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

[prince]

I have been having this thought in my mind for a few days now..

When or if you've done "free" photo sessions when starting out, have you asked for any model release forms to be signed by your clients and/or contracts? I know its free and might not need a contract but just want to know if it's sensible to ask for such docs.

I may start out with something or at least thinking of having a free session to get the word out.

Please drop by to share your experiences.

Thanks.

[oldwolf]

I always have a model release. Even if you shoot for free to build up your portfolio, it's safest to have a model release so they can't come back later on and tell you that you can't use their picture. Even a simple model release stating that you have the right to use their picture for your portfolio will suffice as long as you don't try and sell the picture.

[prince]

Originally Posted by oldwolf

I always have a model release. Even if you shoot for free to build up your portfolio, it's safest to have a model release so they can't come back later on and tell you that you can't use their picture. Even a simple model release stating that you have the right to use their picture for your portfolio will suffice as long as you don't try and sell the picture.

Better be safe than sorry, aptly applies here. I will dig out the model release form on here.

others are more than welcome to share their thoughts

[private]

What are the getting with your free photo session? I am doing a free one hour sitting session and thee free 4x6 prints. After the first hour I charge $25 an hour. Its kind of like the picture people business plan. Get them in and if you'regood, they will buy more.

Now all of that being sd I do have a model release, they know I am building my portfolio, so my per print prices are "low". They are also aware that my prices will go up Jan 1st and they can pre-book to get todays discount prices. But, I think I am gonna keep the picture people business model. Oh, and I only do two clients a week. I do not think I could handle more than that...

So yes to the model release even if session is free. I do ask them to sign the release AFTER I have done the pics. I saw, your kids are sooo cute, would you mind if I used them for my web portfolio. It was such a pleaseure photographing them...yada yada yada.

[prince]

Thanks Pat. Looks you had a fuun experience with your free sessions. I am at a barely crawling stage with my "free session" planning. The only thing I've decided is "I want to do a free session around my apartment complex". I've no idea how to invite people for a free session

But this model release and/or contract question was just annoying me too much to plan anything further.

[private]

its pretty simple. Just put up flyers by the mailbox...

[windrider86]

Just my two cents is to be careful doing a free photo session. You dont want people to think that your value is less than it is, if that makes any sense.
Perhaps do a % off sale and state that its normally valued at $$$such and such. That way people will see what sort of value they are getting and not just thinking oh its free and then may expect it your work to be free or a lesser value later on down the road.

[prince]

Originally Posted by private

its pretty simple. Just put up flyers by the mailbox...

Thanks Pat. That is one option. It will be good to start off in small number.

Originally Posted by windrider86

Just my two cents is to be careful doing a free photo session. You dont want people to think that your value is less than it is, if that makes any sense.
Perhaps do a % off sale and state that its normally valued at $$$such and such. That way people will see what sort of value they are getting and not just thinking oh its free and then may expect it your work to be free or a lesser value later on down the road.

I completely agree with you. I am not sure if people would pay anything to an unknown person. I don't want to do a % and then find no one coming by and make it free the following week :s..

To me it sounds better to make a "free" offer and mention on my advertising media that it is free for a limited time.

Am I setting myself up for a disaster?

[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.

[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!