This guide provides information to ACLED team members who would like to identify visual content to accompany publications and various visual promotional outputs produced by the External Affairs or Marketing teams. Getty Images and Adobe Stock are the stock and editorial inventories ACLED has subscriptions for. It also includes information about who can download from and view the subscription services and how to format captions. Further information regarding Getty licensing information has also been included.
Our premium subscription to Getty Images includes access to iStock and Unsplash digital assets. Search results for all three suppliers will appear in the main Getty Images dashboard. Getty Images also has dozens of partners that supply digital assets to the inventory.
Our annual plan includes:
360 downloads, which includes Editorial and Creative photos; Creative and some Editorial videos, music, motion graphics, animations, and other content.
ACLED License Agreement with Getty Images: Creative RF; Editorial; Editorial RF; Video RF; Video RR
We are allotted the full 360 downloads each new subscription cycle
Monthly; this breaks down to 30 downloads
45 downloads on Adobe, which includes Editorial and Creative photos and videos, music, motion graphics, animations, and other content
Other sources available to the public are:
Please take into consideration the licensing requirements for each of these sources. This information should be listed clearly. If this information is not clear, consider looking for another digital asset that clearly provides information on usage rights.
Considerations when Selecting Photos or Videos for ACLED Pieces
Photography is a key element for a compelling visual narrative that can be used in various communication tools. When used effectively and ethically, a single image can attract individuals to engage with a piece of writing or dataset, and in the case of ACLED’s work, help them understand conflicts, societies, dynamics, geographies, events, and more. It won’t be necessary to include photography in all static or motion graphics, and conflict or human-centered B-roll in all videos. Please refer to the Brand Guidelines for information on when editorial or stock images should be incorporated into a report, infographic, presentation, social media card, newsletter, and on the website. Details on this can be found in slides: 6–9, 13–14.
Importantly, experts of the regions or countries being depicted should be consulted if possible when the context is complex and not straightforward and the External Affairs team is unable to make informed decisions on what kind of depictions should be included in outputs. This communication should be done as early as possible while avoiding waiting until publication day to seek approval or feedback about an image or video.
Considerations when selecting creative assets to feature alongside ACLED outputs:
If a single photo or video is used with an output, the main theme, essence, or event of the piece should typically be featured foremost.
If multiple photos or videos are featured, the creative assets selected should be associated and relevant to the text they are placed closest to in the layout.
Creative assets should generally be from the same time period as the corresponding text or data visualization.
For video projects or outputs featuring photography that include general information or summaries of conflict, photos, and images from a wider timespan can be used, but they should not be older than 10 years if possible. However, if the subject of the video or photo project discusses historic events, archival footage may be more appropriate.
Use your discretion to safeguard ACLED pieces from bias and inaccuracies.
We adhere to the Associated Press guidelines on visuals: “We avoid the use of generic photos or video that could be mistaken for imagery photographed for the specific story at hand, or that could unfairly link people in the images to illicit activity.”
Note: When creating content for social media or the website or adding photo imagery components to reports or videos, it could be possible that the most accurate or appropriate photos/videos of the real-life event cited in the piece might not be available. In this case, and if possible, some creative stock images relating to the text (for example, a shattered window to indicate mob violence, smoke stacks from battles in the country being written about, destroyed buildings from the city cited in the piece, etc.) could be used instead of editorial content.
Examples can be found starting on page 6. If there are no appropriate available images and choosing one of these alternatives risks confusion, opt to avoid including imagery and instead solely rely on the text and any data visualizations.
Sourcing Images or Videos From an Organization or Other Entity
If working on a project that requires images that are difficult to source but you have found an organization or entity that has published photos corresponding to the project, you may reach out to that organization using your ACLED email to seek permission to use the photos. When doing so, please describe why ACLED is reaching out, how the images would be used and when the essence of the piece is they would be used with. You should also explain that attributions to the organziation or entity as the provider of the digital assets will be included. In some cases, these photos might have watermarks and requirements to use them might be to retain the watermark. This is acceptable in the cases that these photos would be difficult to obtain by other means.
This is important for the those being approached to understand the conditions for using the photos to maintain transparency during the process. This might include providing a list of images used or a final copy of the product that features the images.
