Sandito

Hi all! For my first major photography project I have decided to do a bit of work with some local law enforcement agencies. Am I going to need to get photo releases for any/everyone who I photograph including civilians? Also should I have a copyright? I think this project could really challenge me (I'm fairly new to photography) and I'm very excited about it but I hope I'm not getting in over my head here! :) I could really use the guidance on both of these subjects. Thanks!!

Sandi

lightcatcher Loc: Farmington, NM (4 corners)

It depends on the end usage of the images you create. How are you going to use the images :?:

Sandito

Well I would like to have my own gallery show with them. I was hoping to portray a positive relationship between local law enforcement and the community. Not sure if they would be sold in a gallery show because this will be my first one if I can manage it. However they agencies themselves may want to use them for their own purposes as well I suppose.

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

YES!

Photo (Model Release) for each as their faces will be recognizable, and a Working Contract.

You can find releases and contracts with any search engine.

Good luck.

Sandito

James R, working contract.. great idea!! Thanks! Copyright though?

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

The copyright is automatic, the instant you take the picture.

Model releases are required only for certain uses. Anyone that can be identified (that doesn't mean seeing their face in the picture, it means if it can be proven that whatever part of them is visible is in fact that person, no matter how it is proven) requires a model release if the use will be what is called "commercial". What the means is a little odd though.

Commercial use means the image contributes to selling something else. Advertising is the most common example. Selling the picture is not commercial use. Showing the picture in an exhibition is not a commercial use. Using the picture to illustrate a news article is not commercial use. Publishing a book that contains the picture other than on the covers is not commercial use, but if it is on the cover it is consider as advertising for the book and is commercial use.

Nothing you indicated suggests any need for a model release, other than it is hard to say what uses might be likely in the future. For just promoting a local agency, for example with newspaper articles, with a newsletter, or posters you don't need a release.

On the other hand... getting a release is never going to hurt you and might make things smoother even if it isn't necessary.

Sandito

Thank you Apaflo. That makes sense. Might be a good idea, as you mentioned, to have the release just in case.

Photocraig

Over your head is where you learn to swim. Go for it with an expectant attitude.

Sandito

Thank you photocraig! 😄

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

Copyright is automatic, but, if you register the copyright you can recover legal fees and other damages that you otherwise couldn't

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

When I shot for a local fire and police department (also some insurance companies) all photos were loosely copyrighted by me but I never got releases from the perpetrators. The images were all to be used as evidence and for investigations so it would be difficult to go up to someone accused of arson and ask them to sign a permission slip to take photos of the house or business that they torched. Generally, you may be covered under a blanket news photography area where photos do not have to be released by the people in them. I am pretty sure that the terrorists that were pictured in Paris didn't sign releases.

mymike Loc: Tucson, AZ

I do photography for the American Red Cross and we have everyone who is being photographed sign a release.

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

Being in over you head is the worse position to be in. Would you go to a mechanic or a doctor who was over his head? People are depending on you. Go to a similar location and practice. Make sure the lighting is similar. Then you will feel more comfortable and confident.

PhotoArtsLA Loc: Boynton Beach

For any commercial use, including a public art show, you need a release from the visible faces.

Were this an event where all the people funnel through one or two doors, you likely can post a general release, visible and over the entrance.

It's best just to get a release. Perhaps have an assistant grabbing the signatures while you shoot.