I'm planning to bild a web gallery of images for sale, that can be used in ads, decoration, etc.
I never saw a model release contract. At least this is what I think it is called. What I mean is that when I shoot a person and whant to sell the picture I need a "contract" that make me the owner of the rights of the photo. Or is it not. Is there any difference between payed models and volunteers? For example if I pay a model to pose for me and he/she knows that the photo is for commerical purpose will I be in right do use it as I want? And if a friend poses for me?
In what sittuations should I get a signed model release? If the person is out of focus and can't be recognised do I still need it?
And about the location of the shooting, do I have to have signed permition if it is a particular place and it can be recognised (for example at my work)?
all situations, wherever a face is recognizable. YOu might not need a model release for your portfolio, but as soon as you start making profit (sales, ads, display in gallery), you need that release. Here's a simple one that I use (I've modified it for my own use from the book "Business forms for photographers" or something similar): Model Release
MODEL RELEASE
In exchange for consideration received, I hereby give permission to [your name here] to use my name and photographic likeness in all forms and media for advertising, trade, and any other lawful purposes.
Print Name:
Signature:
Date:
If Model is under 18: I, ____________________, am the parent/legal guardian of the individual named above, I have read this release and approve of its terms.
Print Name:
Signature:
Date:
I'm curious if this is good enough....seems short???
Alamy Images has this information on model releases, and a sample release. It's interesting that they have a place to affix a photo of the model on the release, that seems like a great idea to me, to help keep track of who's who.
if you are going to be selling images where a person is used, its common courtesy to pay them. Why should they work for free when you will be making a profit
jmlelii, you're probably right, but let me explain more. What I want to do is a sort of photographic database of a particular subject related with my work as health care technician. Mostly the people who will show up are my collegues and other professional involved, most of them are my friends, and I talked to them in advance and they will do it for free. The conterpart is that I will give them prints if they want to or let them use the photos in my database for personal or non comercial business, like presentations, etc. But when I enlarge my horizon I'm certainly to photograph people who are no so closed to me and I don't know how they react or negociate for conterparts, but I'm alwasys putting the database at their disposition to use for non comercial purposes. But of couse that I intend to do some advertisement of it close to especialized publications and others that might be interested, so I can sell the rights of some photos.
But this thing about model release bothers me, especially when taking photos of people who I don't know or I don't get along.
Get the model release for any images that may be published. Most publications will not buy a photo without one. If you have subjects that you might not get along with, make sure you don't use their pictures without a release. That's a recipe for trouble for sure!
It would be just horrible if the photographer had my permission to use my name and tried to rob a bank. What if he used my name on the police report? I think I'd reconsider the wording on your release.
It would be just horrible if the photographer had my permission to use my name and tried to rob a bank. What if he used my name on the police report? I think I'd reconsider the wording on your release.
