Appropriate Photos for the Directory

adoga · #1

The items listed in the "photo guidelines" when you try to upload a photo are as follows:

Before uploading photos of individuals and families, please verify the following:

• The member has the right to display the photo. Verify no copyright infringement, especially regarding professional studio photographs.
• The photo does not display trademarks or the intellectual property of others. The photo should not appear to promote products or services nor should it display registered marks.
• All individuals in the photo have given their consent to its posting. If an individual is a minor, the minor's parent or legal guardian must grant consent.
• The photo complies with Church standards. The photo does not express opinions, make political statements and is in compliance with Church standards including modesty and honesty.
• The photo should accurately depict the individual. The photo should not be modified to alter the individual's appearance, should not impersonate others, be a caricature, and so forth.

we had a member flash a backwards peace sign (palm facing in with the fingers to the side), which in other countries is looked at as offensive, or like flipping the bird in america. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V_sign

Is there anything in the church handbooks, online, or otherwise that would prevent someone from using this as their photo in the ward directory?

Am i being too cautious? I've asked my Bishop for approval but I'd like to hear if anyone else has faced this question as well.

aebrown · #2

adoga wrote:Is there anything in the church handbooks, online, or otherwise that would prevent someone from using this as their photo in the ward directory?

Am i being too cautious? I've asked my Bishop for approval but I'd like to hear if anyone else has faced this question as well.

The guidelines are what you posted; there's nothing more detailed in the handbooks. What is "appropriate" is going to vary from place to place, so the judgment as to what should be approved should and does rest with the bishop. Any clerk or other administrator who sees something questionable should pass it by the bishop before approving it; I think you're doing exactly what you should for such a photo.

#3

adoga wrote:we had a member flash a backwards peace sign (palm facing in with the fingers to the side), which in other countries is looked at as offensive, or like flipping the bird in america. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V_sign

Fortunately a photo is only viewable by the leadership, the ward, and/or the stake depending on the visibility settings for the household and user. If the display of such a thing is acceptable locally then there is no issue.

adoga wrote:Is there anything in the church handbooks, online, or otherwise that would prevent someone from using this as their photo in the ward directory?

The latest revision to the Handbooks has been away from this type of detail. The local leaders would be the ones to determine the appropriate nature of such a symbol.

adoga wrote:Am i being too cautious? I've asked my Bishop for approval but I'd like to hear if anyone else has faced this question as well.

I would go with you bishop's impression. But as for me, I see no issue as long as nobody who has access to view the photo would have an issue.

adoga · #4

Thanks for the help.