Model Release Forms

[captionsoflife]

What is important to have stated on a model release form? I have been in business for three years - up until this year - I had very few portrait session and mainly weddings. With my weddings, my contract includes a section on the images taken and that I may use them for advertising, portfolio, etc... so I am sure I am covered in that aspect with model release forms. However, I have not, up until this date, used a model release form for portrait sessions. With my business continually expanding and more people asking for portrait session - I figured its time to start using one before someone catchs on and I get in some trouble... any advice... anyone want to share the form they use... should release forms be signed by every single person in the portrait session - or just the main person organzing the session with me. I really do not have a clue - I just know they protect me as a photographer. =)

Thank you in advance for any and all help you all can provide me.

[Dennis_Vied]

I would think the only thing that makes sense is to have the signature of the person in the portrait, unless it's a minor, in which case it should be the signature of the guardian/parent.

[David_Buzzard]

You only need a model release if you're going to use the shots for a commercial use. If you're just shooting a family portrait, for the family, then you don't need one. If you're going to use the images in your advertising, then you should get releases. What I tend to do is if I'm going to use the photos for something, I'll ask the client when I deliver the job, and then get the release.

Also, you need to get releases from everybody in the shot, unless it's a large crowd. If there are minors in the shot, then their guardians have to sign them.

David Buzzard's Technical Blog

[captionsoflife]

Oh, okay, that makes sense. I thought it was anyone you took pictures of needed to sign a model release. Makes sense that you would just want a signature from those you will be using in the portfolio or with advertisements. Would you mind sharing what the clause is that you have people sign when you have decided you would like to use some of their pictures for your advertising and portfolio purposes?

Thanks again for all of your great help, I absolutely LOVE this forum!