Visual Services Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who owns the images shot by university photographers and held by Visual Services?
A: Boise State University, under the maintenance of Photographic Services.
Q: What about a photograph or other image I requested to have shot for a specific purpose such as a publication?
While Visual Services is here to provide photography needs for its various constituents and affiliates, Boise State provides the services, furnishes and pays for the resources, and employs the photographers. Boise State is therefore the primary owner of all images produced by Visual Services and reserves all rights therein.
Q: So even if I make the request for a photograph or other service from Visual Services, the images I order become the property of Boise State and can be used by anyone else?
A: Technically, yes, although in some cases the original requestor, such as the editor of a university publication, can request to have exclusive rights to his or her images for a limited amount of time.
Q: Under normal circumstances, who else has access to images I have arranged to have shot by Visual Services.
A: The rest of the campus community and agencies affiliated with the state of Idaho.
Q: How do I get permission to use an image?
A: In the case of photographs created by Visual Services permission is generally granted.
Q: Can I just download an image from Visual Services’ website or copy one that I see in a university publication to use in my own brochure or website?
A: No. Using images without permission from the photographer or owner of the photographs is illegal. Copyright laws protect images on the Visual Services website.
Q: Are there other considerations if I get an image off the web?
A: Yes. Images on the web are low resolution and will not reproduce well in printed publications. Visual Services can help you determine if a higher-quality version of the image is required and help you get it. Remember, copyright law protects photos on the web. There could be legal ramifications if you take an image from someone else’s site.
Q: I can’t find a photo that’s just right for my project. What now?
A: You can make arrangements with the university photographers to take original photographs or search the Visual Services archive for an appropriate image.