Friday, November 11, 2011
Model Release Forms
If you photograph a lot of people and well-known landmarks, then the topic of model release forms would often come up. There’s often confusion about when you would need one and what it should entail. I’ve decided to speak with a few friends in law and photography and hopefully this article clears the confusion over model release forms.
What is a model release form?
In a nutshell, model release form is simply a legal document giving you the permission to use the photo for commercial use. The photo would usually feature an identifiable person or well-known landmark. A photographer would usually give out the model release form to be signed in order to receive consent. Types of forms include:
Adult release (person over 18 years old)
Minor release (usually a person under 18 years old, to be signed by a parent or legal guardian)
Group release
Property release (usually for private property or photographs taken within buildings that require permission from the owners)
When do I need one?
You would need to have a signed model release form when you plan to use the image for commercial purposes or monetary gain. For example:
marketing brochures
posters
ads
greeting cards
postcards
endorsement of a product
photo will be taken out of context
When don’t I need one?
If you’re not making a personal monetary gain, then surprisingly, there’s no need for a model release form. You don’t need one when:
the face or property is blurred and you can’t recognize or identify it
you submit it to a newspaper or magazine for a news article
it’s for an art exhibit
it’s for personal use
How should I get the person to sign it?
When you’re unsure, it’s probably best to hand out a model release form. The easiest way is to approach the person after you’ve snapped up the photo. Explain how it might be used and show them the photo. Keep the conversation short, sweet and simple.
If it’s a private building, you will need to contact the person beforehand. Keep this in mind as it takes time for someone to get back to you, so you might not be able to shoot on the day.
What should I include in a model release form?
A lot of people would be hesitant to sign legal documents so keep the model release form short and free of jargon. It should have:
Your full name and company
Your contact details
What you want to use the image/s for
Who might be the audience
When and where the image will be used
How long you will need the permission for
The model’s details (full name, address, date and signature)
Search for “model release form” online and there would be lots of examples and free templates too.
What is a model release form?
In a nutshell, model release form is simply a legal document giving you the permission to use the photo for commercial use. The photo would usually feature an identifiable person or well-known landmark. A photographer would usually give out the model release form to be signed in order to receive consent. Types of forms include:
Adult release (person over 18 years old)
Minor release (usually a person under 18 years old, to be signed by a parent or legal guardian)
Group release
Property release (usually for private property or photographs taken within buildings that require permission from the owners)
When do I need one?
You would need to have a signed model release form when you plan to use the image for commercial purposes or monetary gain. For example:
marketing brochures
posters
ads
greeting cards
postcards
endorsement of a product
photo will be taken out of context
When don’t I need one?
If you’re not making a personal monetary gain, then surprisingly, there’s no need for a model release form. You don’t need one when:
the face or property is blurred and you can’t recognize or identify it
you submit it to a newspaper or magazine for a news article
it’s for an art exhibit
it’s for personal use
How should I get the person to sign it?
When you’re unsure, it’s probably best to hand out a model release form. The easiest way is to approach the person after you’ve snapped up the photo. Explain how it might be used and show them the photo. Keep the conversation short, sweet and simple.
If it’s a private building, you will need to contact the person beforehand. Keep this in mind as it takes time for someone to get back to you, so you might not be able to shoot on the day.
What should I include in a model release form?
A lot of people would be hesitant to sign legal documents so keep the model release form short and free of jargon. It should have:
Your full name and company
Your contact details
What you want to use the image/s for
Who might be the audience
When and where the image will be used
How long you will need the permission for
The model’s details (full name, address, date and signature)
Search for “model release form” online and there would be lots of examples and free templates too.
Five Model Photography Tips For The Beginner
1.) Come prepared and build rapport
First and most important, don’t be late to the photo shoot. Make sure you arrive at the photo shoot with the right equipment and have all that set up before the model arrives. Let the model know beforehand on your art direction so he/she can practice some expressions and poses.
You might like to also advise the model on things like:
- Clothes and accessories
- Hair and make up
- Piercings and tattoos
If time permits, try to establish a good rapport with the model by having a casual one-on-one conversation. Go into the shoot where both of you are relaxed and in a positive mood.
2.) Have an ambient setting
Acknowledge what kind of environment the model is comfortable working in. Things to consider are music, lighting, privacy, distractions and temperature. A lot of these things are sometimes out of your control per theme of shoot, but it’s the tiny things you take into account of that can make the model feel at ease.
3.) Communicate frequently
Don’t just be silent at the photo shoot, be involved by letting the model know what you’re looking for. Vague comments like, “Just move around and I’ll take photos” or “Do whatever you want” can actually frustrate the model. The key is to get across your art direction, even show picture examples from magazines or websites on what you’re looking for.
In addition to providing feedback, also be open to receive critiques from the model. Ask the model for his/her opinion, they might have worked with a photographer before and have some insightful tips and tricks to share.
4.) Keep moving and be active
Don’t just stand there snapping away. Like the model, you should also be moving and trying to explore different angles and height levels. Don’t be afraid to get into awkward positions to frame your perfect shot. You might find yourself bending over, kneeling down, standing on tables or even lying on the floor.
5.) Be confident
Models can tell when you’re not confident, which can appear as if you’re lacking professionalism and can eventually hurt your reputation.
Be positive about your skills and traits as a photographer. Even if this is your first time shooting a model, don’t let that show and continue to extricate an upbeat vibe.
Happy shooting!
First and most important, don’t be late to the photo shoot. Make sure you arrive at the photo shoot with the right equipment and have all that set up before the model arrives. Let the model know beforehand on your art direction so he/she can practice some expressions and poses.
You might like to also advise the model on things like:
- Clothes and accessories
- Hair and make up
- Piercings and tattoos
If time permits, try to establish a good rapport with the model by having a casual one-on-one conversation. Go into the shoot where both of you are relaxed and in a positive mood.
2.) Have an ambient setting
Acknowledge what kind of environment the model is comfortable working in. Things to consider are music, lighting, privacy, distractions and temperature. A lot of these things are sometimes out of your control per theme of shoot, but it’s the tiny things you take into account of that can make the model feel at ease.
3.) Communicate frequently
Don’t just be silent at the photo shoot, be involved by letting the model know what you’re looking for. Vague comments like, “Just move around and I’ll take photos” or “Do whatever you want” can actually frustrate the model. The key is to get across your art direction, even show picture examples from magazines or websites on what you’re looking for.
In addition to providing feedback, also be open to receive critiques from the model. Ask the model for his/her opinion, they might have worked with a photographer before and have some insightful tips and tricks to share.
4.) Keep moving and be active
Don’t just stand there snapping away. Like the model, you should also be moving and trying to explore different angles and height levels. Don’t be afraid to get into awkward positions to frame your perfect shot. You might find yourself bending over, kneeling down, standing on tables or even lying on the floor.
5.) Be confident
Models can tell when you’re not confident, which can appear as if you’re lacking professionalism and can eventually hurt your reputation.
Be positive about your skills and traits as a photographer. Even if this is your first time shooting a model, don’t let that show and continue to extricate an upbeat vibe.
Happy shooting!
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