---
title: The Cordwainer Photo Release & Resident Privacy Policy
type: article
created: '2026-04-05'
updated: '2026-04-05'
source_docs:
- raw/2025-11-11-the-cordwainer-marketing-call-100743594.md
tags:
- photo-release
- privacy
- ada
- residents
- employees
- the-cordwainer
- legal
- content-marketing
layer: 2
client_source: null
industry_context: null
transferable: true
---

# The Cordwainer Photo Release & Resident Privacy Policy

## Overview

The Cordwainer uses real photos of residents and staff throughout its website and social media. During the [[wiki/clients/the-cordwainer/_index|The Cordwainer]] onboarding call, a review of existing photo release practices revealed that resident releases are well-established but employee releases have gaps — particularly around post-departure usage rights.

This article documents the current state of photo release agreements and the action items needed to close the gaps before expanding content marketing efforts.

---

## Resident Photo Releases

**Status: Covered (perpetual)**

Resident photo releases are embedded in the standard **residency agreement** — one of the forms signed at move-in. Per Bodo Liesenfeld:

> *"I think with the residents, if we take a quick look at it, it's in the residency agreement, one of the forms they sign. I think it says that we forever own it."*

- The Cordwainer holds **perpetual ownership** of photos taken of residents.
- This covers use on the website, social media, and marketing materials.
- Erica Lathrop was asked to confirm the exact language in the residency agreement.

**Action Required:**
- [ ] Erica to review the residency agreement and confirm the photo release language covers perpetual use for marketing purposes. (@Erica Lathrop)

---

## Employee Photo Releases

**Status: Incomplete — Needs Update**

Employee photo releases were rolled out at some point but are inconsistently applied and lack clear post-departure usage terms. One specific case was cited where an employee explicitly declined to consent to a photo release.

A separate issue arose regarding two CNAs who no longer work at The Cordwainer but appear in a video currently on the website:

> *"These two CNAs don't even work for us anymore, but we love the shot and they agreed to be part of the video for the website."*

This highlights the need for release language that explicitly covers continued use **after an employee leaves**.

**Action Required:**
- [ ] Erica to review existing employee photo release forms and confirm current scope. (@Erica Lathrop)
- [ ] Update employee release language to include explicit post-departure usage rights (i.e., photos/video may continue to be used in marketing after employment ends). (@Erica Lathrop)

---

## Practical Guidance for Content Use

When sourcing photos and video for website or social media use, verify the following before publishing:

| Subject Type | Release Required | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Current residents | Yes — residency agreement | Covered (perpetual) |
| Former residents | Yes — residency agreement | Covered (perpetual, confirm language) |
| Current employees | Yes — employee release form | Partially covered; gaps exist |
| Former employees | Yes — must include post-departure clause | **Not currently covered — update needed** |

- Prefer photos where releases are confirmed before using in any new campaigns or website redesign assets.
- Do not use photos of individuals who have explicitly opted out (at least one employee case on record).

---

## Photo Asset Inventory

The Cordwainer maintains a substantial library of real photos:

- Photos and videos are stored in shared drives managed by Amanda (programming/media coordinator).
- Instagram and Facebook posts serve as a secondary reference for available assets.
- Bodo confirmed: *"Anything you see on Instagram or Facebook, we definitely have in our files."*
- iPhone photography is common; quality varies. A mix of polished and candid shots is intentional and appropriate for social media.

**Action Required:**
- [ ] Erica to send available photo gallery assets to Melissa/Sebastian for use in the website redesign. (@Erica Lathrop)

---

## Related Notes

- The website redesign will rely heavily on interior and resident-environment photography — making clean release documentation especially important before launch. See [[wiki/clients/the-cordwainer/meetings/2025-11-11-marketing-onboarding-call|Marketing Onboarding Call]] for full context.
- ADA accessibility compliance (separate from photo releases) was also flagged as a legal risk during the same call. See [[wiki/knowledge/web-development/ada-accessibility-compliance|ADA Accessibility Compliance]] for details.