"Free" photo session and model release or contract form?

[prince]

Originally Posted by gopal-s

it is alright if u take photo for free and keep in ur album...upto it is well..........and further if u wish to go for publishing/showing others, u will require a model release, that is the authority with u for all safety. be conscious? the world is different.

I will be including the photos in my portfolio which will be available for others to see my work. Publishing or printing, I am not sure yet. But looks like if someone wants to keep my portfolio for their review purpose than I will need a model release form.

[private]

Prince you are not setting yourself up for disaster. Also, on your "price sheet" you should put prices subject to change w/o notice.

And thanks, I am having a ton of fun. I will post the ones from this past weekend shortly...

[prince]

Originally Posted by windrider86

I would still put in your adversting that it is normally a $75 fee. People will think they are getting an awsome deal that way. I would be leary of something that was totally free.
Mkae sure you state somewhere that you will be charging for prints if they want them!

Oh ok. I get the idea now. Thanks for clarifying. You partly answered my follow-up question. How do you quote the photos for free session?

Do they get a CD free, along with 3-4 photos in 4x6?
Other options, combinations?

[windrider86]

Only if you are willing to foot the bill for the c d's and photo paper.
I would be inclined if you have to give something away the cheapest one possible, a 4 x 6 photo

[prince]

Yea that would be the cheapest, I agree. Do you label your CDs with fancy labels or just hand-write it? I know label sounds a more professional option but at this stage it might be a bit expensive.

[lareflections]

Would anyone care to share their model release. Up to this point, I have not used one, but do see a definite need.
Thanks.

[Melinda]

I would love to see a model release, contract, and/or price sheet. I am just starting out too and I think because I have been so generous I am considered the "free photographer".

[JerBear]

Always get a release, not only does it give you rights, but also explains to the "model" the agreement. OPEN & Honest, will make for a good reputation.

Any time I pick up a new camera, I like to check out and explore the system to make sure everything is working as I expect and to push the system to the limits of its ability to see how far I can go in a situation with expected results.

To do this, I will enlist a "model" and spend some "Fun time" trying out different set ups and situations. We always have fun.

The agreement is that they get to keep a copy of the files for themselves and if they want to use them for any commercial purpose, need to get permission from me. So, if they want to use in their portfolio to show then I will ask only to have credit for the photography. If they have someone who wants to "buy" the shot for something, then I want a percentage and credit.

I get the release and all that goes with it... If I should be so lucky to have someone want to buy a image, then I will kick back a percentage to the model, just seems fair.

So, I get to invest my time in learning my new systems and they get exposure and some more shots for their portfolio.

And we have fun in a no pressure setting.

Good shooting

JM

[Golfwidow]

Fantastic thread idea. I am in the same boat and will post my advertising flyer when I get it finished to give you some idea if you like. These are my ideas so far:

*Limited time build my portfolio special, next 5 booked session will be free (RRP $100) Any bookings after these will have a sitting fee charge.
* Time limited (probably be around 1 - 1.5 hours)
* Location is flexible and will be arranged after consultation (so I can get a bit of a feel of them)
* In exchange for a signed release form (so i retain copyright) you will receive a free 8x10 image as a thank you
* Any further prints are available for purchase.
* Sessions will be held Fridays and Sundays but I am always happy to work out something if these are inconvienient
* happy to travel but will incur a travelling fee

As I said nothing has been set in stone yet so any pointers or tips on what I have would be greatly appreciated

[easyrider]

ok, while that might not always be true, who doesn't like things for "free"?

Just think about a couple of things...what good is it if you're an excellent photographer...but nobody ever sees your work? The best thing to do at first is just get your pictures out there for eyes to see, the rest will come later. Photography isn't an industry where you can just jump in and sell! sell! sell! Take it slow and make sure you give it your best effort. Hard work pays off.

A few good tips for getting your pictures out there are definitely using the "free session" idea, but you don't necessarily have to search too far for these "free" sessions". Chances are that you have some friends and family. These make for great "free session" models. This offers a few benefits, first of all, chances are that you like your friends/family and they like you back. This will make these trial periods a lot less stressful. The last thing you want while you're starting out is a few rough sessions that ruin the photography journey for you. As you grow as a photographer, things will come easier, but at the beginning, you'll probably hit a few bumps in the road. Your friends/family will be a lot more lenient with letting you adjust camera settings, set up lights/backdrops/sets, or just thinking about what to do next.

Your friends and family will also be very important for you as you develop a "base" of clientele to work with. They will jump on the first opportunity to tell people, "I have a friend/sister/son/etc. who is a great photographer, look at these pictures." Having some people that appreciate your work will be essential in "getting out there".

Here is some information that should help you get started, and also a couple sample "model releases" for those that were asking.

http://blog.photoshelter.com/school/...leases-in.html

Get on out there and shoot your friends and family. Good luck!