Model Releases

[Nicole]

This is a question that comes up a lot in these forums, so I've put together a bit of a primer on the subject with links to relevant sites and previous discussions.

Let's start with the basics.

What is a model release?

A model release is basically a contract that says that you're allowed to to publish a photograph. It is something that you have the subject sign to show that they are ok with it. Read up on Dan Heller's primer on the subject for more information.

So, what does this model release look like?

Model releases don't have to be complicated, but they can be, especially when people start requesting particular things (like a clause that says you can't photoshop the image). There have been several threads discussion the actual model release document.

• Model releases... are they really needed? (has a complicated example in the first post)
• Model releases (talks about a non-photoshop clause and gives an example of a model release)
• Examples of actual model releases:
  • Sisk Photography (Adult & Child Releases)
  • Apogee Photo (Adult Release)
  • Sime's Model Release (Adult & Child on same form)

Do I really need a model release?

That question is not nearly as clear as the first one. The answer is that it depends. The more complete article by Dan Heller explains that there are 4 questions you should ask yourself. But there are several other things you should probably look at as well, including whether or not the image is being published, or if it's being published commercially.

• Model Releases: A primer
• Photographing strangers
• Do you own images of yourself?
• Copyright and model release advice (what happens when someone else publishes a photo that you don't have a release for?)
• Anonymous People
• Photographing People When Traveling

This is one of those questions that has no easy answer unfortunately, so it requires a lot of thinking about your particular situation.

Are there any other situations where I need releases to take a picture?

Short answer: Yes.
Long Answer: Yes, and it depends on what or where.

Property releases are another form of release that you might need. You should be aware of what the local rules are though about trespassing and privacy and your rights as a photographer.

So, if you're not totally confused by now, congrats. If you are, well, that's ok too, because lots of people have the same sort of questions. So, keep asking, and feel free to add any other knowledge about model releases you have to this thread.

[tekla]

... NOW i really understand why they call you "my hero"

[Darren Rowse]

great stuff Nicole - I might pop this up on the blog as I'm sure the wider community will appreciate it too!

[Nicole]

You're more than welcome to I know it's a popular topic.

[Hagar]

Noticed in the article that in relation to Commercial gain " Also excepted are photographs of public figures which are deemed to be newsworthy or informative, even if profit is derived from them." Does this mean that photos in magazines and appearing on the internet are ok to be used.

I have posted a couple of mine on Flickr - Johnny Depp, George Clooney - would these be ok to sell or Iam infringing ?

[bjamestown]

A lot of great information!

Thanks : )
Beth

[Megs Sixx]

my photography teacher gave me one of these.

I need to take one with me for Slash to sign (photographing him in coupla months hopefully)

[charliere]

Helpful information, somebody saids "You have to know the rules if you want to broken it"

[Olddawg]

Hi Nicole Thanks for the informtion and examples Olddawg

[WooD]

I'm having problems with pictures of people. A company is interested in some of my surf shots. I have no way to get a release from some of the surfers. A few are local, and have bought surf shots from me, but I cant even get them to return emails. I hate to let an opportunity slip by, but I know if these people saw their picture in a mag or ad somewhere I could be in hot water.