Credential requirements: Images shot at any event requiring credentials will only be accepted if the submission is accompanied with either of the following documents proving photographer credentials:

I. An event badge (a sticker will not suffice) that indicates your authorization to shoot the event and includes the following information:
1. the name of the event;
2. the date of the event; and
3. your name (if possible)

Hi Warren,

Without commenting on a specific image or images, let me explain a little bit about our policies.  At Shutterstock, the content and legal teams work very closely together to ensure the integrity of the marketplace.  Our policies around editorial use, credentials, model and property releases, trademark and copyright (and other related topics) come from constant communication and assessments by those teams working together.  As an example, you can see our list of known restrictions as well as a recent blog post about credentials. 

Our policies come from existing law, legal considerations and also new developments. Since new developments can affect existing images, we also perform audits on the collection - i.e., there are times that  we go back into the collection and change a determination on one or more images, though we try to keep those changes to a minimum.  We also update our policies as necessary.

We're in the process of creating more educational materials right now to simplify these issues and better educate contributors on what's appropriate and why.  We hope to release those soon...please keep an eye on Shutterbuzz, since well also be releasing those in article format as well.


Best,

Scott
VP of Content
Shutterstock

As far as the sticker vs badge that reminds me of the one event shutterstock even helped me get into. I never received a badge. They didn't give them out all they gave out was stickers.


Granted I'm sure that would be fine as shutterstock setup the credentials but I'm not sure I will always get a badge.

The second part is there are a few free music fesitvals, and even some sporting events that go on in this area that are open to the public (mainly bike or foot races), no barricades, no tickets, nothing. You just show up walk in and enjoy. How would a situation like this work out? It's all public land, public access. Hell some of these evens like the bike races they are held on public streets DURING normal traffic time and so you have cars on the track with the riders.

Hi guys,

To clarify...

As has been our policy, credentials are required for events taking place on private property or events which require a paid ticket or entry fee. In our assessment, these types of events commonly restrict attendees from shooting and licensing content taken of the event without the event holder's permission.

Based on our policy, a free festival or parade in a public area would not require credentials as the event is open to the public and does not take place on private property.

The reason we are now requesting event badges and/or correspondence with an authorized representative of the event is that these are the most common types of credentials we receive, and we believe them to be a trustworthy indicator of permission to shoot an event. Our goal is that by having contributors submit these specific credentials to us, the process of reviewing these images will go faster.

However, we also recognize that different events may provide credentials other than a badge or correspondence with an authorized representative. As we state in our policy, we will evaluate credentials on a case-by-case basis when you email us.

If you have any further questions regarding whether content you wish to submit requires credentials, please contact [email protected] for more information.

Thanks,

Scott
VP of Content
Shutterstock

Quote from: scottbraut on April 02, 2013, 14:52

Hi guys,

To clarify...

As has been our policy, credentials are required for events taking place on private property or events which require a paid ticket or entry fee. In our assessment, these types of events commonly restrict attendees from shooting and licensing content taken of the event without the event holder's permission.

Based on our policy, a free festival or parade in a public area would not require credentials as the event is open to the public and does not take place on private property.

The reason we are now requesting event badges and/or correspondence with an authorized representative of the event is that these are the most common types of credentials we receive, and we believe them to be a trustworthy indicator of permission to shoot an event. Our goal is that by having contributors submit these specific credentials to us, the process of reviewing these images will go faster.

However, we also recognize that different events may provide credentials other than a badge or correspondence with an authorized representative. As we state in our policy, we will evaluate credentials on a case-by-case basis when you email us.

If you have any further questions regarding whether content you wish to submit requires credentials, please contact [email protected] for more information.

Thanks,

Scott
VP of Content
Shutterstock

Having issues with this now. I shot an event that was a bike race on a public road that I took images of from the sidewalk. After having a chat with one of the reps at shutterstock I'm being told that it's a no go. Even though the event is on public property and open to the public I still need permission from the event holder to be able to photograph and use those images being that I am using them for monetary gain. So far the only reason I have been given as to why is being it's a sporting event credentials are required. If it was a parade I'm told it's fine, if it was a festival I would be fine.

Is this normal and do we need to get permission to use images in an editorial license if they are shot on public?

Quote from: ruxpriencdiam on September 04, 2013, 06:14

Quote from: txking on September 03, 2013, 23:34

Quote from: scottbraut on April 02, 2013, 14:52

Hi guys,

To clarify...

As has been our policy, credentials are required for events taking place on private property or events which require a paid ticket or entry fee. In our assessment, these types of events commonly restrict attendees from shooting and licensing content taken of the event without the event holder's permission.

Based on our policy, a free festival or parade in a public area would not require credentials as the event is open to the public and does not take place on private property.

The reason we are now requesting event badges and/or correspondence with an authorized representative of the event is that these are the most common types of credentials we receive, and we believe them to be a trustworthy indicator of permission to shoot an event. Our goal is that by having contributors submit these specific credentials to us, the process of reviewing these images will go faster.

However, we also recognize that different events may provide credentials other than a badge or correspondence with an authorized representative. As we state in our policy, we will evaluate credentials on a case-by-case basis when you email us.

