Images and photographs are integral to storytelling and can draw readers in, conveying meaning beyond a verbal description. Gardening is a highly visual activity. A photo of a vegetable garden, hands digging in soil, or a juicy ripe tomato creates a range of emotions or feelings. Quality visuals depicting our volunteers, community and demonstration gardens, gardening activities and projects offer a behind-the-scenes look into, and an invitation of inclusion into the program that stock photography doesn't offer. 

Image Sources

Local County Image Libraries (Start Here)

Many county UC Master Gardener programs maintain their own image libraries using platforms such as Google Drive, Box, or Flickr. These collections often include photos of local volunteers, events, demonstration gardens, and community impact. Start with your local county image library whenever possible. Locally sourced images are the most authentic and best reflect your community, audiences, and program activities.

If your county maintains an image library, please also share access with the UC Master Gardener Statewide Office by emailing Barbra Braaten at bbraaten@ucanr.edu. These images support statewide communications, advocacy, reporting, and storytelling efforts that highlight the impact of the program across California.

UC ANR Images

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources provides access to an internal image library to support high-quality, on-brand visual content. The UC ANR Bynder Media Library is the primary digital asset management (DAM) system for curated, brand-aligned images, graphics, and communications materials. Images in this library have been reviewed for appropriate use, quality, and alignment with UC ANR branding. Access is available to UC ANR employees.

Why use the UC ANR Bynder Media Library:

• ✔ Pre-approved for UC ANR use (reduces legal and licensing risk)
• ✔ Reflects authentic programs, people, and environments
• ✔ Maintains visual consistency across counties and statewide materials
• ✔ Saves time—no need to verify external licensing

This should always be your first stop when selecting images outside of your local county program image libraries. Using Media Library assets helps ensure that communications accurately represent the UC Master Gardener Program and build trust with the public.

When you don’t have your own photos, you may use images from reputable free or paid image libraries. Always review and follow the licensing terms for each image before use.

Creative Commons (Free Images)

Some images are available under Creative Commons Zero (CC0) or similar licenses. These typically allow you to copy, modify, and use images for free, including for commercial purposes, without requiring permission or attribution. However, licensing terms can vary by image and platform. Always verify the specific usage rights. Attribution is often appreciated, even when not required.

Examples of free image sources: 

• CreativeCommons.org
• Pixabay
• Flickr Creative Commons

Paid Stock Image Libraries

Paid stock platforms offer high-quality, professionally curated images with clear licensing. These can be a good option when you need specific or hard-to-find visuals. Be sure to follow the platform’s licensing agreement, including any restrictions on use.

Examples of paid image sources: 

• Adobe Stock
• Shutterstock
• iStock

AI-Generated Images

The UC Master Gardener Program does not permit the use of AI-generated images in program materials. AI-generated images can undermine that trust and do not reflect the real gardens, real volunteers, and real impacts that define our work and support our mission to extend research-based knowledge and information to California residents. Any limited exceptions must be reviewed and approved in advance by UC Master Gardener Statewide staff. Please email the proposed image to Barbra Braaten at bbraaten@ucanr.edu for review and approval before use.

Model Release Forms

UC Master Gardener volunteers should sign a model release form as part of their onboarding documents when joining the program. Records (digital or physical) must be kept and stored at the UC Cooperative Extension office. If a UC Master Gardener chooses not to sign a model release form, they are responsible for alerting photographers at events or removing themselves from being in images. Counties may also elect to add stickers or other identity markers on name badges to make it easier for photographers to identify volunteers who have chosen not to be photographed.

When do you need a model release for the public? 

Videos or photographs taken in public places, for purposes of news or general information, typically do not require a model release form. If you would like to add an extra layer of protection for an event where images will be captured, you may post signage giving notice of your intent to use images captured at an event. Photo Release">See example photo release signage. In general, when an individual's face is clearly recognizable or featured to endorse the UC Master Gardener Programs, the best practice would be to obtain a signed model release form to be stored with the program's records.

"Please be advised that photographs will be taken at this event for use on UC Master Gardener Program and University of California websites, and in the press, UC marketing materials, social media and other university publications. By attending this event, you consent to the University photographing and using your image and likeness."

Any videos or images that include minor children under 18 years of age, or person(s) in a medical or full-time care environment (senior care facility, veterans home, hospital, etc.) require a signed model release form.   

Model Releases

• UC ANR Model Release - English (2025)
• UC ANR Model Release - Spanish (2025)
• UC Master Gardener Photo Event Signage Template (Canva Template - click File/Make a Copy to get an editable version)

Questions? Contact
Barbra Braaten
Statewide Communications Specialist
bbraaten@ucanr.edu