BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Getting Model Releases

Alonzo J. Adams		Model Release: Pay or Not to Pay Does a photographer have to pay a person for getting a model release signed? If so what do you pay them? Do you need a model release for each person in a picture if it's a group or event shot? To love this question, log in above August 06, 2004

Damian P. Gadal		Most of the time you shouldn't have to pay. But I think it's a real courtesy to offer copies of prints in exchange for the release ... hth To love this comment, log in above August 07, 2004

Sue Dehn		I've been told that if you plan to sell the picture, you have to get a release from every person - and that if you don't get it, you either have to blur out that face or not use the picture. To love this comment, log in above August 10, 2004

Leah Marshall		I get a model release from each and every single person - and their parents, if a minor. I will not even take their picture if they don't sign. Sometimes I pay the model, sometimes we exchange time for prints (if you mean arranged shots). If you are photographing a stranger on the street, technically if the area is in the public domain, you do not need a release. But I don't care ... I get one anyway. Always, always, always get one. You never know what use you may have for the pictures and you may lose out if you didn't get the release! To love this comment, log in above August 10, 2004

- Shirley D. Cross-Taylor Contact Shirley D. Cross-Taylor Shirley D. Cross-Taylor's Gallery		I tell my models up front that I pay in prints, and most are thrilled with that. When it is someone you've requested to model for you, be clear ahead of time how many prints and what sizes you are willing to give. The only model I've ever paid is my favorite, and she gets 10 percent of anything I sell that has her in it - along with prints of anything I create with her in it. To love this comment, log in above August 10, 2004

Randy Kinney		"Does a photographer have to pay a person for getting a model release signed?" A signed release (at least in the USA), without compensation, is effectively an incomplete contract. The release is not enforceable unless there was some form of compensation. "If so, what do you pay them? " That is to be agreed upon by the two parties in the contract. The law states that there must be some form of compensation ... it doesn't state what that compensation must be. It could be as little as $1.00 or a copy of the picture, or any other type of barter ... as long as both parties are agreeable. "Do you need a model release for each person in a picture if it's a group or event shot?" It really depends on how the picture will be used. If it is for "editorial" purposes only, the general rule is no. But if for other purposes, such as advertising, yes. HOWEVER, the main rule is to always obtain a release whenever possible. To love this comment, log in above August 11, 2004

Alonzo J. Adams		Thanks everyone To love this comment, log in above August 11, 2004

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