If you have any further questions regarding whether content you wish to submit requires credentials, please contact [email protected] for more information.

Thanks,

Scott
VP of Content
Shutterstock

Having issues with this now. I shot an event that was a bike race on a public road that I took images of from the sidewalk. After having a chat with one of the reps at shutterstock I'm being told that it's a no go. Even though the event is on public property and open to the public I still need permission from the event holder to be able to photograph and use those images being that I am using them for monetary gain. So far the only reason I have been given as to why is being it's a sporting event credentials are required. If it was a parade I'm told it's fine, if it was a festival I would be fine.

Is this normal and do we need to get permission to use images in an editorial license if they are shot on public?

Would this fall under this?

Quote

Images submitted for editorial use that have been taken of the following require proof of credentials before they will accepted:
● Sporting events (including those taken at non�collegiate schools or recreational, non�professional events)
● Concerts
● Festivals
● Trade shows
● Theatrical performances (including those taken at school performances/theater)
● Conventions
● Openings
● Ticketed events

It is from one of those events though it was taken not on private property but a public area.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

What about what I quoted directly from Scott from Shutterstock? I'll put it here again so it's easier to find.

Quote

Based on our policy, a free festival or parade in a public area would not require credentials as the event is open to the public and does not take place on private property

A festival is listed in the events from the list you are quoting but Scott has said that if it is in a public area as it is open to the public it would not require credentials as it does not take place on private property.

Further quotes from other members of shutterstock have also said things along those same lines

http://submit.shutterstock.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2517165#2517165

Quote

As has been our policy, credentials are required for content shot at events on private property, or events which require a paid ticket or entry fee.

Quote

First, based on our policy, a free or non-ticketed event in a public area would not require credentials. For example, content shot at public street fairs, festivals, parades, and recreational sporting activities taking place in public areas would generally not require credentials. Credentials are required specifically for content shot at events which take place on private property, or which require tickets or an entry fee. Content requiring credentials constitutes a small part of the editorial submissions we receive.

Here they bring up items as well that are on the restricted list that require credentials but seem to make a seperation between public vs private land.

It seems that being on public or private land does matter if I'm reading those correctly.

How does it not matter though that they specify events in a public setting do not require credentials?

If I took pictures of a festival would a credential be required?

Images submitted for editorial use that have been taken of the following require proof of credentials before they will accepted:
● Sporting events (including those taken at non�collegiate schools or recreational, non�professional events)
● Concerts
● Festivals
● Trade shows
● Theatrical performances (including those taken at school performances/theater)
● Conventions
● Openings
● Ticketed events

Doesn't matter where you are standing, the above all require proof of credentials.

Does that explain it in a different way that makes more sense?

First, based on our policy, a free or non-ticketed event in a public area would not require credentials. For example, content shot at public street fairs, festivals, parades, and recreational sporting activities taking place in public areas would generally not require credentials. Credentials are required specifically for content shot at events which take place on private property, or which require tickets or an entry fee. Content requiring credentials constitutes a small part of the editorial submissions we receive.

Quote from: Uncle Pete on September 04, 2013, 14:19

Images submitted for editorial use that have been taken of the following require proof of credentials before they will accepted:
● Sporting events (including those taken at non�collegiate schools or recreational, non�professional events)
● Concerts
● Festivals
● Trade shows
● Theatrical performances (including those taken at school performances/theater)
● Conventions
● Openings
● Ticketed events

Doesn't matter where you are standing, the above all require proof of credentials.

Does that explain it in a different way that makes more sense?

Per shutterstock.

Quote

First, based on our policy, a free or non-ticketed event in a public area would not require credentials. For example, content shot at public street fairs, festivals, parades, and recreational sporting activities taking place in public areas would generally not require credentials. Credentials are required specifically for content shot at events which take place on private property, or which require tickets or an entry fee. Content requiring credentials constitutes a small part of the editorial submissions we receive.

No it doesn't make sense.

This is direct from shutterstock compliance. What am I reading wrong on what they are saying?

Hi all,

Our apologies for any misunderstanding. As we have stated, credentials are required for events taking place on private property and/or ticketed events.

Sporting events (or concerts, festivals, shows or performances) may not require credentials if they are public events taken on public property and do not require a ticket. However, content taken at such an event may require credentials if it appears that the content was taken from a restricted vantage point accessible only to the press or authorized individuals.

The issue with your images, TKing, appears to be that the team had questions about whether you took your images from an area that was restricted. Again, our apologies - our team is going to message you directly.

We'd like to stress that the reason for the credentials policy is to protect both our contributors and customers from potential legal issues that may arise from unauthorized images. That being said, we understand that some of the rules around credentials may be confusing. We're currently developing more educational materials so that we can help you understand our policies better.

In the meantime, as always, feel free to email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Also - please note that I/we don't monitor these forums actively for support - please continue to use the email address as the primary channel for support questions and we will endeavor to help you the best that we can.

Best Regards,

Scott
VP of Content

the requirements are also ridicolous, proofs of accreditation ? gimme a break, no other agency does that.