Model Release?

[NCAFLeo88]

Ok, so I have been doing some talking to some models on Model Mayhem and I haven't shot one yet but I was wondering if I need any kind of model release or any sort of contract so they know exactly what they are getting (a CD of edited images). I want to be able to keep all my raw images and give them the CD with the images that I want out there with my name associated to them. Help!!

 

[mwcfarms]

There's standard model releases on different sites online. You can tailor one to your liking and get a lawyer to check it out for holes. Probably for cheap. I made up one of my own using an online template and got a lawyer to make sure it was good for $75.00.

 

[Light Guru]

There are several iPhone/iPad contract/model release apps out there. You can even have the person sign directly on the iPhone or iPad.

 

[WesternGuy]

Ok, so I have been doing some talking to some models on Model Mayhem and I haven't shot one yet but I was wondering if I need any kind of model release or any sort of contract so they know exactly what they are getting (a CD of edited images). I want to be able to keep all my raw images and give them the CD with the images that I want out there with my name associated to them. Help!!

I would suggest that you have a contract that states exactly what you will do, what is expected of the model and as part of the contract you can have a model release. I would also stipulate in the contract what you will provide to the model, an acknowledgement that you retain all copyright to the images, except for those rights that you may give him/her in terms of what they can do with the images that you provide. If any fees are to be charged, or paid, then these should also be stated in the contract. If you are going to provide a CD of edited images, then you might want to state in the contract exactly how many images you are prepared to provide and how the provided images fit into the scheme of things, for example, are you going to provide the images to the model in return for him/her posing for you, or do you expect the model to pay for the images as you are providing a service or does the model expect to be paid for posing - don't know - don't know what the norm is, nor do I know what the expectations of the model are. Does "Model Mayhem" have a standard contract that you could use, maybe with some minor changes to suit your particular situation?

Regardless of what form it takes, you need to have some form of contractual agreement, so that there is no confusion on either your part or his/hers as to what is being done, what the model will get out of it (a CD?) and an acknowledgement that you own the copyright to the images and the exact privileges you are giving the model in terms of what they can or cannot do with any images you may provide. Don't forget, contracts normally exist to state the specific services to be provided, any fees or "quid pro quo" arrangements and what the "deliverables" are to be. It may also contain a time frame for the provision of the services and the delivery of the "deliverables". I would also suggest the advice about having any contract that you develop, reviewed by a competent lawyer. HTH.

Regards,

WesternGuy

 

[KmH]

A contract is essential, even if money is not changing hands. A contract should also be reiewed by a qualified attorney.

Standard model releases are written heavily in favor of the photographer. So be prepared to modify any standard release you use after negotiating with the model over the release terms. Of course it is difficult to negotiate if you aren't familiar with the ins-and-outs of model release language.

Also be aware that model release law varies by state, so any releas you get off the internet may not be actionable (valid) where you live, which is why you need a qualified attorney to look over whatever you decide to use.

Visit and read Model Release Primer

Even better get Dan's entire book: A Digital Photographer's Guide to Model Releases: Making the Best Business Decisions with Your Photos of People, Places and Things