Cathedral Photography Policy

Durham Cathedral’s Safeguarding Team are thanked for their assistance with this document.

Christ Church Cathedral is a place of worship and pilgrimage, and a house of prayer. We recognise those who visit do so for many different reasons and may wish to take photos to remind them of their visit.

In addition to visitors taking photographs, there will be occasions where the cathedral will take photos for publicity purposes. The parameters for this are also outlined in this policy.

The Dean and Chapter of Christ Church has adopted the following policy on photography in the Cathedral and the Cloister precincts:

1. Visitors are welcomed to take respectful non-flash photos for personal use inside Christ Church Cathedral but are not permitted to take photos during services and events.

2. Photos can be taken inside the Cathedral, in and around the Cloisters and the Cathedral Garden when open.

3. When photographs are taken by the Cathedral, or those representing the cathedral for use in publicity materials they will comply with the below policy (part 4)

If you see someone acting unusually or taking photographs/recordings that they should not be doing, inform someone immediately. Safeguarding adults and children is a priority.

It is important that everyone follows some key rules when taking photographs or recording video.

1. Photos for personal use taken on ordinary handheld cameras and/or mobile phones are welcomed.

2. Don’t use flash when taking photos, as it can be disruptive to other visitors.

3. Please respect the privacy of other visitors, especially during quiet periods of prayer, reflection or worship.

4. No photos of children are permitted unless they are part of your party, for safeguarding reasons. Christ Church Cathedral reserves the right to request these are deleted from devices (including “deleted” folders)

5. No photos of school groups are allowed unless taken by the school themselves.

6. Visitors are not permitted to climb any areas of the cathedral in pursuit of a better vantage point.

7. In special cases, visitors with disabilities that make it hard to hold a camera may use tripods or monopods inside the cathedral. If possible, please contact the Volunteer & Visitor Coordinator ahead of your visit at cathedral@chch.ox.ac.uk

As a working church, we must limit photos by the public in some cases. This section does not apply to authorised photography. Given that the cathedral is above all else a place of daily worship, please do not take offence if you are asked to refrain from taking photos at any time.

1. Taking photos and making recordings is strictly prohibited during services.

2. No photos or recordings of the Cathedral Choir or Frideswide Voices can be taken at any time, including during choral rehearsals. The Cathedral reserves the right to request photos are deleted from devices should these be taken (including deleted folders).

3. Photos are not permitted in any closed-off areas (these areas will be marked clearly with signage).

4. Taking photos or making recordings are strictly prohibited during events (ticketed or otherwise) unless express permission has been granted. For more information, please contact cathedraloffice@chch.ox.ac.uk

Christ Church Cathedral and Christ Church are popular locations for commercial photography and filming.

1. Commercial photography in Christ Church Cathedral (both inside and outside buildings) must be agreed by prior arrangement, and fees may apply. Please contact cathedralregistrar@chch.ox.ac.uk for more information.

2. Anyone wishing to take photos or film for media and PR purposes should contact for further details cathedral@chch.ox.ac.uk

3. Drone filming is not permitted inside the Cathedral or in the Christ Church grounds, including the Meadow and gardens, unless by prior arrangement. Fees apply. Please contact cathedralregistrar@chch.ox.ac.uk

The Dean and Chapter reserves the right to deny or withdraw photography permissions at any time.

Our policy is only to use your photograph with care, respect and in a context appropriate with the aims and goals of Christ Church Cathedral. This policy should be read alongside the broadcasting policy which relates to recording and livestreaming within the cathedral.

1. Consent for photographs of under 18s will be sought from parents/guardians. If a child is over 16 they may be able to provide their own consent. If it is not possible to ascertain consent, or consent is denied, children’s faces will not be shown in any publicly available photos or stored.

In the context of visiting groups (schools etc.) we ask the organising body to ascertain and communicate permission to avoid unnecessary data collection.

Consent forms will be stored securely for three years before they are destroyed.

2. Photographs on file will be retained for three years unless in published material. If published, retention is permanent. (in accordance with the Church of England recommendations on data retention). Consent can be withdrawn from current publications. Consent can be withdrawn at any time by contacting cathedral@chch.ox.ac.uk.

3. Should members of the public not wish to be photographed during an event or service there are seating areas where photography and filming of faces do not occur. Lanyards are also available at the welcome desk which can be worn to indicate you do not wish to be identifiable in photographs.

4. During large events/services there will be a notice displayed with contact information for anyone wishing to withdraw photography consent or ask any questions about storage etc. (see annex1 signage)

5. All photographers, who provide photographs for use by the cathedral (whether on a voluntary, contracted or employed basis) are required to read the safeguarding policy and this policy. Any photographers who are not cathedral staff will be supervised by cathedral staff.

Christ Church Cathedral’s Cathedral Safeguarding Officer is Fiona Sidorowicz and Associate Safeguarding Officers are Matthew Dickins and Charlie Kerr. If you have a safeguarding concern, contact the Police on 999 if there is a risk of immediate harm, otherwise please email cathedral.safeguarding@chch.ox.ac.uk.