A topic that's been done to death... Model Release

68lbs

68lbs

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April 2008
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No
...so why am I posting? Well, for clarification and my own peace of mind really. I have searched here via google, and also found quite a few model release forms online. I am favouring something VERY simple and am swaying towards either...

The Alamy sample form

or

This one which seems simple

or

The one on this page

My questions...

• Any recent loopholes that I need to be aware of?
• Is the place for a photo on the form just so the tog can identify the person at a later date?
• Do you complete 2 copies and give the model a copy?
• When EXACTLY would I need to ensure I have a model release (wedding candids on my website, or in promo material)?
• Where would I stand with regards to using candids of kids in promotional material?
 
Hmmm, maybe I didn't sell this topic very well. :lol:
 
I'm afraid I can't offer much advice, as I was only asking the same questions recently.
However having just done my first two pro model shoots for years, when I mentioned to the models, would they be happy signing models release forms, they just said "if you want, but we rarely do as it's not in our interests to go round suing togs, we'd never complain about usage, you can do whatever you like with the images"

I took them on their word, but maybe I was being naive.
 
68lbs said:
...so why am I posting? Well, for clarification and my own peace of mind really. I have searched here via google, and also found quite a few model release forms online. I am favouring something VERY simple and am swaying towards either...

The Alamy sample form

or

This one which seems simple

or

The one on this page

My questions...

• Any recent loopholes that I need to be aware of?
• Is the place for a photo on the form just so the tog can identify the person at a later date?
• Do you complete 2 copies and give the model a copy?
• When EXACTLY would I need to ensure I have a model release (wedding candids on my website, or in promo material)?
• Where would I stand with regards to using candids of kids in promotional material?
Click to expand...


(Second link doesn't work at eh mo' :thinking:)

Any of those Releases are ok. In the UK at least, there are no new 'loopholes' to worry about. A model release is not legally required for many aspect of photography work. It is just something that Agencies (especially US ones) prefer to have and will often insist on. It is however, not a legal requirement here in the UK.

The photo holder on the form is so that BOTH you and the user of the photo can clearly see that the Release relates to the individual.

The model does not generally NEED a copy of the release as it is only you who needs to prove that you had permission to take/use the image. However, it can be a more transparent process if both parties have copies of the form so that everyone knows where they stand.

The simple rule for when to use a model release is..... If you are going to supply the image to a third party for monitory gain or promotion (outside of editorial work) and the main subject of the image is a person who can clearly be recognised and/or is the main focus of the image, then a release should be used. That is a crude rule but simple.

Re: Candids of of kids in promo' work...... See the previous paragraphs. You don't NEED a release but it is wise to have one and a third party is more likely to accept the image for use if you have a model release for it. Ask yourself 'What will the repercussions be if I use this image and the parents (or someone else) challenge me? Is it worth the risk of the hassle and damaged reputation?' I will always play it safe and and only use images with releases. Life is quieter and people are happier. That said, if you start walking up to people in the street and saying 'Sign this!' you may get some interesting reactions. Remember, there is a difference between 'candid' photography and 'uninvited' photography.

Hope that helps.
 
The one at the bottom of this page is the one I use and to answer your questions (purely as a laywoman - if there is such a word).


• Any recent loopholes that I need to be aware of? Not a clue - question needs to be more specific
• Is the place for a photo on the form just so the tog can identify the person at a later date? Some agencies require a photo on the form, presumabaly to match it against the images, I always add a photo so that I can identify the model at a later date if I either get too many or get forgetful.
• Do you complete 2 copies and give the model a copy? No, not unless the model specificially requests it and then they are generally happy with a blank copy just for the wording.
• When EXACTLY would I need to ensure I have a model release (wedding candids on my website, or in promo material)? See below but when used for commerical purposes and is recognisable
• Where would I stand with regards to using candids of kids in promotional material?
Exactly the same as anyone else as far as I am aware but I would, for your own piece of mind, get model releases for anyone you are going to use in promotional material just in case the models or parents later come around demanding payment for your using them for advertising. I am using various people in the moving boxes at the top of my website, all have provided model releases, I do include the following clause on my website "I reserve the right on photographs to which I hold copyright to sell, hire, lend or authorise their use on any promotional material, advertisements, posters, cards, postcards, tiles, publications or any other media related material." but whether anyone ever reads it I do not know..

Edit: nomoreM6 posted while I was typing - looks like we have similar answers :D
 
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