Post by Steve (FloppyDog) on Dec 10, 2009 20:04:23 GMT -5
I've been working on a Q&A regarding model release usage for my site. Anyone care to review it and profer any changes and/or additions?
Here's what I have so far:
First and foremost, I never photograph a person or use their image without their knowledge or permission. If you’re reading this page, I most likely offered you copies of photos in turn for signing a model release form. This is a very common arrangement, but occasionally people are hesitant to sign documents for fear of potential legal difficulties. Please read through this question and answer sheet, and don’t hesitate to contact me for further questions or concerns.
Model release Q&A
Q: Must I sign a model release form for my photo session?
A: Yes, unless we have made special arrangements before the session.
Q: By signing a release, does this mean you will definitely use some or all of these images?
A: No. I shoot thousands of images every year, but only a fraction of these images ever really get used.
Q: What is a release form, and why must I sign one?
A: A model release form is a way for you to give me permission to use your images for public display. This includes my website and other marketing tools such as brochures, business cards, etc. Also, photo competitions, stock agencies, model recruiters, etc. require signed release forms for me to submit images.
Q: Do other photographers require this form?
A: Yes. Most photographers require this form regardless of what you are paying. In fact, if you have ever submitted a favorite snapshot to a website such as a local news center, you most likely have already given usage rights to that publication. Even some photo sharing websites retain certain rights to your photos you might not be aware of. This is usually shown in the fine print.
Q: Do you shoot photos without a model release form?
A: Yes, but only with special arrangements. Clients seeking boudoir photography including nude poses initiate privacy concerns, and they may desire restricted access to their photos. Also, some parents have concerns regarding photos of their children. It is important that you convey these types of concerns early, as these arrangements must be made before the shoot. Photography without signing a release form may require an additional fee.
Q: What if photos of my child end up on some porn site?
A: Child pornography and using the images of children in pornographic media of any kind is immoral and illegal. I take these matters very seriously, and your images are protected from pornographers by my copyright and that if my internet service providers.
Q: What if my photos are unflattering? Will my friends and neighbors see these photos?
A: It is important to understand that the quality of the photos I show reflect on me as a photographer. Therefore, I only use top photos for advertisements or competitions. Photos that are not flattering are not likely to be used on a business card or web page.
Q: Is a model release the same as a contract?
A: No. A model release only grants usage permission. A contract is a document that spells out details of a financial arrangement between me and a client. A wedding, for example, requires a contract to establish a payment schedule and amounts, reserve shoot dates, etc. A contract is not usually required for simply granting usage rights.
Q: Can I put restrictions on the model release form?
A: No. Though this can be done, I prefer to keep things simple.
Q: What if I refuse to sign a model release form?
A: Unless we have made special arrangements, I will not provide you with photos if you refuse to sign a release form.
Here's what I have so far:
First and foremost, I never photograph a person or use their image without their knowledge or permission. If you’re reading this page, I most likely offered you copies of photos in turn for signing a model release form. This is a very common arrangement, but occasionally people are hesitant to sign documents for fear of potential legal difficulties. Please read through this question and answer sheet, and don’t hesitate to contact me for further questions or concerns.
Model release Q&A
Q: Must I sign a model release form for my photo session?
A: Yes, unless we have made special arrangements before the session.
Q: By signing a release, does this mean you will definitely use some or all of these images?
A: No. I shoot thousands of images every year, but only a fraction of these images ever really get used.
Q: What is a release form, and why must I sign one?
A: A model release form is a way for you to give me permission to use your images for public display. This includes my website and other marketing tools such as brochures, business cards, etc. Also, photo competitions, stock agencies, model recruiters, etc. require signed release forms for me to submit images.
Q: Do other photographers require this form?
A: Yes. Most photographers require this form regardless of what you are paying. In fact, if you have ever submitted a favorite snapshot to a website such as a local news center, you most likely have already given usage rights to that publication. Even some photo sharing websites retain certain rights to your photos you might not be aware of. This is usually shown in the fine print.
Q: Do you shoot photos without a model release form?
A: Yes, but only with special arrangements. Clients seeking boudoir photography including nude poses initiate privacy concerns, and they may desire restricted access to their photos. Also, some parents have concerns regarding photos of their children. It is important that you convey these types of concerns early, as these arrangements must be made before the shoot. Photography without signing a release form may require an additional fee.
Q: What if photos of my child end up on some porn site?
A: Child pornography and using the images of children in pornographic media of any kind is immoral and illegal. I take these matters very seriously, and your images are protected from pornographers by my copyright and that if my internet service providers.
Q: What if my photos are unflattering? Will my friends and neighbors see these photos?
A: It is important to understand that the quality of the photos I show reflect on me as a photographer. Therefore, I only use top photos for advertisements or competitions. Photos that are not flattering are not likely to be used on a business card or web page.
Q: Is a model release the same as a contract?
A: No. A model release only grants usage permission. A contract is a document that spells out details of a financial arrangement between me and a client. A wedding, for example, requires a contract to establish a payment schedule and amounts, reserve shoot dates, etc. A contract is not usually required for simply granting usage rights.
Q: Can I put restrictions on the model release form?
A: No. Though this can be done, I prefer to keep things simple.
Q: What if I refuse to sign a model release form?
A: Unless we have made special arrangements, I will not provide you with photos if you refuse to sign a release form.
