Do I Need A Model Release?

[lillygirl]

Originally Posted by dbevisjr

I think I'm developing a strong affinity for landscape/cityscape/wildlife photography.

LOL!

Indigo,

What I have done, is when they sign a contract (either wedding, newborn, family, blah blah) it says in plain english on there that I am taking the photographs for $XX.xx and they get online proofing for XX days and blah blah. Key Part in that is the phrase "This contains the entire agreement between PHOTOGRAPHY company and CLIENT. Any changes must be attached to this agreement in writing and signed by both parties." This keeps everyone from he said/she said.

Secondly, I put the model release in the contract. They initial by that, and a few other places (like even though you are the subjects, the photographs are mine), and they sign the bottom. In any instance, that signature, fortified by the initials beside the actual text will cover your rear. If they don't read what they sign, that's their problem. It sounds like this guy is just taking advantage of you.

So, having done this myself, (yes I am a victim of the free shoot, free prints very BAD idea) , I say, here's the low res (with watermark) that was promised. If you are interested in prints or a high-res cd (if you choose to offer one), here is a pricing list and you may contact me. Have a good day. Write those photos off. They are good practice, but you will take better ones later. And people will respect you more as an artist (and that's what we are) when you charge a modest fee for your work. The camera isn't free. The lab isn't free. So, the prints aren't free. And the mother-loving cd cost money to burn so that isn't free either!!! So never sell your high res images unless you are getting a very pretty penny. Best of luck.