Model Release for School: I take a lot of pictures at school and would like a simple model release that parents could sign so that I am legally covered if I want to use student...

mcmm Loc: Kansas

I take a lot of pictures at school and would like a simple model release that parents could sign so that I am legally covered if I want to use student pictures on my teacher website, videos I create (to sell) or if someone wants to purchase a picture of their child. If anyone has a release they would be willing to share I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

mcmm wrote:

I take a lot of pictures at school and would like a simple model release that parents could sign so that I am legally covered if I want to use student pictures on my teacher website, videos I create (to sell) or if someone wants to purchase a picture of their child. If anyone has a release they would be willing to share I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

It's good that you thought to protect yourself. There are quite a few model releases available on the web. Just do a search for photographic model release. Then choose the one that best fits your needs, or that you can edit to fit your needs.

It might also be a good idea to run the final copy by a lawyer just to make sure. The few dollars spent up front can save a lot of grief.
--Bob

cmc65

mcmm wrote:

I take a lot of pictures at school and would like a simple model release that parents could sign so that I am legally covered if I want to use student pictures on my teacher website, videos I create (to sell) or if someone wants to purchase a picture of their child. If anyone has a release they would be willing to share I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

You had better run it all by your school committee to. You are an employee of that school district and your work, whatever that may be, is under their jurisdiction. This is reminiscent of a recent case in Texas where a student working on the school newspaper tried to sell his photos only to have the profit and pictures claimed by the school as theirs.
Be very careful with this.

Photocraig

Since students are minors their signatures mean nothing. Use something that can work in email with some form of electronic signature from parents or guardians. With a little research you should find something. But, by all means get the school's input since it is their site, and your class site is theirs, too--really!. Be sure to get their lawyer's input specifically and they will have something because you can BET they'll be named in any action. Be sure to specifically include the Lawyer, educators, pardon, are notoriously naive--and that includes Principals and Superintendants.

Keep up the good work and staying current with a medium that matters to students.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

After retirement, I taught for 3 years. I volunteered to take photos for the year book, thus sanctioned. I used mine for remembering those days, like pep rallies, a birthday celebration, and such non-routine time. But if your posting them then that is a sticky-wicket*** and the school board my be the final word, the schools are under their purview.

SO release is only the start....
*** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sticky_wicket

Bill Houghton Loc: New York area

And ask this question. Can a parent legally sign away the rights of minor. Last I checked no they can't. What a parent can do is sign an acknowledgement that there child might be.

I think you'll fined your big sticky is selling the photos.

Good luck.

David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL

mcmm wrote:

I take a lot of pictures at school and would like a simple model release that parents could sign so that I am legally covered if I want to use student pictures on my teacher website, videos I create (to sell) or if someone wants to purchase a picture of their child. If anyone has a release they would be willing to share I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

God almighty!!!! You are dealing with photos of minor children, their parents and a school district. It can't get much worse unless you end up dealing with a judge and jury. Do not hesitate, Run don't walk to your attorney and find out the right thing to do in your venue.

Dana C Loc: Buhl, Idaho

I take pictures of high school sports and post them on my Zenfolio site where parents or kids can either down load them for $1 or buy prints with no huge markup. Because the pictures I take are at an event open to the public no release is needed I am told. The same goes for street photographers, and newspaper photographers and photo journalists.

David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL

Dana C wrote:

I take pictures of high school sports and post them on my Zenfolio site where parents or kids can either down load them for $1 or buy prints with no huge markup. Because the pictures I take are at an event open to the public no release is needed I am told. The same goes for street photographers, and newspaper photographers and photo journalists.

Now I am not an attorney and each venue is different and has different laws. You state that you were told no release is needed. By whom? Was it an atty? If not, I would certainly chack with one prior to selling any more photos of people or minors. A release is generally not needed if it is used in a journalistic sense. Newspaper or magazine article. However, the minute you offer them to the public I would think that for your protection, you better have a solid release in place. Before you take any more photos, I would highly suggest you get the correct information from your attorney. Unless you want to wait and get it from a judge or jury after you go to court. You are leaving yourself wide open at tis stage.

mcmm Loc: Kansas

After reading your suggestions I think I will stay with just taking the pictures and not sell any photographs. That way it won't get so sticky!