BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Getting Model Releases

Photography Question 

Joyce S. Bowley
 

Employee Pics on Company Website: Releases Needed?


If a company has a Web site and uses pictures of their employees in various places, should the company have signed model releases from the individual employees? Or is the company, as an employer, allowed to use their employees images with only a verbal or implied (I took your picture, you know it's being used) consent? Just curious.


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November 05, 2005

 

BetterPhoto Member
  I'm not positive, but I think it is a case of: "Sure, you can still get your paycheck. We'll use this image we have of you. Thanks." If it is being used to promote the business and it is of the business's employees in the business's setting, then I think they do not need releases.


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November 05, 2005

 

Joyce S. Bowley
  For the most part, the photos are in the business setting. But there are extracurricular activities with photos that also get used. I'm trying to make sure we AREN'T doing anything wrong!


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November 06, 2005

 

Maverick Creatives
  I think most photographers take this model release business too seriously. Business contracts for such things as weddings and paying commercial or industrial shoots are one thing, but model releases for amateur or semi-professional shooting are really unnecessary, in my opinion. I have model shoots every week and never ask for model releases. I had one occasion where a mother did not like the body profile of her young daughter (mom was present at the shoot) so I simply removed it from my website.
If any image I shoot is being considered for print or magazine insertion, it's a simple matter of contacting the model and making arrangements for compensation before authorizing the print production. It's at this stage of the workflow that I or the publication would ask for a release of some sort. I dislike unnecessary paperwork ... I'd rather shoot.
Regards
Gary.


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November 06, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  I agree with Gary. Besides by law, a company can videotape you, etc. So most likely they would be within their rights, as long as it is within the realm of the company or at a company-organized event. I have photographed for a few different companies, and the only release they have ever needed is one from me to release my work. I do hope this helps.


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November 07, 2005

 
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