Model Release Form
No photograph in which you appear can be published without your written permission. Written permission is usually established through a model release. Photos in which you appear are basically worthless if the photographer does not have a signed model release.
While it is good to be careful before signing a model release, it is important to know that it is possible to be too careful. You should work with photographers who have a good reputation in the modeling industry - rather than overly concern yourself with being screwed by signing a model release.
A good photographer will usually have a model release that is written in his favor. But, can you blame him? Your photographer has likely been screwed over by a previous model who he dedicated hours photographing. This is why photographers are very diligent in getting you to sign a model release. The photographer needs to know he will be able to use the photographs from your photo shoot. So, he needs a firm agreement from you - so his time does not get wasted. Just understand what you are agreeing to.
Sign Before the Photo Shoot
Sign before the shoot. You should agree to all terms of the photo shoot and how the photos will be used before you arrive for your shoot. Giving a photographer trouble in signing a model release on the day of the photo shoot is a sure fire way to not be invited back when that photographer later has an awesome modeling job available… he will give the next modeling job to a guy who did not give him trouble after an exhausting photo shoot.
Releases May Need Minor Changes
Don’t be afraid to ask for changes or to clarify a part of the model release that is confusing. You should ask about parts of model releases you do not understand. Ask without sounding like you are accusing the photographer of being sneaky. Rather than bringing up issues that falsely accuse a professional photographer, you should be able to speak with other models the photographer has worked with. A good photographer will tend to have successful long-term business relationships with models he has photographed.
Clearly handwrite any very specific sentence that makes a point in the release clearer - provided the photographer agrees to your addition or change. Be very specific and detailed when adding a sentence to a model release. It is okay to write changes by hand. Clarifications and additions do not need to be typewritten. An agreement is an agreement whether typewritten or handwritten.
Many photographers say you should sign their release because it is “standard.” A model release is a contact. There are no standard contracts. You will never be able to go to court and say “Well, he said the release was standard.”
Where Might Your Photos be Published?
Model release forms should specify where the photos can be published. If a model release includes a sentence that mentions the model waiving all rights, you will never be able to complain if your image appears in a place that you do not like.
How Long Can Your Photos Be Used?
The model release should specify how long your image can be published. Many model releases state your photos can be published forever. This means when you are 47 years old, the photos can still be used. However, sometimes you need to ask that a time limit be set.
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