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Photography Question 

Angela M. Smith
 

random pictures of people do i need a release


I go places and take random pictures of people do I need a release before I can use or sell these photo's for (example a father and daughter sitting on the beach.)


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June 01, 2006

 

Christopher A. Vedros
  The general rule of thumb is that if a person in the picture is identifiable (whether you know them or not), then you need them to sign a release before you publish or sell the image.

"Publish" can be defined broadly to include displays in print or on a website.

Chris A. Vedros
www.cavphotos.com


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June 01, 2006

 

Sean
  Is there a specific or certain form that you need?


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June 01, 2006

 

Angela M. Smith
  Thank you Chris, and sean made a good point. is there a specific form needed


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June 02, 2006

 

Angela M. Smith
  Sean
I found a really good web site with media,model adult and minor,property releases. For a non-studio situations which is what most of my photographs are since I'm still an amateur photographer.they are phrased in a very non-intimidating manner. here is the web address just in case it's what you need (http://www.dpcocorner.com/all_about/releases.shtml) hope this helps you.If you can get to the web site I just googled photographer media release form thats how I found it. good luck
Angela


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June 02, 2006

 

Sean
  Angela, thanks for the info, but that link didnt work.


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June 03, 2006

 

Bob Farley
  I work at Borders Books and spend a lot of my break time browsing the photo instruction books. I found one that solely contained legal documents and contracts for photographers and came with all the forms on a cdrom. Wish I could remember the name.


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June 12, 2006

 

Mark Feldstein
  To sort of help out a bit here:
Chris is absolutely right. But publish can be defined as either electronically as on the net, or in print, for any purpose whether a magazine or postcard, even for self promotion as in used in a gallery or displayed.

Robert, I think you're referring to a forms book for photographers and there are lots of them. The ones with the CD are nice because you can customize the forms for your own purposes including plug in your name, etc.

Angela, you might want to know that the law doesn't distinguish between professionals and non-professional photographers. The release laws apply to both. :<(

And, you should be able to find the model release forms, both long and short versions, at asmp.org (American Society of Media Photographers) or at Getty Images.com, a stock agency.

Take it light \ Mark


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June 16, 2006

 
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