Being Supplied with Materials from an Anonymous Source
In some occasions, ACLED documents events and gathers information from anonymous sources. Due to security concerns or for other person reasons, ACLED upholds this understanding that an anonymous source should never be revealed, however, it’s fundamental that the highest judgement is applied and trust is established between ACLED employees and anonymous sources before accepting information or digital assets from them. This also applies when anonymous source provide photos or videos of events recorded in ACLED’s database. This is not a common occurrence, however, if there are materials that are relevant to a piece and can support the data and analysis in a way that does not incriminate or infringe on any of the good practices provided below, then materials could be incorporated into a report. A considerable amount of jduegment should be applied, and the Head of External Affairs should be part of this process.
Good Practices
Please review the following good practices before sourcing and using images and videos:
No manipulated or AI-generated for editorial pieces
AI-generated images of data visualizations for creative purposes can be used, but should never be used when showing real-life in AI
Stock imagery and videos should be used sparingly and not in cases of editorial projects
Content must not stereotype individuals or groups. Respecting subjects' privacy and dignity is crucial.
Images and videos should accurately be associated with the content they’re depicting.
Visual content should not put anyone in danger or criminalize individuals or groups in any way.
Images and videos should not depict people in an exploitative way.
Keep in mind these considerations from The Canadian Photojournalism Foundation:
Avoiding intrusion of privacy
Stay away from graphic or shocking images
Be complete and provide context when photographing or recording subjects
Give special consideration to vulnerable subjects and compassion to victims of crime or tragedy
While photographing subjects, do not intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek to alter or influence events
Respect the integrity of the photographic moment
Avoid imagery that has a clear single subject if they are not also the direct subject of the report or have not given consent to the photojournalist to be named and specifically associated in the context being photographed.
Creative content should not be misleading or manufacture a narrative that does not factually describe the scenario.
Images that have another entity’s digital watermark should not be used unless the provider of the images requires this under their conditions of use.
For example, an association documenting the destruction of a country’s heritage allows ACLED staff to download images from their website and those images include a watermark. A caption stating permission was given would likely be required.
Always read through the terms and conditions of the digital library or the attribution information for the photo/video. If in doubt, please refer to different license types.
Copyright Infringement: Using others' works without permission is unethical. Always ask for permission and give credit where it's due.
Captions should adhere to the Associated Press style formula and should always include attribution to the photographer. The AP instructs the following:
“The first sentence of nearly all AP captions follows a simple formula:
Describe in the present tense who is pictured and what is going on within the photo.
Name the city and state (or country, if it was made outside the United States) where the image was made. For U.S. states, use the abbreviations in the "state names" section of the Stylebook.
Provide the date the photo was made, including the day of the week if the photo was made within the past two weeks, and preceded by a comma. (e.g., Tuesday, 27 January 2015). Note that this formatting follows the ACLED writing style guide.
These three elements are mandatory and no caption is complete without all of them. Names should be listed in order, left to right, unless it is impossible for the caption to read normally otherwise. With multiple people identified within the caption, enough representations to placement are necessary so there is no confusion as to each subject's identity.
The second sentence of the caption is used to give context to the news event or describe why the photo is significant. While a second sentence can be illuminating, it also has the potential to create problems and is often where errors can be found. A photo caption's second sentence should be carefully crafted to include information from the text wire story when appropriate or additional relevant observations from the photographer on scene.
There are some instances when a second sentence is not needed. Many sports photos taken during a game or match, for example, do not require a second sentence; nor do photos from some ongoing news events. Most captions should be no more than two concise sentences, while including the relevant information. Try to anticipate what information the reader will need.”
Best practices for editing captions that relate to ACLED events and are included in ACLED outputs
Captions should be written in the present tense to describe what is happening in the photo or video.
Ensure language in the caption being edited is free of bias and assumptions that the photojournalist may have included. This is to ensure ACLED remains objective and does not inadvertently convey a message that undermines the data and analysis.
Photos and videos should be linked directly to the text they’re associated with. Consider removing any unnecessary information that detracts from the narrative in the text.
Alternatively, if the caption includes additional context that does not risk undermining or contradicting the data and analysis, consider leaving that information in the caption.
Keep the captions as concise as possible.
