The importance of model releases

I didn’t always get model releases signed. Nowadays, I get a model release anytime I photograph people unless they are clearly in public. I do this even when I have no intent to sell the images commercially. Why? Because I have had two occasions where I photographed a model and then a couple of years later they, the model, decided they didn’t like the photograph or photographs. Fortunately, in both instances, I have a signed model release that clearly states I have ownership of the photographs resulting from the session and they have no further claim and the permission is irrevocable. I will say this, in both instances, I followed through with the requests just because it wasn’t that big of an issue for me. On the other hand, the photographs that I was requested to “take down” are examples of my work and were damn good in my opinion.

One of the biggest reasons model releases are important is that they protect both you and the model by clearly outlining how and where the photographs may be used. In my trade of time model release, I also include how many photographs the model will receive in exchange for their time, a time limit as to when they will receive the images, and the minimum size of the digital images. I also suggest they read the text of the release BEFORE signing. Once the release is signed an email version is sent to both the model and myself.

If you are not using model releases I would strongly suggest you consider them for each and every session you do with models. As the old adage goes a verbal agreement isn’t worth the paper it is written on.