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So you’ve scheduled a photoshoot with a model and you’re wondering what releases you need. Release forms are essential to protect photographers from potential liability claims. It’s important to know the difference between a model release form and a photo release form.
In this article we’ll break down the different forms and provide free downloads of the most common templates.
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The Model Release Form
The model release form is a basic contract outlining the agreement or offer between the model and the photographer. This agreement can be for paid work (offer) or unpaid work (acceptance). In either case you are able to use the same release form template. Commercial projects typically advertise a product or service. And can include anything from advertisements, web use, newsletters, brochures, greeting cards and catalogs. Here’s what wikipedia says about the model release.
[tweet_dis inject=”#simona”]It is always a good idea to obtain a model release prior to shooting. [/tweet_dis]You never know if you’ll have the possibility of licensing the photograph in the future. And trying to secure a model release after the fact is problematic. Whether it days or years from the original shoot.
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Model Release Form
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[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none” excerpt=”Start with a solid contract or release. #photographers #model via @studiobinder”]Start with a solid contract.[/tweet_box]
Here are the most common ways to secure a release for your use.
- contract an attorney to draft documents exclusively for your business.
- re-purpose one from a previous project or from someone else.
- purchase ready-made forms, online.
- download a free version.
It is extremely important that your release form takes your specific business and future interests into consideration. See 4 Things to Consider before Signing a Film Contract for more information.
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Basics of the Model Release Form
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1. List yourself or your company as the ‘photographer’.
2. Model’s signature.
3. Model’s full legal name.
4. Model’s date of birth.
5. Model’s legal address.
6. Model’s email address.
7. Date the contract.
8. Include witness or company section with name, title, date and signature.
Make sure that all the information is easy to read. Collect emails as they are less likely to change than phone numbers. Always use email as the preferred method for communication because it generates a legal record.
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PRO TIP:
Always include proofs from the shoot with each model release you collect. Electronic records are best. That way when you license a photo you know exactly which release to include. You never know how many times you will shoot with a specific model.
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Model Release Form – Things to Consider
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Digital Manipulation Clause
This should be included in all of your model releases to both protect yourself, (if you retouch photos before licensing) and includes those that license your photos.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none” excerpt=”Digital Manipulation clause, why you need it! #photographer #photographers via StudioBinder”]Don’t shoot without a digital manipulation clause![/tweet_box]
Minor Release
It is extremely important to confirm the age of all models. Parental consent is required if the model is under 18 year of age. At least one parent will need to sign the contract on behalf of the photographed minor. It is advised to capture signatures from both parents, if possible.
Access the free download of the photo release for minors template.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none” excerpt=”Don’t shoot anyone under 18 w/o parent’s consent. #photographers #photographer via StudioBinder”]Don’t shoot anyone under 18 without parent’s consent.[/tweet_box]
Sensitive Use
Insert language into your release if the planned use is sensitive in nature. (ie. campaign related to mental illness or suicide). Identify the planned use in the contract as specifically as possible. It is not a good idea to blanket authorize sensitive uses.
Remember to avoid going to court, be aware of anything that has the potential to jeopardize the model’s ability to get work in the future. This can include anything related to sex, religion, politics and health.
Here is an example of language provided by the American Society of Media Photographers.
“I understand that the pictures of me will be used in public-service advertisements to promote AIDS awareness. Knowing that such advertisements may intentionally or unintentionally give rise to the impression that I suffer from this disease, I nevertheless consent to this use.”
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none” excerpt=”What’s sensitive use case? #photographers #photographer via StudioBinder”]Know when to include sensitive use case in releases.[/tweet_box]
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Free Model Release Form and Photo Release Form for Minors
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Model Release Form
We’ve include a digital manipulation clause in our model photo release form template. Model Release Form Template.
Simple Model Release Form
The simple model release form is a short version of the above. This is a good option when requesting signatures from people in public as the language is not intimidating. Simple Model Release Template.
Photo Release Form for Minors
Everyone under 18 years of age must sign this version. Again, attempt to get both parents though, not required. Photo Release Form for Minors.
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PRO TIP:
Always have you releases printed and ready to sign when the model arrives. Get the release signed before the shoot even begins. Countersign and email a copy to the model to generate a legal record.
You never know what can happen next and all is wasted if you do not have the rights to share/sell the resulting images.
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Photo Release Form 101
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Photography Release Form or Photo Release Form
Photography release forms, also known as photo consent forms are primarily for photographers that sell the resulting digital files to the person photographed. Headshot, portrait or wedding photographers fall into this category.
The photo release form is signed by the photographer and provided to the client for the purpose of printing professional photos through a third party.
Photo Copyright Release Form
While the photograph release form is often referred to as photo copyright release form. The standard agreement does not release the copyright. The copyright is owned by the photographer. Only and unless the agreement specifically states the relinquishing of copyright ownership.
Licensed Use
When licensing your photos, the contract or agreement will often be provided by the company licensing the photos. Whether you supply the contract or not, it is a good ideas to have an attorney review any documents prior to signing. A lawyer can make sure that you are agreeing to what you think you are agreeing to.
Free Photograph Release Forms
We have included two downloads for this contract type.
The simple photograph release form and has no requirements attached.
Simple Photograph Release Form Template
The second download outlines requirements associated with the printing and distribution of any photographs and can be modified to fit your business. You can include watermark, website or photo credit requirements, for example.
Photography Release Form Template with Restrictions
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PRO TIP:
Remember you need to obtain a release from the same model every time you shoot. You’ll need to be able to differentiate which releases cover which photos. Include thumbnails from the specific shoot in a document that can be attached or associated with the specific release.
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Model Release Form vs Photo Release Form
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The model release form is an extremely important document. You should determine the template you will be using before the shoot day arrives. You’ll need to modify the document to represent you and your business. It is recommended that you have a lawyer review any contracts you utilize in your work.
The photography release form is essential when the model is also the client. Wedding and headshot photography are good examples of this.
Once you have locked the language and format, you’ll want to have them easily accessible. You can print hardcopies or use an electronic format. It is equally important that you retain copies of all releases indefinitely. A lot of photographers scan the original and manage electronic files.
If you are licensing photos to a third party, licensing fees and language should be included in the invoice. Here’s a great 4-part series on pricing for commercial photographers from our friends at Fstoppers. See the final piece for information on licensing.
StudioBinder makes is easy to keep all your files together with the original project. To learn more about production management and document storage with StudioBinder, click here.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
Photography contracts should always be customized to suit each individual shoot. You must take the legislation of your country, state or city into consideration when drafting or delivering contracts.
The provided release forms and templates are not intended to be legal advice and are for educational purposes only. Consult an entertainment attorney for advice on any specific situation.
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Wrapping Up
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Whether you are seasoned photographer or a newbie it’s crucial to know the difference between a model release form and photo release form. It’s also a good idea to have a bunch of release templates on hand, specific for professional photographers.
Or maybe you’ve been shooting for a while and just need to add some new language covering digital manipulation or sensitive use. Legal language evolves over time, make sure you have the latest!
Need help managing crew details for your upcoming shoot? See this article with free booking sheet for more info.
We hope this article and templates were helpful. Do you have any tips you want to add? Please share any in comments, below. Questions are always welcome. : )
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