If relevant information, like the exact location of the subject of the photo, is missing, it should be identified and corroborated with other photos depicting the same subject. This should be verified and cross-checked from reliable sources.
The date included in the caption should maintain the form outlined in the Writing Style Guide: day-month-year, and should typically be included in a sentence instead of listed on its own.
It is ideal if the data is included in the caption, but if that information is not available, and digital assets are scarce, the caption may be included without the date.
If a person is identified in the photo, in most cases, their name can be removed, and “a person” or “people” can be used in place of their name. The gender of a person should not be assumed, so it’s best to avoid pronouns.
However, if a person is well-known, for example, a head of state or renowned figurehead, then that person’s name should be included, along with their official title or description of their notoriety.
It is important to verify a government official on the official government website to ensure that the most accurate and up-to-date information is included.
If the photo is an award-winning photo taken from a reputable source of journalistic material such as Getty Images or governmental sources that are in the public domain image resources, a person’s name can remain with the understanding that the journalist carried out the due diligence in obtaining permission from the subject of the photo.
The award the photo has won can also be included to present the high-level quality digital assets we re-publish.
Getty Images often capitalizes the photographer’s name. This should be changed to be in Title Case, and if possible, it might be necessary to search online to check the correct spelling and formatting of the person’s name.
Best Practices for formatting photo credits within the captions
Photo credits should be listed at the end of the caption and not have a period after them.
The editorial or stock provider should be formatted according to their branding, for example, AFP would be in all-caps, and Getty Images would be in Title Case. There should be a forward slash separating the person’s name/and the source.
At times, some photos and videos will be provided by partners, and therefore, two sources are listed. This is how these situations should be handled: AFP via Getty Images.
Examples of how to format photo and video credits depending on the source of the photo. At this time (2024/2025), the first one will be the most frequently used.
XXX XXX/Source
[If sourced from the internet/stock image collection]
*This will make up the majority of photo credits until the Submission Guide is fully developed
XXX XXX/Collection via Source
[If sourced from the internet/stock image collection]
XXX XXX for ACLED [If ACLED hired photographer]
XXX XXX/ACLED [If ACLED employee]
Photos: It is not necessary to include a photo credit for commercial use, but content for editorial purposes must consist of a credit adjacent to the content or in production credits. The credit should be in the following form or as otherwise stipulated in the caption information accompanying the content on the Getty Images website: "[Photographer Name]/[Collection Name] via Getty Images"
Videos: If licensed content is used in an audio/visual production where credits are accorded to other providers of licensed material, credit must be included in comparable size and placement. The credit should be in the following form or as otherwise stipulated in the caption information accompanying the content on the Getty Images website: "[Video] [Imagery] supplied by [Artist Name]/[Collection Name] via Getty Images"
Example of an original caption rewritten for an ACLED output
Original:
Armenians fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh sit in a long traffic jam of vehicles along the Lachin corridor on September 28, 2023. Azerbaijan on September 28, 2023 said it wanted ethnic Armenians to remain in Nagorno-Karabakh after its lightning offensive crushed the rebel region's independence bid. (Photo by Siranush ADAMYAN / AFP) (Photo by SIRANUSH ADAMYAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Edited:
Armenians fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh on 28 September 2023 sit in a long traffic jam along the Lachin corridor. Photo: Siranush Adamyan/AFP via Getty Images
Visual assets must match ACLED's brand tone and feel to effectively enhance and tell a story that reflects ACLED's brand essence, values, mission, and vision. ACLED's visual identity includes thematic elements relating to conflict, political violence, and protest:
Data-inspired illustrations that are not cartoonish or gimmicky and imagery created from ACLED dashboards
Infrastructure with conflict-related damage
Infrastructure with sunset/orange/red backgrounds
Landscapes/nature to show locations of conflict or conflict involving natural resources
Split buildings or gaps in buildings
Infrastructure, landscapes, or visual elements that mimic graphs/charts
Silhouettes of people/things/cityscapes (against dramatic backdrop or foreground)
Shattered glass
Commemorations following violent conflicts and political events or on anniversaries of war, battles, etc.
Obscuring people's identities
Plumes of smoke from attacks
Aerial shots
Law enforcement/Armed forces / Armed groups
Government buildings; include buildings of regional bodies, such as the African Union, European Commission, Arab League, etc.
