Unit Photography

Unit photography refers to the photos taken during a video production in addition to filming, usually by a separate person with a stills camera. These images do not serve the storyline but rather marketing purposes: as a cover, thumbnail, gallery on the production’s website, or image for advertisements.

How Unit Photos Are Taken on Set

There are two common approaches. In the first, someone takes photos while filming is in progress from a position that does not interfere with the video image. In the second, the scene is briefly paused and you recreate a pose for a few photos. The second option is more common because it produces better images and prevents the camera shutter sound from being recorded in the audio.

For you, this means additional time in front of the camera, often at the end of a segment while the lighting is still set up. Some productions also add a separate photography block to the shooting day, for example in a different outfit or in front of a neutral background. How long this takes and whether it is included in the agreed services should be established in advance.

With small teams, the camera operator may take the unit photos on the side or extract stills from the video. This is technically possible, but it does not change the rights issue: even a still image extracted from the film is an image of you that is being used separately.

Why Photos Are Legally Separate

A photo is distributed differently from a video. It appears on covers, in advertisements, on partner websites, and on social networks—that is, also in places where the actual video may never be shown. A still image therefore often reaches more people than the film itself.

For this reason, unit photography should be expressly included in your contract and in the Model Release. It should state whether photos will be taken, what they may be used for, in which channels, and for how long. General wording such as “all recordings” will generally also cover photos. If you do not want that, you must limit it in advance. The article on Usage Rights explains how the period, territory, and channels can be divided.

Unit photos should be distinguished from Behind-the-Scenes material. The latter shows everyday life on set, such as set changes, breaks, and the team. Your consent is also required for this, and it makes sense to regulate both types of images separately.

Clarify These Points Before the Shoot

• Who is taking the photos? An additional person on set must be listed as part of the team. Unannounced photographers are a reason to ask questions.
• Which subjects? Confirm that the planned poses are within your boundaries. A photo can appear more explicit than the video scene because it singles out one particular moment.
• Where will your face appear? Anyone who wants to work anonymously must secure this separately for advertising images, because covers usually show the face.
• Do you get to choose? Some productions let you review the images in advance. You are only entitled to this if it has been agreed.

Also make sure that unit photos on set are taken exclusively with the production’s equipment. Phone photos taken by team members are not unit photography but private recordings, and they have no place on set.