Model Releases

[DSisk]

I'm just beginning portrait photography. I have what I thought was a pretty comprehensive release...a model won't sign my release because it doesn't include a clause stating that the photo won't be "manipulated" to make her appear nude. I have now inserted a clause to this effect http://www.siskphotography.com/releases. How do I cover every possible concern, without ending up with a 10 page release?!?

[Nicole]

Seeing as it is a legal document, I'd suggest checking with a lawyer. I know it's a bit of a cop-out answer, but your best bet for legal advice isn't going to be a forum Anything I say after this is not legal advice, it's just a personal opinion.

That being said, perhaps your standard contract along with any additional clauses that need to be added after discussion with your client would be the way to go. You'll never create a single document that will make every possible client happy.

I think this is an interesting topic, so I'd be interested to hear what you finally decide to do. And hopefully you'll get some opinions from people who are more experienced with model releases.

And one last thing... Welcome

[DSisk]

Nicole

Thanx for your iron-clad, sure-fire, NON-legal advice/cop-out... :-) just joking. You can make it up to me by giving me a place to stay when I come to New Zealand for pictures! Actually, you'd have to spring for r/t air-fare from LA, too, so I won't be holding my breath very long. After I posted, I read the article at www.danheller.com, which I found from one of the threads here...seems like a thorough article, as long as it's accurate.

[Nicole]

That article from the Dan Heller site is pretty good. It's definitely accurate, and covers all the basics of contract law. It sounds like you found the other discussion about model releases. I'll still be interested to hear what you finally decide on for the best way to avoid a 10pg contract for a simple model release.

And unfortunately, being a student and all, I'm not able to spring for a trip for anyone anytime soon. Though to make up for it, here's a nice NZ landscape

[DSisk]

I just thought I'd let you know I'm a d50 user myself, with a 28-80 & a 70-300...I used a friends d70 for a few days, and like the additioal features, but the d50 takes good pics.

[Nicole]

Good to see another D50 user There's actually a few of us around these forums.

[Digidave]

Nice shot Nicole.

DSisk: When they start asking you to supply M&M's in the waiting area & to make sure there are no green ones in there. That's where you need to draw the line!