bweber Loc: Newton, MA

I would not sign that model release. I would sign one that granted permission for the photographer to use the images to promote her work, including her web site. I would not give the photographer blanket permission to use the images for any purpose. While I believe that paragraph 2 may be enforceable, I would limit it to legal actions brought by a guest for the use of an image that is not part of the photographers promotional work, again including her web site. If the photographer really wants protection she should request the inclusion in the wedding program a statement that the guests agree that casual images of themselves at the wedding may be seen in the photographers promotional materials.

Ron Dial Loc: Cuenca, Ecuador

This is about right for a good wedding photographer.

gmsatty Loc: Chicago IL

When you pay a photographer, what are you paying for? They don't want to give up the copyright because they don't want you to print your own copies. For that kind of money, you should own everything and not be required to pay the photographer for copies of ourself. Pulus with a contract like that, I wouldn't want to see what it would be like dealing with him/her in general.Rmember, it is not like a model he pays to pose. In that case, he should own the copyright. YOU are paying and you should own it.

Naptown Gaijin

You probably realize by now from the majority of the answers above what you should do. But, just in case...... face photographer, do an about face, then run as fast as you can as far as you can from this guy.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

First of all you shoud realize that a photographer's images are hiso her stock in trade. The earn the livelihood for making photographs and being remunerated for their usage. Also consider this- a good photographer wants to control the quality if his prints adn does not want his name associated with poorly printed images so the won't release ther printable files to be printed in othere that top professional quality.

Did you know that top advertising/commercial photgraher release the images for limited use or publication and specific usages and clients pay for each addition usage of publication.

Besides all of this, frankley, there is no law that states a photographer MUST retain copyright. Each individual photographer can set their own policy. The client can select a photographer that does not retain copyright or make any restrictions, however, most experienced and highly competent wedding photographers usually do retain the copyright. The client can offer to buy out the copyright and strike a deal.

Most importantly, the bride and groom should select ther photographer on the basis of his or her creativity, experience, personality and reputation.

What I am trying to do here is give the OP an overview of the situation rather that make negative or derogatory comments or assumptions about a photographer that I don't even know and have no idea of his or her abilities, or reputation. If he or he or she comes highly recommended, is reliable and does outstanding work just go along with price and the policies and get a great job. The only issue I find very debatable and suspect is the third party indemnification. If everything else is acceptable, just be up front and honest and ask that that clause be removed.

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

RUN AWAY
This photog is a shark