Photography and Videography Policy

Revised on 9-14-2025

Costume College engages one or more professional photographers who act in an official capacity for the convention. Official Roving Photographers take candid pictures at events, classes, and in public spaces. Official Studio Photographer(s) take posed portraits of attendees in a designated area. These images are the property of Costumer’s Guild West, Inc. and may be used at CGW’s discretion. Both studio and candid photos are available after the convention, and digital copies are included as part of your registration fee.

As at any public event, photographs and videos of participants and their guests are taken and posted online. Costume College is a lively event and there is a real possibility that your photograph or a video of you may be taken by Costume College photographers or attendees and thereafter posted on the internet. By attending Costume College, you give your consent to the posting of such photographs and videos by us or others and waive all rights and claims with respect to the posting of such photographs and videos.

While we have no control over other people’s websites and social media accounts, Costumer’s Guild West, Inc. does not list names with photos or video on our website or social media accounts without express consent from the person in the photo or video. If you would like a posted photo or video on the Costume College or CGW website removed, please contact the Web Team at [email protected], and it will be taken down.

It is harassment to continue to photograph someone who specifically asks you not to take photographs or videos of them or their belongings. If someone asks you not to take such a photo or video, please comply with their request. Please see our anti-harassment policy for further information.

Registered Costume College attendees may take photos and videos in classrooms for personal use ONLY. No photos or videos may be taken of the teacher, their process, presentation, or work, without the express permission of the teacher. If the teacher permits photos and/or videos, these may only be posted on the internet with the express permission of the teacher.

Outside photographers (that is, photographers not officially engaged by Costume College, who may or may not be registered attendees) are allowed at the event. Outside photography is limited to the public areas of the convention with the exception of the marketplace. Outside photography may not disrupt events or impede the flow of foot traffic. Outside photographers may not monopolize areas intended to be used as photo ops by all attendees.

Outside photographers are not required to purchase registration to Costume College, although they are welcome to do so. All persons present at the event must follow our general event policies.

Outside photographers may not use any equipment other than their camera (e.g., no tripods, stand lights, free-standing light rings, etc.) while taking photographs at Costume College.

Outside photographers may not charge money at Costume College or in the hotel for their pictures, though they may hand out business cards to attendees. No financial transactions for goods or services may take place between outside photographers (whether registered or not) and attendees on-site.

Outside photographers may be asked to cease taking photos or to leave at any time.

These policies are subject to change at any time without notice.