Community Guidelines

RareRoam is a curated collection of original travel photography. These guidelines define the standards every contributor must follow to keep the Platform trustworthy, respectful, and legally safe for everyone. All contributors are expected to read and abide by these guidelines. Violating them may result in content removal or account termination.

1. What RareRoam Is For

RareRoam exists to showcase real travel experiences through original photography. Our audience includes bloggers, designers, journalists, travellers, and anyone who needs authentic visual content from around the world. Every photo you submit should reflect a genuine travel moment and contribute something meaningful to that vision.

2. Content We Accept

We welcome photos that are:

• Original — taken by you, on your own camera or device.
• Travel-related — landscapes, cityscapes, streets, landmarks, culture, food, transport, accommodation, nature, and authentic travel moments.
• High quality — technically sound (in focus, well-exposed), and offering a genuine sense of place.
• Honest — photos do not need to be technically perfect. Atmospheric, documentary, or candid shots are equally welcome.

We value diversity of location and perspective. Photos from underrepresented destinations are particularly encouraged.

3. Content We Do Not Accept

3.1 Content You Do Not Own

Do not upload photos taken by someone else, copied from another website, downloaded from a stock library, or obtained from social media. Submitting content you did not personally capture is copyright infringement and will result in immediate account suspension.

3.2 AI-Generated Imagery

Photos generated, synthesised, or substantially created by artificial intelligence tools (including but not limited to Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, or similar) are not permitted. RareRoam is a platform for real photography, not generated imagery.

3.3 Heavily Manipulated Photos

Basic editing (exposure, colour grading, cropping, sharpening, horizon straightening) is fine and expected. However, photos in which elements have been digitally added, removed, or composited in a way that materially misrepresents the scene are not accepted. Sky replacements that create an unrealistic image, for example, should be disclosed or avoided.

3.4 Offensive or Harmful Content

The following content is strictly prohibited:

• Explicit sexual or pornographic material.
• Graphic violence, gore, or disturbing imagery.
• Content that promotes, glorifies, or depicts illegal activity.
• Content that promotes hatred, discrimination, or violence against any individual or group based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality.
• Imagery designed to harass, bully, or threaten specific individuals.

3.5 Privacy Violations

Do not upload photos that reveal private or sensitive information about individuals without their consent, such as images taken inside private residences without permission, or that document individuals in contexts where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

3.6 Content with Legal Restrictions

Do not upload photos that infringe trademarks, or that prominently feature copyrighted artwork (murals, sculptures, installations) where reproducing that artwork is restricted. Be aware of local laws regarding photography of military installations, government buildings, and other restricted areas in different countries.

3.7 Spam and Duplicate Content

Submitting large batches of near-identical or low-effort photos, keyword stuffing in descriptions, or submitting photos with the intent to game the platform's visibility is not permitted.

4. Photos Featuring People

Photos of people in public settings — markets, streets, festivals, transport — are welcome and often make for compelling travel photography. However:

• Model releases: If your photo features identifiable individuals who are the primary subject and you intend it for commercial use, you should obtain a model release. You are solely responsible for having the necessary releases. RareRoam does not verify releases, and accepts no liability for content uploaded without required authorisation.
• Children: Exercise particular care when photographing minors. For photos where a child is the primary subject, parental consent is expected.
• Dignity: All photos must treat their subjects with dignity. Photos that mock, shame, or demean individuals are not allowed.

5. Metadata Accuracy

The location, description, and tags you provide for a photo must be accurate. Tagging a photo with a location where it was not taken, or using misleading descriptions to attract search traffic, is considered manipulation of the Platform and may result in content removal.

6. How to Report a Violation

If you see content on RareRoam that you believe violates these guidelines, is unlawful, or infringes your copyright:

• In-platform report: Use the report button on any photo detail page to flag content directly to our moderation team.
• Email: Contact us at support@RareRoam.com with the URL of the content and a description of your concern.
• Copyright claims: For DMCA takedown requests, see our Copyright & Licence Policy.

We review all reports and take action where violations are confirmed. We aim to respond to reports within 3–5 business days.

7. Consequences of Violations

The appropriate action depends on the severity and frequency of the violation. Our responses may include:

• Content removal: The offending photo is removed from the Platform.
• Warning: For first-time or minor violations, a warning may be issued with an explanation of the breach.
• Contributor status suspension: Temporary loss of the ability to upload new photos.
• Account termination: Permanent removal of the account for serious or repeated violations, with all associated content deleted.

RareRoam reserves the right to take any of the above actions immediately and without prior notice for serious violations, including but not limited to uploading illegal content, copyright infringement, or fraud.

8. Appeals

If you believe your content was removed or your account was actioned in error, you may appeal by emailing support@RareRoam.com with the subject line "Appeal" and a description of your case. We will review appeals and respond within 5–7 business days. Our decision on appeal is final.

9. Changes to These Guidelines

We may update these guidelines as the Platform evolves. We will post the updated version here with a revised date. By continuing to use RareRoam after changes are posted, you agree to the updated guidelines.