Model release...what do you say? After reading multiple posts over the last several weeks about whether a model release is needed, or not. And the replies vary a bit. I have to ask...

Finch585 Loc: Northern California

After reading multiple posts over the last several weeks about whether a model release is needed, or not. And the replies vary a bit. I have to ask what do you actually say to someone to get them to even sign the model release? WHy would they ever?

Best,

Jeffrey

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

Just explain why you need a release signed and even offer to send the person a copy of the photo for free for their cooperation. Sometimes that works. I haven't gotten any property releases signed as of yet since I don't publish the interior photos I take and most of my exterior photos are from the road so those are fair game since even the media can take photos like that. It is a good rule to practice though. I have talked to the members of the dept about this issue for me to submit photos to the paper or trade magazines and they just tell me to go ahead since they feel I should get my work out more and say don't bother with the release. Hope this helps.

nikron7 Loc: Indianapolis

Hi Jeffrey. You rather have to be a salesman who can establish good rapport with people. You non-chalantly and confidently (not arrogantly) explain what you are doing, tell them you'll furnish them with a photo (legal consideration for taking their photo) and whip out the release. I never had anyone say no.

Or you can say: "If you don't sign, my cousin Guiddo may will visit you." (This may apply in NY, NJ and CA)

SQUIRL033 Loc: Chehalis, WA

the real question is what you intend to do with the photos. if you plan to use the image for commercial purposes (i.e. anything involving a profit), you'll need releases unless you're photographing a large crowd in a public place. if, however, you are photographing one or two specific individuals, and intend to use their likenesses for commercial purposes, you'll need the release. of course, if you're not planning to do anything "commercial" with the images, no release is needed.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

New2blog wrote:

After reading multiple posts over the last several weeks about whether a model release is needed, or not. And the replies vary a bit. I have to ask what do you actually say to someone to get them to even sign the model release? WHy would they ever?

Best,

Jeffrey

Just do a search for "Model Release Form" Pick one.

The only person who ever said no to me was....drum roll please.....a lawyer.

Finch585 Loc: Northern California

Do you like to say it's "for a photography class", or " a photo project I'm doing", or "a.... what"?
I can establish rapport with others very easily, but the need for this signature of theirs seems so odd in the real world that i'm at a loss for words i might use. Especially if I've just snapped their image unannounced then come at them with a form and what excuse?

thx again.

J.

nikron7 wrote:

Hi Jeffrey. You rather have to be a salesman who can establish good rapport with people. You non-chalantly and confidently (not arrogantly) explain what you are doing, tell them you'll furnish them with a photo (legal consideration for taking their photo) and whip out the release. I never had anyone say no.

Or you can say: "If you don't sign, my cousin Guiddo may will visit you." (This may apply in NY, NJ and CA)

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

How do you do this in Urdu... or Maltese... or Greek... or Tibetan...?

Cheers,

R.

George H Loc: Brooklyn, New York

New2blog wrote:

After reading multiple posts over the last several weeks about whether a model release is needed, or not. And the replies vary a bit. I have to ask what do you actually say to someone to get them to even sign the model release? WHy would they ever?

Best,

Jeffrey

New2blog,
The first thing is to compliment the person and explain why you took their photo and not someone else. Then explain the reason for the release and why it would be needed to get it published. I have never had someone say no to the release they are in my Pelican case all the time. Main reason for release is compensation, if you are being compensated in any way, even a tear sheet, you need the release.

George

Finch585 Loc: Northern California

Thanks, George,
Has anyone ever asked you to be cut in on the profit, as a stipulation for signing?

Jeffrey

George H wrote:

quote=New2blog After reading multiple posts over ... (show quote)

George H Loc: Brooklyn, New York

New2blog,
No no one ever has asked for real, jokingly some have said oh cut me in.

George

larrycumba

This may be of some help.

http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/Working-with-Models-Adorama-TV

If you are talking about street shots, I wouldn't worry about it. I would ask permission although it is not required. Better to get a "no" than a possible punch in the mouth.

mort Loc: california

this is an interesting subject . my wife and i are photographed often because
we dress colorfully . in the 60's we posed for irving penn , signed a release ,
and were paid $10 . our images are now in one of his books , and we didn't know until we were told by a friend . our images are now being used advertising a local fee to enter flea market , and our permission was never asked nor did we even know the photo was taken .
i don't really care in these instances , but i am reluctant to sign a release when
i don't know how the images will be use , and if the photographer can then use them in any manner they want . maybe they will be used for something in which i don't believe , or in a derogatory manner . if i could sign a release that
would allow me to approve a specific use , i would feel better about it .
comment would be appreciated .

George H Loc: Brooklyn, New York

mort wrote:

this is an interesting subject . my wife and i are... (show quote)

Mort,
I understand your reservations, and if you feel that way you should let the photographer know that you don't want your image used to promote things you are against. This can be written into any model release, and any photographer who will not give you that is not worth posing for.

George