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Photography Question 

April Head
 

senior pictures


my 17 year old daughter went for a sitting for her Senior pictures, at the end of the session the photographer wanted me to sign a model release form. I wanted to know my rights and if he can use these pictures without our consent on a website, advertising, etc.? I was under the impression that he could not.


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August 17, 2006

 

Kerry L. Walker
  He can't.


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August 17, 2006

 

TERESA J. SWEET
  Haha, Kerry said it quite nicely. But she's right. They cannot use it whatsoever without YOU signing the form. He wouldn't even be able to ask her since she's a minor. =)


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August 17, 2006

 

April Head
  thank you for your quick response


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August 17, 2006

 

Kerry L. Walker
  Thanks for the confirmation Theresa but this she is a he - or else I am the least attractive lady you could find. LOL


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August 17, 2006

 

TERESA J. SWEET
  *Open mouth, insert foot*. I apologize immensely!! **Blushing**. LOL Heehee


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August 17, 2006

 

Kerry L. Walker
  No sweet, Sweat. I mean no sweat Sweet. LOL


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August 17, 2006

 

Kerry L. Walker
  The gender confusion with the name doesn't bother me nearly as much as the comments my mom got when I was a kid, like "How cute. Where's the organ?" while they threw money in the hat.


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August 17, 2006

 

John P. Sandstedt
  kerry -

Not to throw mud but -

Why would he ask for a Model Release form, in the first place, if he didn't want to have the ability to use the pictures? Asking for the form suggests he knows he legally can't use the photos without one, however, many photographers have been known to do that.

WHen I got married, my wife sat for a special set of portraits. The photographer who came to our wedding didn't have the courtesy to stay through the reception. When we loudly complained at the studio, while he was trying to get more gigs, he offered the setting. Pictures were good.

Weeks later, my father in law found a HUGE painting [from one of the portraits of my wife hanging in the studio - being offered both for advertising purposes and for sale! All with no release or any kind of "permission slip."

So, in April's case. it seems to me, an honest person was asking for a release so that he would have control! Isn't that the whole idea?


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August 17, 2006

 

Mark Feldstein
  BTW gang, when the kid hits 18, she CAN sign a valid model release to allow those photos taken when she was under 18 to be used for the purposes stated in the release. ;>)

Personally, I think that the best time to present those forms is before you shoot rather than after. If it's after, the parents will think you've got some incredible valuable work that they should get additional compensation for. If it's before the shoot, just tell them it's a standard practice, and if you use a shot for say promotional purposes, you'll be glad to give the kid model credit.

Mark


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August 17, 2006

 

Kerry L. Walker
  I personally don't have a problem with him asking. In fact, it could be considered a compliment if he wanted to use the girl's pictures.

April, this is standard practice and I am sure he has no intention of using these photos in a way that is uncomplementary to your daughter. However, he can't do so without your permission, or your daughter's after she turns 18.


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August 17, 2006

 
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