Photo release form?

[tapinpar]

Need some advice. I am working on starting my photography business and I have 3 photo shoots this weekend. One is for my brother and his wife, and the other two are for family friends. My question is, do I need to have all 3 photo session participants sign off on a "photo release form." I am in the midst of launching my website and I need some of the photos for my portfolio being displayed on the site. From what I've researched already, all signs point to yes. However, I wanted someone's opinion that has experienced this before.

[CaptainNH]

Do you need a release - no, not if you're just going to be using it for your own purposes on your website, but it would be a very good idea.

If you're going to be on-selling - then I'd definitely get one signed. In fact, most stock photo or other buyers won't take a pic without a release.

It seems awkward asking family to sign releases - but, as your professional career take off - you'll find you need to go down that path.

If these are paid shoots, I'd suggest you can build release clauses into your standard photography agreement. You can set out in there what each party can do with the photos. I'd suggest doing some local research as the legalities vary across this shrinking globe of ours.

Good luck with the new venture!

[tapinpar]

Originally Posted by CaptainNH

Do you need a release - no, not if you're just going to be using it for your own purposes on your website, but it would be a very good idea.

If you're going to be on-selling - then I'd definitely get one signed. In fact, most stock photo or other buyers won't take a pic without a release.

It seems awkward asking family to sign releases - but, as your professional career take off - you'll find you need to go down that path.

If these are paid shoots, I'd suggest you can build release clauses into your standard photography agreement. You can set out in there what each party can do with the photos. I'd suggest doing some local research as the legalities vary across this shrinking globe of ours.

Good luck with the new venture!

Awesome, thanks for the tip!