Picture-specific model release

marius_s · Jul 31, 2012

Hello there

I have an interesting question that google couldn't help me with. Is there any way to have a model release form for only specific pictures and how would one specify those pictures in the agreement?

I would do the following, but i can't be sure if it would have any legal significance whatsoever:

* find the pictures you need the model to sign for
* calculate their RAW file's (or a high res original JPEG's) hash (a unique number, generated by a special math algorithm that will uniquely identify a digital file)
* specify in the release form something like this: the photographer is allowed to use the pictures if he can provide a high resolution RAW or JPEG file, which has an SHA1 hash sum, matching one of the sums, listed in ... some other point below.

I think one could also simply print thumbnails of the pictures, but if there's quite a few of them, hash sums would be a great way to specify pictures.

Maybe i'm overcomplicating things here ... So what is your oppinion about this?

Thanks for your thoughts!

tirediron · Jul 31, 2012

I suppose that would work, IF the RAW file was not altered. If any editing at all was done to it, even accidentally, it would alter the hash-sum. What I would do is use a standard model release form and include a description of the image, "Showing Susan Smith leaning on a bench, wearing..." with date, time, location and file name in the release and attach a copy of the print to the release, and have both people sign the release an the print. As always however, rules vary by region, country, etc. Consult a practising IP lawyer for the real answer.

KmH · Jul 31, 2012

Model releases really need to specify - a date range, a date, a list of image file names, or a single image file name.

Even better is prints of the images attached to the model release the model release covers, including a copy of the model's drivers license.

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

marius_s · Jul 31, 2012

Thank You both for Your answers! Good thing i decided to ask, as standard model releases only describe the photoshoot generally so i don't think they would fit in this situation at all. KmH, i will definately have a look at the book You've provided - thanks!

KmH · Jul 31, 2012

You don't show a location in your profile. Here in the USA, model release law varies by state.

marius_s · Jul 31, 2012

Ah, sorry. I live in Lithuania, Europe. The thing i forgot to mention is that i'm not a photographer. That is - i don't do any commercial stuff with my photos and i don't plan to. I only need the model release for my online portfolios. Does that make the process easier or is it absolutely the same when shooting specific people in private photoshoots?