Starting new website...Looking for models...question about model release.

[Houtwnart]

I'm just beginning a new website featuring fine art nude Photography. NOT PORN> I'm advertising for models to come test shoot. What im offering is $50.00 just to show up and shoot about 15 pics. (they will keep ownership to these.) this is just to see if i want to use them. Ok...im getting to my question.

My model release offers the model to choose:
1.) cash payment of $100.00/hr - no ownership of images
2.) 20% paid to models from sales of prints and money paid for the members section of said website. - this option allows model to retain partial ownership. In otherwords...I ask her permission to sell her pictures outside of the site...should the opportunity arise. Of course she can still take 20% of the sales.

Im wondering though...if a model is chosen by playboy to do a test shoot...who owns those images?

what occured is that I had a 19 yr old model show up ( with her "stage"MOM!) I explained what i was offering and gave her a copy of the release. Mr.s "Stage MOM" proceeded to act like she knew all about the modeling biz and the "standard" fees paid to models, etc. She asked if i worked with agents and I said no. She really got up in arms like Im trying to cheat the girl.

I explained to her that this was 'MY WEBSITE" and that If she didn't like it they didnt have to participate.

here's my take on it. Im an artist. Really. Im a painter, sculptor, illustrator, photographer. I really want people who enjoy the art of it. Not to get all bent out of shape just because I don't conform to some "standard" of compensation in the Modeling biz!

 

[MACollum]

It seems to me that if you're up-front with your terms they can take it or leave it, they don't have to give you a bunch of crap about it. Just make sure that you have all your bases covered.

 

[Jeff Colburn]

Personally, I wouldn't offer the 20% option. It could become a real headache. Let's say a model selects this option, and she moves out of the area and doesn't give you her new address. Then, 10 years later she shows up and wants all the money owed her. Do you keep these kinds of records? Will you give her interest on the money you're holding onto for her? There are other issues too.

The easiest thing for you to do is pay an hourly rate, and have the model sign all of the rights over to you.

As for Playboy. If they take the pictures, they belong to them. Playboy will pay a finders fee if you submit a models pictures to them.

Have Fun,
Jeff

 

[Nimitz]

while a noble idea your plan is fraught with danger, some of which Jeff pointed out. The 'standard' model practice usually works very well as most models just expect to be paid for the shoot and then move on to the next assignment. the idea of 'residuals' like with TV & movies such doesn't hold much appeal. You'll find it much easier to hire models when you stick with something that is familiar to them - particularity when you want to shoot nudes. Unless you are already well known (ie Playboy) you'll be amazed at how difficult it is some times to get models to take paid shoots, espically when first starting out and you dod not have a portfolio to show them ...