Model Releases

This is one of those boring aspects of modeling that nobody wants to bother with, but is vitally important for both parties. I can speak from experience -- having photographed over 400 models, I'm proud to say that almost every one of our photo sessions have gone very well. But, unfortunately, even I have had a couple of misunderstandings with models because we did not clarify the details carefully enough with each other.

I'm not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice, but here's an overview of what I know. People such as news photographers out on the street have different rules -- but for general 'studio' photography like I'm discussing here, this is my take on it all. Photos of you can be legally displayed &used without your permission. But it is better, for most situations, for the photographer to obtain the model's mor explicit permission in the form of a model release. This process give both parties the best opportunity to iron out all specifics of the use of the images, before the shoot is even started.

I'm guessing the 'guys with cameras' probably don't care about model releases because they're just doing it for personal use. Or they may not know about, or care about, legal issues (or moral or ethical ones for that matter). It's up to you to make sure that you learn the business side of modeling. At any rate, the model release should never be omitted.

The photographer usually supplies the model release because he is the one who needs to be able to prove that he has permission to use your images should it ever become an issue. You could write up your own model release and have the photographer sign it. That way you can make sure it is covering all issues important to you, instead of the other way around.

Because beginning models have undeveloped business skills (yes, there is far, far more to modeling than just being pretty), photographers usually have more say over the wording of a model release. But it doesn't have to be that way. Just because somebody puts a model release in front of you (or any legal document), you do not always have to accept it the way it is written. You may sometimes cross out wording, or write in your own wording. Don't be afraid to discuss your concerns!

In the beginning you will have less input about the terms of a model agreement. As you become more experienced, your skills will be more valuable and you will be able to take more control over those terms and over how and where your images are used and what kind of compensation you receive.

This is a really big topic. Call me if you would like to know more, and if you would like to see the releases & other contracts that I use. Please feel free to email or call me if you would like to discuss any of these concerns. I will be happy to give you any advice I can.