Image acquisition
We have collated some practical information here that is important when obtaining images.
Respect image rights
There are copyrights, rights of use and – if people are depicted – personal rights (i.e. rights relating to the use of one’s own image) associated with every image. If an image is to be published, you must first clarify the following:
- Can ETH Zurich use the image and, if so, for what purpose?
- Who is the creator of the image or image content and what is the right way to credit the creator?
- Have the people depicted given their consent to the use of the image?
Find ETH Zurich images
E-Pics – the ETH Zurich platform
The E-Pics website, which is managed by ETH Bibliothek, collates various image archives, such as the ETH Bibliothek historical image archive and the catalogue of animals, plants and biotopes. Images can be downloaded and used directly, depending on the image catalogue. Please note the terms of use for the particular catalogue.
Corporate Imaging
The via email.
The images available from Corporate Communications may be used freely for ETH Zurich communications (including social media). However, they may only be passed on to third parties with written permission from Corporate Communications. When using images in which people are clearly depicted, please remember that these are real people who work at ETH Zurich in a particular context (if in doubt, contact these people directly).
The standard format for image credits is ETH Zurich / First name Surname (of the photographer). For architectural or research images, the creator of the image content must be noted in the image credit or the key, depending on the context.
Image research tip: Except for names of people, the keyword search is not always helpful. It is better to search by category.
Obtaining images from agencies
ETH employees can obtain images from external pageAdobe Stockcall_made free of charge. To do so, the "Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps CC DC licence" must be purchased in advance in the IT Shop (as of 2022 CHF 70.- for 365 days). The ETH Zurich subscription includes images and videos with the note "Educational licence ". To use the offer, you must log in to Adobe with your ETH user account () and ETH password for e-mail (Active Directory). The multifactor authentication at ETH requires the One Time Password (OTP) – (for all those who have already switched to MFA). If you have problems with the login, please contact the ID Service Desk.
Be careful when using platforms such as Flickr, Photobucket, Wikipedia, Instagram, etc. In these cases, terms of use must always be negotiated directly with the creators.
Organising a photo shoot
When organising photo shoots, please note the following:
- Ensure the licence and/or terms of use are documented in a contract
Whenever possible, work with photographers who have signed a framework agreement with ETH Zurich. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, these photographers assign all usage rights for their images to ETH Zurich. We have a list of photographers and are happy to add to this list on request. - Request consent from the people being photographed
Have the model release form signed by the people being photographes. (Exception: photography at events, see below.) - Create a written briefing
Photo briefings are best communicated in writing. They should contain all relevant information about the job: topic/assignment, date and time, duration, location, contact person, desired subjects (image content, scope, format specifications, area of application), delivery date, fee, usage rights, invoice address.
Photography at events
Participants should be informed in advance and reminded during an event that photographs are being taken (on the website, invitation, posters and presentation slides). Here are two example sentences that you can use:
- "Please note that photos and video footage will be taken during this event."
- “Visitors acknowledge that they may be included in audio recordings, photos and video recordings taken during the event or in connection with it, and agree that these may be used without financial compensation or limited in terms of time or location.”