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Sourcing Photographs

There are two main ways to source photographs. You can use the MDAM library or take your own photos.

MDAM

MDAM is the University's digital assets library, where you can download assets and upload your own photos. For user access or questions, please contact mdam-support@northwestern.edu.

Photo and Multimedia Release Forms

All photographers and videographers taking photos and/or videos on University property or of University events must obtain appropriate signed release forms from any student, faculty member, staff person, or member of the public who is visibly recognizable in the photo or video. Crowd scenes where no single person is the dominant feature are exempt.

These rules govern photographs and multimedia content intended for use in any University publication of a marketing or a public relations nature, such as newsletters, brochures, viewbooks, promotional items, or other such material. Releases also must be obtained for photos used on the web. These rules are not in effect when photos or videos are taken of news events, but photos or videos taken for news purposes require a release for reuse in marketing materials.

The following forms have been approved by the  University’s Office of General Counsel.