Republican National Lawyers Association
Event Photography Policy
Republican National Lawyers Association (RNLA) allows non-professional photography at its events. Event attendees are welcome to take personal, non-professional photos and videos at events and are generally encouraged to post them to their social media profiles and platforms unless an event is “Off the Record” or has a “No Photography” policy.
Designated Official Photographer
For all national events, RNLA will designate at least one “official photographer.” The official photographer may be a member of RNLA staff, an RNLA leader, a volunteer, or a hired professional photographer. The official photographer is responsible for capturing high quality pictures of the important parts of the event without unduly disturbing the event attendees.
Attendees with Privacy Concerns
By attending RNLA events, attendees are presumed to consent to be photographed and their image used in official RNLA publications and social media posts.
If an attendee has privacy or other concerns and does not wish his or her photograph to be taken or used in RNLA publications and social media posts, he or she shall inform RNLA’s Executive Director in writing before or immediately following an event. RNLA’s Executive Director shall inform the designated official photographer to avoid taking photographs or recording video of that person to the extent possible. Further, RNLA’s Executive Director shall make every attempt to ensure that any photographs or video recordings mistakenly taken of that person are edited or deleted so that person’s image is not used in RNLA publications or social media posts.
Off the Record Events
Some events or portions of events may be off the record. Attendees are welcome to take still photographs but may not take videos, audio, transcribe, or otherwise record the program. In this case, RNLA will announce that videos and other recordings are not permitted and signs will indicate that the event is off the record. Attendees found to be ignoring the policy may be asked to delete recordings they have taken and, in extreme circumstances, be asked to leave the event.
No Photography Events
RNLA will prohibit all photography at an event only in rare circumstances and at the specific request of a high profile attendee. In this case, RNLA will announce that photography and videos are not permitted and signs will indicate that no photography or recording is permitted. Attendees found to be ignoring the policy may be asked to delete footage they have taken and, in extreme circumstances, be asked to leave the event.
Professional Photography
RNLA may hire a professional photographer to be a designated official photographer for the event. RNLA will execute a contract or other written agreement specifying the terms under which the photographer is hired. Professional photography (SLR camera with changeable lens) and filming by a person who is not a designated official photographer and which has not been prearranged is prohibited at RNLA events.
A person who is not a designated official photographer shall not use photos or videos taken at an RNLA event to promote or as part of their personal photography or videography business in an attempt to profit from the RNLA event.
Media Photography
Members of the media may photograph or record events as long as the events are open to the public and all media personnel have registered to attend the event with the RNLA as media and are clearly marked as a member of the media or press. If members of the media are disturbing attendees in any way, RNLA staff may approach them and ask them to stop, and if the disturbance continues, ask the member of the media to leave the event.
Approved by the RNLA Executive Committee September 5, 2017