arteest Loc: Arizona since 2007

yes, those are my oil paintings, which is how I got interested in photography... I take the photos, create prints, use an opaque projector to get the general sketch and then paint. Now I'm really getting into what the photo looks like, poses, unposed, emotions... but I'll still paint the ones I like the most.

thanks, jim

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Try selling your pics for stock and see if you can do so without a release! If there is a face in the image whether it is the main subject or not and even if the person is only marginally recognizable and you submit the image without a release, it will be rejected. "IStockPhoto" one of the largest stock purchasing companies is not interested in paying lawyers either.

There is a huge difference in the law when dealing with "editorial purposes as in news and magazines" and all else.

rdbroman

Great question.. There is a caveat in this thread. We are photographers and most of us do not know the law. Get your information regarding model releases from reliable legal sources regarding model and property releases. No, I am not suggesting that you need a lawyer. You need to do your homework though.

alliebess Loc: suburban Philadelphia

I work for a university and take photos for use in library publications, both online and print. University requires a signed model release for any photo showing a recognizable face. Policy was set by university counsel.

Nevada Chuck

If they are identifiable, and not "public figures", yes.

drobbia Loc: Near Middletown, CA

Ditto. 98% of my work begins with Photo. Cant do Plein Aire, too burdensome, just shoot, back to studio, aint it grand -Watercolors,oils,monotypes etc. are the final images, some photo images too. -- tg

Scubie Loc: Brunswick Georgia

I have an Iphone..wonderful idea...what site is it???

travelwp Loc: New Jersey

"I don't photograph people because of a situation in Toronto where I was offered a choice, erase the pic or you'll meet my lawyer"

I'd love to meet the lawyer. At that point you have done nothing with the photo.

lacsar Loc: Columbia SC and Newland NC

Thats good information LarryD, I saved a copy and plan to print a couple of copies to put in my camera bag. The extra copy is for whom ever questions my right to photograph. I hope I never have to use it.

ALYN Loc: Lebanon, Indiana

In the newspaper business, you need permissions only from people who are identifiable, i.e. faces or other identifiable characteristics---and if you are planning on publishing. In your situation, my thought would be not to to use a foto of a face even in a crowd. ALYN

ALYN Loc: Lebanon, Indiana

In the newspaper business, you need permissions only from people who are identifiable, i.e. faces or other identifiable characteristics---and if you are planning on publishing. In your situation, my thought would be not to to use a foto of a face even in a crowd. ALYN

joanef

Thanks Larry

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

This isn't the case. I shoot for the Spartanburg Herald Journal - A New York Times paper. as a contracted agent, mostly sports, they do not require a release. I also shoot for Cox Broadcasting company the Charlotte Bobcats and Carolina Panther home games......once again, when used for editorial purposes, the need for a model release is non existent. Now, if I took a picture of Cam Newton and put that on my site....I would be putting myself at risk, unless I had a release. I do have a picture of Jay Cutler on my site but I do have a release from him.

The law isn't that vague.......if the image is to be used for editorial purposes there is no need for a release.

Someone on this thread posted a PDF file about Photographers rights. Read that carefully, when photographing people - children or adults - whether there is or is not an expectation of privacy, where the intent of the image is to promote your site, your business or to sell. You must have a release. If on the other hand, you turn it over to the local newspaper and they publish it. There is no need.

Last, I photograph a lot of HS sports. I sell those pictures. I shoot primarily for one High School - Dorman HS. The Dorman Handbook has a release included with other important items for each student. Each student and parent are asked to sign the handbook. This is real IFFY in my opinion and I suppose it is a matter of time and releases from participants (Group release) will be needed for each event.

We just hosted a large basketball tournament over a 4 day period. Prior to the tournament teams were mailed packets that included a release to be signed by the guardian/parent among other things.

http://www.schsprep.com/basketball.html

the Upward Classic Basketball Tournament if you are interested.

Cappy Loc: Wildwood, NJ

I have a few businesses and have a legal association that I pay an annual fee for. Of course if I have to go to court, it's extra. I carry their business card and in the case above I would give them the lawyers card and let them know to send all correspondence to them. Then I don't talk to them anymore. Have used this twice before and it generally stops there because you have called their bluff.

travelwp Loc: New Jersey

"I would give them the lawyers card and let them know to send all correspondence to them. Then I don't talk to them anymore. Have used this twice before and it generally stops there because you have called their bluff."

Cappy, Great way to handle it ! I'm sure that would stop them in their tracks.