Photo and Privacy Practices

Last updated: September 9, 2025

This page explains how River Road United Methodist Church (RRUMC) handles photography, video, livestreams, and related personal information. Our goal is to celebrate ministry while respecting privacy, especially for children and youth.

Quick summary

  • We ask a parent or legal guardian to complete a Minor Photo and Video Release before we use any identifiable image of a person under 18 on our website, social media, printed pieces, slides, or displays.

  • Adults may be photographed at church activities. We honor reasonable requests not to be photographed and we process takedown requests quickly.

  • We avoid posting last names of minors and do not sell data.

  • Livestreams and recordings may include congregants and visitors. We avoid close-ups of minors who have opted out and provide accommodations when feasible.

  • You can update or withdraw your permission at any time for future uses.

Scope

This policy applies to photos, video, and audio produced by RRUMC staff and volunteers at RRUMC services, programs, classes, events, and on RRUMC property or RRUMC-sponsored offsite activities. It also applies to content RRUMC publishes on church-managed channels, including the website, social media, digital signage, printed materials, and slides.

Definitions

  • Identifiable image: A photo or video where a person can reasonably be recognized.

  • Minors: Individuals under the age of 18.

  • Parent or guardian: The adult legally authorized to make decisions for a minor.

What we collect

We may capture photographs, audio, and video at services and events. We may also collect basic contact information from release forms or opt-out forms (name, email, phone, and relevant notes). We do not collect biometric identifiers or precise geolocation for these purposes.

How we use images and recordings

We use selected images and recordings to document and promote RRUMC ministries. Common uses include the church website, printed materials, worship slides, newsletters, social media, and in-building displays. We do not sell photos or personal data.

Minors

  • We require a signed Minor Photo and Video Release before using an identifiable image, audio, or video of a minor on RRUMC public channels.

  • We will not post a minor’s last name, personal contact information, medical details, school names, or schedules.

  • If no release is on file or if a parent or guardian has opted out, we do not use identifiable images of that minor.

  • At large events we work to avoid photographing opt-out minors and can provide accommodations such as no-camera seating areas when feasible.

Adults

  • Adults may be photographed as part of services and events. If you do not wish to appear in photos or recordings, please tell a staff member or event leader and we will make reasonable efforts to honor your preference. You may also request a takedown as described below.

  • Names: We may include adult first and last names unless the individual requests otherwise.

Livestreams and recordings

  • Some services and events are livestreamed or recorded. Camera views may include the congregation.

  • We avoid focusing on minors who have opted out and we do not publish minors’ last names on screen.

  • Livestreams are public and can be shared by others. RRUMC cannot control third-party re-sharing once content is posted online.

Social media and third-party platforms

  • When we post on social media or video platforms, your use of those platforms is governed by their own terms and privacy practices.

  • RRUMC does not sell personal data and does not grant third parties the right to use images for their own advertising without permission.

  • Tagging: We do not tag minors. We tag adult accounts upon request.

Names and identifying information

  • Minors: We may use first names and general descriptors (for example, “Confirmation Sunday”), and we avoid posting last names.

  • Adults: We may use first and last names unless the individual requests otherwise.

  • Personal contact details: We generally do not publish personal addresses, phone numbers, or emails on public channels. However, with explicit permission, we may list contact info for adult event or small-group hosts for coordination. We limit this to the information the host chooses to share, on relevant pages only, and we will remove or update it on request. We do not publish personal contact details for minors.

Data retention and security

  • Releases and opt-out records: Retained while active and for up to 5 years after revocation or last use, so we can honor your preferences.

  • Photos and videos: Kept as part of the church archive. We remove specific items upon a valid takedown request when feasible, but printed pieces already distributed or third-party re-shares may be outside our control.

  • We store digital records in church-managed systems with account-based access. Only authorized staff and vetted volunteers have access.

Your choices

  • Minor Photo and Video Release: Parents or guardians choose the scope of permission, including options for website, print, social media, livestream, internal documentation only, or no permission.

  • Opt-out: Anyone may request not to be photographed or may ask that we avoid using images where they are identifiable.

  • Takedown request: You can ask us to remove an image or video that features you or your child. See the process below.

Takedown requests and changes to permission

To request removal or to change your preferences, contact the church office using the information below. Please include a link, screenshot, or description of the image or video, where you saw it, and the names of the people featured. RRUMC will review and respond in a timely manner. Removal may not be possible from printed materials already distributed or from third-party re-shares that RRUMC does not control, but we will remove items from RRUMC-managed channels where feasible.

Event signage

We may display signs at entrances stating that photography and recording may occur. Sample wording:

Photography and recording may take place during this service or event. By entering, you understand that you may appear in wide or crowd shots. If you prefer not to be photographed, please speak with an usher or the ministry lead so we can assist you.

Legal notes

  • RRUMC is a nonprofit religious organization based in Virginia, United States.

  • For minors, RRUMC relies on consent from a parent or legal guardian.

  • For adults, RRUMC relies on consent and legitimate church interests in documenting ministry while honoring opt-outs and takedown requests.

  • We do not sell personal data.

International visitors

Our website is accessible globally. If you are located in a jurisdiction that grants specific privacy rights, you may contact us to exercise applicable rights, such as access or deletion regarding information we hold from forms. We will make a good faith effort to honor requests consistent with our mission and legal obligations.

Contact

River Road United Methodist Church
Address: 8800 River Road, Richmond, VA 23229
Phone: (804) 740-7061
Email: office@riverroadumc.org

Changes to this page

We may update this page to reflect changes in our practices. The “Last updated” date will be revised when changes are made.

Frequently asked questions

Can I submit my own photos? Yes. By submitting, you grant RRUMC permission to use the images. We will not publish identifiable minors without a signed release from a parent or guardian.

Will you tag names on social media? We avoid tagging minors. We may include adult last names on church posts. We tag adult accounts on request; otherwise we typically do not tag individuals.

What if my child participates online? If a child appears on a livestream or in a Zoom class, we do not publish last names, and we encourage nicknames or first names only.