should send their photos to the club within seven days, in whatever format the club asks for. Photos may be uploaded to the Club's Flickr account or on any other platform that West uses.

Safeguarding & Data Protection

Where Photographs may capture children or vulnerable adults, the Photographer must consider whether appropriate consent has been obtained before those images are taken or shared with the club. Photographers should also be mindful of their obligations under applicable data protection legislation (including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018) when taking and handling Photographs.

If you have any concerns or questions about safeguarding or data protection, please contact the club.

General

We reserve the right to update this policy at any time and will let Photographers know if anything changes. A Photographer may stop volunteering at any time by letting the Club know, and the club may end the arrangement with any Photographer at its discretion. Any Photographs already provided to the club will remain the property of the club.

Photographers are responsible for arranging any insurance they may need for pitch-side photography, and permission is required to take photos pitch-side. Such permission cannot be guaranteed at matches away from West's home stadium, but we will work with Photographers to make necessary arrangements for such matches.

The Club does not automatically provide insurance cover for Photographers and will not be liable for any loss, damage or injury that is not caused by the Club's negligence.

By continuing to take Photographs for the Club, Photographers are happy to continue with these terms.