Can Your Event Attendees Opt-Out of Photos?

In these days of taking smartphone photos and quickly publishing them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and other online sites, it’s a good time to remember not everyone wants their photo to be shared.

I was reminded of that earlier today when I read Morten Rand-Hendriksen’s tweet from this weekend’s WordCamp Seattle 2017 event.

Give conference attendees a simple way to opt out of photos. pic.twitter.com/GEYCOJlh2B

— MortenRandHendriksen (@mor10) November 4, 2017

The text on the photo is:

Are you shy? That’s okay, many of us are.

We understand if you want to Opt-Out of Photos. Some folks might be a little camera-shy and that’s okay.

Roaming photographers: To help commemorate the great memories we make at this WordCamp, there will be volunteer photographers circulating during the event.

We will include their photos in our marketing material as we spread the good word about the Seattle WordPress community.

And you can opt-out:

1. You can communicate that you don’t want your picture taken by asking for an Orange W dot from the registration table.
2. Add that dot to your badge and flash the photographer with it when it looks like the photographer is about to take your photo, and they’ll know to leave you out.
3. Same thing if you’re accidentally included in a photo: if we see the Orange W dot when it comes time to use those photos, we’ll do our best to make sure you don’t show in them.

Ask for your Orange W sticker here!

When I asked Morten about his photo, he said he took the photo of the poster at the entrance for WordCamp Seattle 2017.

Do You Have an Opt-Out Photo Policy at Your Events?

Morten’s photo reminded me of a conversation I had earlier last month with attendees at a local meetup.

They weren’t comfortable having their photos taken. And no one took photos.

The WordCamp Seattle poster is not something I’ve seen very often at events: a large sign physically located where attendees can’t miss it.

Have you?

My question is: do you have a opt-out photo policy at your events? If yes, when do you let attendees know about your policy?

• In your event info or Code of Conduct?
• When attendees register online?
• When registration confirmation is sent?
• When attendees physically arrive at the event?
• Announced at beginning of event, or beginning of each event session?
• All of the above

If you don’t have a opt-out photo policy, is it something you’ve discussed with other organizers? Do you have any plans for a policy for your events?

Strategies for Opt-Out

Like any process, there are always different strategies for identifying who has chosen to opt-out of having their photo taken.

Here’s a couple:

• Morten mentioned he’s seen colored lanyards at other events
• One of Morten’s Twitter followers suggested including the orange dot with the badge, so the attendee doesn’t have to ask for it.

I like both ideas.

Summary

Morten’s tweet is a good reminder that some event attendees prefer to opt-out of photos. And that event organizers can take steps to ensure all event attendees have a great time.

If you have a photo policy for your events, I’d love to know how you implemented it. And how it’s worked out. Let me know in the comments.