Demonstration events; images that identify the group by banners, flags, signage, or other objects.
Flags and emblems
*Please ensure that the correct flag or emblem is represented for the group and avoid associating flags with negative or appropriated connotations
You may use licensed content in any way consistent with the rights granted below and not restricted (see Restricted Uses below). Subject to those restrictions and the rest of the terms of this agreement, the rights granted to you by Getty Images are:
Royalty-Free: Perpetual, meaning there is no expiration or end date on your rights to use the content. Worldwide, meaning content can be used in any geographic territory. Unlimited, meaning content can be used an unlimited number of times. Any and all media, meaning content can be used in print, on digital platforms, or in any other medium or format. Non-Exclusive, meaning you do not have exclusive rights to use the content. Getty Images can license the same content to other customers. If you would like exclusive rights to use royalty-free content, please contact Getty Images to discuss a buy-out.
Getty Images content license agreement
There are two main types of licenses: royalty-free "RF," which comes with our broadest usage rights, and Rights-managed "RM," which comes with exclusive rights based on your specified use.
Royalty-Free
There is no expiration or end date for the rights to use the content.
Content can be used worldwide.
Content can be used an unlimited number of times.
All media, meaning content, can be used in print, digital, or any other medium or format.
Content is non-exclusive, and Getty Images can license the same content to other customers.
Licenses from the following collections are subject to restrictions: Digital Globe, BBC Motion Gallery, TVNZ, NBC News Archives, NBA, and Storyful.
Please refer to the Getty Images content license agreement for other applicable restrictions.
Restricted uses of content
No alteration of editorial content. Content marked "editorial" or "intended for editorial" may be cropped or otherwise edited for technical quality, provided that the editorial integrity of the content is not compromised.
No standalone file use. Content must not be used to allow others to download, extract, or redistribute content as a standalone file (meaning just the content file itself, separate from the project or end use).
A disclaimer must accompany content used for a sensitive topic (for example, sexually transmitted diseases). It must be indicated that (a) the content is being used for illustrative purposes only and (b) any person depicted in the content is a model (e.g. "Stock photo. Posed by model"). No disclaimer is required for content marked "editorial" or "intended for editorial" that is used in a non-misleading editorial manner.
Accessing Getty Images dashboard
Members of the External Affairs are primarily the users of the Getty Image dashboard. However, for multimedia projects such as “visual insights” that require an increased numbers of images and a sensitivity is involved in selecting the photos, a member of the ACLED may be given login credentials for view the inventory and create Boards in order to save the images they feel would work for the project.
Improving your search results
Use the filter panel on the search results page to help refine and sort search results. Some examples include searching by relevance (best match, newest, or most popular)
Searching by event
Searching by location
Searching by date (pre-defined or custom date ranges)
Searching by product type (royalty-free, embeddable images)
Searching for specific people (editorial only)
Searching by photographer, illustrator, or filmmaker
Searching by the number of people in the image
Searching by photographer, illustrator, or filmmaker: On the file's detailed information page, click the creator's name under the Credit field to search for all of their work.
Searching for content included in your agreement: Use the agreement filter at the top of the page to search for images and video clips only available with your agreement or subscription. This saves time by eliminating the need to sift through images not available for download.
Search language: You can search for your preferred language by changing your country using the international drop-down menu at the bottom of any page.
Using Boards to save, organize, and download images and video clips
A Board is the best place to organize, save, and share favorite files on Getty Images. Click on + Save and select ‘Save to Board’ from the search results page or beneath the image on the detailed information page. If you don't already have a Board, you'll be prompted to create a new one. You can view the contents of all your Boards by selecting Boards from the menu and then selecting View all Boards.
Collaborating with Boards
You can invite anyone to become a Board collaborator by using the Share button at the top of your Board. You'll get two unique links that you can copy and share. One of the links will let anyone view, add images to, and edit your Board. A read-only link will allow your collaborators to review the contents and provide feedback using notes.
Viewing your remaining downloads
You can view the number of downloads remaining in the subscription by locating the agreement filter on the search results page or the file's details page.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Associate Multimedia Coordinator, Christina De Paris, Head of External Affairs, Tania Corbett, or another member of the External Affairs team.