Model Release Forms

[Ash]

Hey guys and ladies,

Anyone got a preference on a template model release form that they use?

I'm gettin the ball rolling with some paid photography, and I need to start getting those model release forms printed and signed.



It seems some are a lot simpler than others. I need to make sure all bases are covered, but the internet doesnt exactly help when people want to charge you for the template!

Of course, I'd like to have one that is fine for under-18s as well as adults, so do you think I'm going to have to botch up my own one here?


Anyone with thoughts, a few templates etc etc, I would be VERY grateful for your help!

Thanks

Ash

 

[Rafael]

I think it depends on what sort of work you will be doing. You want your release to be comprehensive. But you don't want it to be so long and so full of "legalese" that you scare off potential models. So I think it's best to have several forms and to choose the one that is appropriate for the job you're doing. I used an extremely short release for a project of street portraits that I did a few years back. It was only 2 or 3 sentences long. The releases that I have for some of the portraits in my portfolio are more significant.

HERE is a decent template to get you started.

 

[Ash]

Well I'm after a portraiture release form really. And I meant to ask specifically about the number of prints and all that non-exclusive rights stuff!

Thanks for the link

 

[rover]

There are a couple/were a couple samples on the Pop Photo site too. You will have to search it out there as I am not yet used to their new format.

 

[Rafael]

Here is a template that should work for you. As far as the number of prints you give goes, that's entirely up to you and your model. Hope this helps.

Model Release Form

For valuable consideration received, I hereby grant to _______________ (“Photographer”) the absolute and irrevocable right and unrestricted permission in respect of photographic portraits or pictures that he had taken of me or in which I may be included with others, to copyright the same, in his own name or otherwise; to use, re-use, publish, and re-publish the same in whole or in part, individually or in any and all media now or hereafter known, and for any purpose whatsoever, for illustration, promotion, art, editorial, advertising and trade, or any other purpose whatsoever without restriction as to alteration; and to use my name in connection therewith if he so chooses.

I hereby release and discharge Photographer from any and all claims and demands arising out of or in connection with the use of the photographs, including without limitation any and all claims for libel or invasion of privacy.

This authorization and release shall also inure to the benefit of the heirs, legal representatives, licensees, and assigns of Photographer, as well as the person(s) for whom he took the photographs.

I am of full age and have the right to contract in my own name. I have read the foregoing and fully understand the contents thereof. This release shall be binding upon me and my heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.

_________________________________________________________

Print Name:

Signature:

Date:

If model is under the age of 18: I ______________________________________, am the parent/legal guardian of the individual named above. I have read this release and approve of its terms.

Print Name:

Signature:

Date:

 

[Rafael]

I just saw Patrick's post and agree with him that, whatever you do, you will have to look into UK law.

 

[rover]

OK, I have seen this before, you are walking down the street, wanna shoot a person, present the form, what is the valuable consideration? A smile and a thank you?

 

[anselwannab]

Those lawyers sure do get paid by the word. I was hoping to find a 4x6 pad I could fit in my pocket and use.

Do the models have to get a copy also?

Why can't it be like:

I (the model) _______________________ give all rights to the photographer to use these images in any way.

It seems that all the other words just get in the way?

How naive I am.

Mark