 Brenda Tharp |
Model Releases - A Discussion Over the last three or four sessions that I have taught here at BetterPhoto, several students have asked me about model releases. Releases are a funny thing. For any work that will appear in consumer or trade magazines, newspapers, fine art exhibits, or books, you generally do not need a model release. However, photos that will be used in commercial applications - ads, brochures, posters, greeting cards, catalogs, postcards, kiosks, trade shows, websites, etc., you will need a release to be "legal." In the States, people are much "fussier" about it all than in Europe or other countries, but to be safe, it's a good idea to get one when you can. Whenever I think that my picture might be usable for commercial work, I'll ask for a release. If you think that your pictures might be commercially used, make the effort to get a release, and be prepared to give something for that permission - a thank-you print or prints, a small donation or payment, etc., is considered fair price for the permission to use their likeness "forever." It may not be required, but it's only fair if they ask for something in return. Which release? There are some books by Amphoto (some older now) that have model releases printed up in them. The Association of Media Photographers (ASMP) also has a stock photography handbook that has standard forms in it. (I have modified those to be user-friendly and simpler in some cases). Keep your release in simple language and spell out your intentions clearly. If they don't want to sign a release at that moment, get their name/address and send a thank-you print with a release form asking again, if you have something great!
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FRANKLIN |
Hi Brenda, my response is more of a question to the question. I have photos taken in the 1970's and 1980's with various friends in them, sometimes as the center of interest. Some of these people are no longer reachable - others are. Is it problematic to upload some of the silver-based photos to a Web site if I get one here, let's say? Thanks for any response ... your photographs are great.
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Brenda Tharp |
Thanks, Franklin! And, good question. If you are not trying to sell those pictures for commercial uses (ads, brochures, etc.) you are free to upload them to a Web site - yours or others', without problem. If someone did see their countenance on a site and didn't like the picture or want it there, they'll let you know, and at that point you can just remove it, honoring their request. It's not likely that they'd try to sue or anything, because you are not doing anything with the picture but exhibiting it. Hope this helps!
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