Model releases & when to have them sign one

[rhoraq]

I'm in the process of building my portfolio and not charging right now. One of my friends suggested that I do a gallery opening when I get enough pieces, but I was wondering should I be getting model releases signed on these people and I have taken pics of a lot of babies so should I go back and get something signed by there parents??

[OsmosisStudios]

Always. Always always always.

Even if it's just for portfolio pieces, always get a model release.

[dakwegmo]

It's a good idea to have one for anything you plan on showing publicly. However, you really only need one if the image is used for advertising. You don't need one for photos marketed and sold as art.

[rhoraq]

Thanks! Now on my own I have no clue how to make one of these or what exactly should be in one. Is there somewhere I can look or get one already made up?

[OsmosisStudios]

Google is your friend, in this case. Google "model release COUNTRY" with your country or state in the appropriate place.

[FireOpal]

I recently photographed a belly dance performance and was given access to get some backstage photos in their dressing room. During some shooting backstage, I took a photo that I feel madly in love with.
I didn't have the dancers sign any release forms as I was doing this shoot so they would have some performance photos and I could get some practice. I wish I had...
When I asked one of the dancers later if I could use her photo in my public portfolio, she said that she thought the photo was beautiful, but didn't like her facial expression in the photo so she didn't want it in my portfolio. I'm going to respect her wishes and not put it in my portfolio, but I'm SO DISAPPOINTED!
Oh well, next time... Boo.