Model Release Forms

hawaiiski

A certain photography book recommends that you should always have model release forms on your possession & attempt to get them signed by all people you photograph in case a publisher wishes to use the photo in a manner which would require such.

Has anyone on this forum had success in getting complete strangers (or even acquaintances) to sign a model release form? I would think most people would be reluctant for the following reasons: 1. If they were unknowingly photographed, they may feel offended, embarrassed, violated, etc. 2. They may feel they are being exploited. 3. They don't know EXACTLY how the photo will be used. 4. They may feel they are entitled to some sort of compensation.

Any thoughts?

Snowgirl

hawaiiski wrote: »

A certain photography book recommends that you should always have model release forms on your possession & attempt to get them signed by all people you photograph in case a publisher wishes to use the photo in a manner which would require such.

Has anyone on this forum had success in getting complete strangers (or even acquaintances) to sign a model release form? I would think most people would be reluctant for the following reasons: 1. If they were unknowingly photographed, they may feel offended, embarrassed, violated, etc. 2. They may feel they are being exploited. 3. They don't know EXACTLY how the photo will be used. 4. They may feel they are entitled to some sort of compensation.

Any thoughts?

I get every client I shoot to sign a model release form, just in case. It's never been a problem and if anyone ever didn't want to do it, that's fine. I'd respect their wishes and not make any of their images available to anyone other than themselves.

As for complete strangers? Never had the nerve to ask so I'll be anxious to see what everyone else here thinks.

hawaiiski

I get every client I shoot to sign a model release form, just in case. It's never been a problem and if anyone ever didn't want to do it, that's fine. I'd respect their wishes and not make any of their images available to anyone other than themselves.

Do you explain to your clients all that a model release entitles, or are they left w/ the impression that it only authorizes you to photograph them?

Snowgirl

hawaiiski wrote: »

Do you explain to your clients all that a model release entitles, or are they left w/ the impression that it only authorizes you to photograph them?

Absolutely not. I give them an opportunity to read it prior to signing and ask if they understand what it means. I also give them a copy if they want it.

rt2photo

I use the "Easy Release" iPhone/iPad app ... lets me get a model release, lets them sign it, then emails us both PDF copies on the spot.

johng

Sounds like you're not taking photos of paying clients. If you are it's easy. If you're more worried about needing that release so in the off chance one of your photos will be used for a purpose requiring a release I wouldn't sweat it unless you're planning on trying to make money in stock photography. If you're not doing stock photography, the likelihood that one of your images is going to be used on a cereal box or billboard add just isn't there.

This is completely different than you take a photo that has a person in it and it's a great photo and you create post cards and sell them. You don't need a model release for that in the United States. You need it if someone wants to buy that photo and use it for an advertisement of the store they're standing in front or whatever.

When you're working with people directly, this type of CYA is easy - it's just part of the business relationship. But if you're just a hobbyist and not doing stock work, I honestly can't imagine people walking around with model releases on the off chance they might sell an image for advertisement.

Snowgirl

rt2photo wrote: »

I use the "Easy Release" iPhone/iPad app ... lets me get a model release, lets them sign it, then emails us both PDF copies on the spot.

Since I got an iPad I've also been using Easy Release. It is what it says; easy.