Model Release: As an aspiring stock photographer, I am hoping someone can help me how to handle this problem regarding model releases. Knowing that the images that sell are those of...

gledor42 Loc: Folsom California

As an aspiring stock photographer, I am hoping someone can help me how to handle this problem regarding model releases. Knowing that the images that sell are those of people interacting with humans or animals, I am in a quandary as how to approach people for their permission. Some release forms can be too intrusive as to ask for their address , phone number and signature. Do I shoot first then ask or ask first then shoot?
Any thoughts, suggestions?
Thank you in advance.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

Ask then shoot. I have done a lot of reading and studying up on the subject as I have to know about it being the FD Photographer. The dept was even shocked to find out how much I have to know about the different things in photography. I have some model release forms that I could get to you to look at if that would help. If so, send me a pm and we can go from there.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

The only time you NEED a release is if that image will appear as a commercial usage. So if it is used to promote the sale of anything, you need a release. So since you want to be a stock photographer, they will require a release for any human or recognizable property you submit since the ultimate use is beyond your control. 99.9999% of people shown in stock images are posed, so getting a release is no big deal - you have to hire them or coerce friends, so getting a release signed is just part of the business.
If you want to use strangers, you gotta suck it up and ask - and yes, you need their name, address, and contact information.
Look at any stock agencies site and see if you see even ONE image that looks like it was not a setup/posed image. So getting a release should not be an issue.
What will be an issue is making any real money in stock. :-)

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

CaptainC wrote:

The only time you NEED a release is if that image ... (show quote)

Well put. Some of my relatives are not happy with me doing my volunteer work as the dept photographer but I don't care. I am giving back to my community. I have a paying job so it doesn't bother me. Everyone keep up the nice work.

sweetlady1155 Loc: PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA USA

photo guy wrote:

quote=CaptainC The only time you NEED a release i... (show quote)

I understand what you are saying about doing volunteer photography. In my life - I love art of all types and my oldest son (26) loves music. Several years ago I began shooting young high school bands with a production company here in Pittsburgh, Pa that promotes and gives exposure to these up and coming new groups. I gave a free photo shoot as one of the prizes for the winner as well as shooting any band that wanted professional pics during each night of competition - the deal was 25 shots for $25.00. Basically paying for my gas for the evening and a few cans of pop. Anyway, I get in the same conversation with family - since I'm disabled now and don't even get $500.00 a month. But I simply LOVE watching these kids get their dreams and having decent photos is a step up for many of them. I can't do much to give back to the world of art / music - but I do what I can. I give you props for following your heart too.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

Thank You. I enjoy what I do. I have relative who were vol. firefighters who wondered if I was going to jump aboard too. I chose this route instead for it is a little safer. I still get the thrill as they call it but do it safer. (They went inside the burning buildings, I stay outside until it is out unless it is too damaged to go in)

gledor42 Loc: Folsom California

Sir, I salute you!
Your portraits are awesome and amazing!!!
What camera and lens( setting, exposure, shutter speed, ISO,
Studio lights? ) do you use, if you don't
Mind my asking.
Again thank you so much for sharing your
talent.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

gledor42 wrote:

Sir, I salute you!
Your portraits are awesome and amazing!!!
What camera and lens( setting, exposure, shutter speed, ISO,
Studio lights? ) do you use, if you don't
Mind my asking.
Again thank you so much for sharing your
talent.

I mainly use my Fuji FinePix S1500 10mp w/12x optical but I also use my Kodak EasyShare M530 12mp w/3x optical (my P&S). When I am on scenes I mainly use SR Auto (Scene Recognition Auto) as scenes can be busy at times but lately I have been playing with the setting and trying Manual and Arputure to see if I can get some more nice shots in different settings. So far it has worked a few times doing this. I also am in the habit of using a tripod when doing this as it helps keep the camera steady. I got some nice photos from up in the air with my Kodak back in Oct. 2011 at the dept open house when I was able to go up in the Snorkel truck for some air shots. I put my Kodak on my monopod and it helped trimendously on keeping it steady. When I first started doing this, I didn't always use a tripod but have since been doing it almost all the time and it has helped and shown in nicer photos.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

I do not own any studio lights as that wouldn't be possible for me to use most of the time. My Fuji is a bridge camera (non dslr)camera so I can't change lenses. I just recently (over the weekend) figured out more on how to change my shutter time and a few other setting so I am eager to try them out the next time I go out on a call since I just tried it on nature photography. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask. I love to answer questions.

gledor42 Loc: Folsom California

Photo Guy,
Check out the website of Capt C.
It will blow your mind!!!!!
And thanks for your help.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

Any time

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

gledor42 wrote:

Sir, I salute you!
Your portraits are awesome and amazing!!!
What camera and lens( setting, exposure, shutter speed, ISO,
Studio lights? ) do you use, if you don't
Mind my asking.
Again thank you so much for sharing your
talent.

Who are you asking?

gledor42 Loc: Folsom California

CaptainC wrote:

gledor42 wrote:

Sir, I salute you!
Your portraits are awesome and amazing!!!
What camera and lens( setting, exposure, shutter speed, ISO,
Studio lights? ) do you use, if you don't
Mind my asking.
Again thank you so much for sharing your
talent.

Who are you asking?

You Capt C. Sorry about the mistake.
My fault.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

gledor42 wrote:

CaptainC wrote:

gledor42 wrote:

Sir, I salute you!
Your portraits are awesome and amazing!!!
What camera and lens( setting, exposure, shutter speed, ISO,
Studio lights? ) do you use, if you don't
Mind my asking.
Again thank you so much for sharing your
talent.

Who are you asking?

You Capt C. Sorry about the mistake.

I answered you in a PM. Made me re-check my insurance!
My fault.

mickeys Loc: Fort Wayne, IN

walk up to that person interduce your self and what you are doing . Ask if it's alright to photograph them and if they wouldn't mind signing a release form. but if you photograph them from behind and are not reconized you may not have to have one. the key words is may not.