Getting a model release signed by your subject is often challenging, especially when you attempt to secure one on-the-spot. It may also be embarrassing for the photographer to ask the person just photographed to allow usage to their photos without any or little incentive. Although getting a model release in writing is common place when dealing with professional models, it may often be impossible or inappropriate to initiate with a non-professional subject. Below are some tips to improve your chances on getting that model release:
Another legitimate reason for this approach would be: if you attempt to capture a candid shot, notifying the subject with a model reason first may render the candid experience impossible.
Short Model Release
I hereby give permission to __________________ to use my photos and likeness in all forms and media for advertising, portfolio, demo, trade, stock photography, editorial, altering without restrictions, and all other lawful purposes. I understand I am entitled to no compensation. I release the photographer all forms of claims and liability related to my photo usage.
Date: _________________________________________________________
Print Name: ____________________________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________________________
Full Model Release
In exchange for consideration of my engagement as a model by________________. hereafter referred to as the photographer, I hereby give the photographer, his/her legal representatives and assigns, and those acting with his/her permission, or his/her employees, the right and permission to copyright and/or use, reuse and/or publish, edit/alteration without restriction, or in which I may be distorted in character, or form, in conjunction with my own or a fictitious name, on reproductions thereof in color, or black and white made through any media by the photographer at his/her studio or elsewhere, for any purpose whatsoever, including the use of any printed matter in conjunction herewith.
I hereby waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photos that may be used in conjunction therewith or the eventual use that it might be applied.
I hereby release, discharge and agree so save harmless the photographer, his representatives, assigns, employees or any person
or corporation, acting under his permission or authority, including any firm publishing and/or distributing the finished product, in whole
or in part, from and against any liability as a result of any distortion, blurring, or alteration, optical illusion, or use in any
composite form, either intentionally or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the taking, processing or reproduction
of the finished product, its publication, or distribution.
I hereby confirm that I am over twenty-one years of age, and I am competent to contract in my own name as stated above. I fully acknowledge I am entitled to no further compensation beyond what's listed below.
(If Applicable) I am compensated as follows:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
I have read the foregoing release, authorization and agreement, before affixing my signature below, and warrant that I fully
understand the contents thereof.
Print Name: ____________________________________________________
Date: _________________________________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________
Phone: ________________________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________________________
Witness (Signature): _____________________________________________
Date: _________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________
Phone: ________________________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________________________
(If Applicable) For Parents or Guardians
I hereby certify that I am the parent and/or guardian of ________________; the individual listed above hereon referred to as the subject. I further certify the subject is an infant/minor under the age of twenty-one years, and in consideration of value received, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, I hereby consent that any photographs which have been taken may be used by the photographer for the purposes set forth in original release hereinabove. I have read this release and approve all of its terms.
Parent or Guardian (Signature): ______________________________
Date: _________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________
Phone: ________________________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________________________