Photo & Video Usage Policy

Executive Summary

At Coptic Orphans, we believe that every child is created in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity, worth, potential, and purpose. Our use of photography, videography, and storytelling reflects this belief.

For more than 38 years, we have had the privilege of witnessing children across Egypt grow into leaders and changemakers. We are proud of all they have accomplished, and our goal is to ensure that every image, video, and story reflects their resilience and achievements.

Photo and video content are not merely tools for raising awareness or support. They are opportunities to reveal the God-given value of the children we serve, build meaningful connections between supporters and participants, and inspire compassionate action rooted in love rather than pity.

We are committed to obtaining informed consent prior to the publication of any photo, video, or story. The privacy and safety of our participants is our top priority.

This policy guides all staff, volunteers, contractors, sponsors, and partners who create, collect, share, or use visual and written content on behalf of Coptic Orphans.

Guiding Principles

Dignity Above All

Every child, mother, and community participant must be portrayed with dignity and respect.

We will never use images, videos, stories, or language that demean, exploit, or objectify our program participants or their circumstances for monetary profit. The individuals we serve are not victims to be pitied, but children of God with inherent value. They must be portrayed as such.

We only portray children and families:

  • Demonstrating resilience, leadership, creativity, joy, and hope
  • As active participants in their own development
  • In ways that highlight their God-given talents, potential, and achievements

While we may acknowledge the realities of poverty, we never portray children as helpless, defined by need, or in ways that could expose them to harm.

We do not use imagery that provokes pity, shock, guilt, or fear. Instead, we seek to foster understanding, connection, and a genuine desire to stand alongside children and families as partners in their transformation.

Consent and Child Protection

Coptic Orphans is committed to obtaining informed consent and respecting individual choice.

Accordingly:

  • Permission must be obtained before taking photographs, videos, or recording stories.
  • Information shared publicly is anonymized and does not disclose any sensitive or identifying information to protect participant privacy and safety.
  • Individuals have the right to decline photography, videography, or story collection without consequence or explanation.
  • Staff and volunteers must fully explain to participants how their images, videos, or stories will be used prior to requesting consent or photographing them.
  • No content may be used in a manner that exceeds the scope of the consent provided.

Consent is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time transaction. We honor requests to remove or discontinue use of any content, even after consent is obtained, whenever possible.

Data Security

All photographs, videos, stories, and participant information are organizational assets that require responsible stewardship.

Coptic Orphans will:

  • Store participant data securely using approved systems and procedures.
  • Limit access to sensitive information to authorized personnel.
  • Protect digital records from unauthorized access, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.
  • AI and digital editing tools may never be used to alter, fabricate, exaggerate, or misrepresent a participant’s appearance, circumstances, or story.

Appropriate Content Standards

When selecting or creating content, we ask the following questions:

  • Would I feel proud if a photo or video like this were shared about me or my family?
  • Does it reflect the individual’s God-given value, strengths, and potential?
  • Does it inspire respect and compassion rather than pity?
  • Was proper consent obtained?
  • Does it protect the individual’s privacy and safety?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, the content should not be used.

Our Commitment

Coptic Orphans uses photography, videography, and storytelling to build relationships, help supporters abroad better understand the realities facing children and families in Egypt, and inspire compassion rather than pity by revealing their God-given potential.