Learning to Complete a Model Release
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First, let’s clarify what a model release or Model Release is. A Model Release is a one-page document signed by the photographer and the model. Additionally, a witness’s signature is also required. These signatures are sufficient to allow the use of images featuring the model.
If the photographer also serves as the model, they sign the release for themselves, with only a witness’s signature additionally required. When the model is a minor, a Model Release is still needed, but instead of the child, a parent or guardian signs the release. Ideally, the second parent serves as the witness to avoid future misunderstandings.
Filling out the Model Release correctly will save you from potential claims from the model or their representatives later on. Generally, the integrity of the Model Release isn’t something all photo banks can verify completely, and many photographers use the same Model Release for an entire series of photos with one model. Photo banks require a Model Release to protect themselves from potential lawsuits. They want to be sure that the models in submitted photos are not accidental or unauthorized.
Naturally, a photographer could forge a Model Release if the model hasn’t consented. But, if discovered, most claims would be directed at the photographer, not the photo bank. Thus, the risk of forgery falls entirely on you. So, think not once but a thousand times before attempting to forge one. Release templates are available on each photo bank’s website. However, there’s also a universal template that can be used across all photo banks.
How to Properly Fill Out a Model Release?
Let’s go over how to fill out a Model Release and the nuances stock photographers may encounter. The process when working with models for photography is quite simple and clear:
- Download the Model Release form from the photo bank’s website and print it out.
- Give it to the model to review. If the model has questions, explain what and why it’s necessary. Understandably, beginner models will have more questions than experienced professionals. More questions tend to arise if you’re using friends as models for photography.
- After the model reviews the Model Release, fill out all the fields with legally correct information.
- Then, both you and the model sign the Model Release in the presence of a witness. The witness also adds their signature.
- After that, scan or photograph the completed Model Release and upload it to the photo bank.
Let’s quickly review some important points. Before the photoshoot, ensure all of the model’s details are correctly entered on the release form, and that the Model Release is signed by the model. Very often, photographers upload Model Releases with missing phone numbers or only the city listed under “Address” when a full address is needed. Remember that the Model Release is a legal document and should be taken seriously.
Once the model fills in their details, the witness must print their full name clearly and sign the release. This is also very important, as the release is invalid without the witness’s attestation. After completing the Model Release, don’t forget to include your information and signature.
Common Errors When Filling Out a Model Release
If you’re using one Model Release form for all photo banks, it’s often the case that a specific photo bank’s logo remains on the form, which may lead to rejection. Before completing the Model Release form, especially if you’re using a universal form, ensure it doesn’t mention any specific photo bank.
Also, if you’re filling out a Model Release intended for foreign photo banks, it usually needs to be in English. Exceptions in language may apply to specific local photo banks.
The most common mistakes involve leaving a specific photo bank’s name on the Model Release or issues with the form’s language, but experience usually resolves these quickly.
There are also other, less common errors when preparing a Model Release:
- For example, if you’re photographing nude models, you’ll need to scan or photograph their ID in addition to the release to confirm they are 18 or older and legally eligible to participate in such photoshoots.
- Remember, anyone who appears in a photograph, recognizable from any angle, must sign a Model Release. Photographers often forget to obtain a Model Release if the person is in the background. Keep in mind that if a person is the main subject of your photo, even if photographed from the front or back, photo banks won’t accept the image without a Model Release.
- If you have two or more people in the photograph, a separate Model Release form must be completed for each person. Additionally, scanned releases should be separate files. An exception is iStockPhoto, where releases must be scanned into a single file.
- You don’t need releases for photos of specific body parts, like hands or legs. A Model Release is only required for nude models, and don’t forget to scan the model’s ID in that case.
- Do not confuse property release (Property Release – owner’s permission for the use of their property image) with the model release (Model Release).
Incidentally, many photographers believe that filling out a Model Release is only necessary for photographers selling images through photo banks. This is a big misconception.
Even if a photographer doesn’t work with photo banks and just conducts creative photoshoots, their models should still sign something like a model release. After all, there’s a good chance that these photos may later be sold to agencies or galleries for resale to collectors or exhibitions. Publishers may also want to use them in books, albums, articles, or other publications. Or your photos may simply attract an editor from a professional publication or catalog, and you could be offered a publication.
In such situations, having a contract with the model (Model Release) is essential. Don’t forget this.
This article is also available for reading in the following categories: About Microstocks, 123RF, Depositphotos, Dreamstime, Fotolia, Istockphoto, Shutterstock
If I am a model and a photographer, and there were no witnesses at the shoot, how do I fill out the release?
If a witness was absent when filling out the release, there shouldn’t be any problems, since a witness’s signature is needed to confirm that the model indeed gives consent for the use of their image. However, if you are both the model and the photographer, this requirement is not mandatory, as you can confirm your consent independently.
Do you think it’s possible to identify a person from the back or if the model’s face is retouched? I need candid photos of different people from the street for an exhibition. Passersby rarely carry their passports. Moreover, I take photos of people discreetly, right on the street, so that the pictures look candid and natural. How should I handle this? Should I chase each person later and ask for their passport details?
Unfortunately, yes.
How should I sign the release, and between whom is it signed? Is there a form for signing the release?
Evgenia, the release is signed by the photographer and the model. There is a form to fill out on each stock site in the release section.
I buy clipart from Fotolia,
The interface is convenient, with a sea of photos and vectors at low prices. There is an option to download clipart for free.
Could you please tell me, if there are no people, where can I get this release for the vector… I drew Lake Baikal in vector, and it was rejected, no release. Release from whom, between whom and whom??? To be precise, on Fotolia, they waited a long time for me to make the release, but I was at a loss and didn’t know what to offer them….
Sometimes, a release refers to Property, not Model, meaning a release is required for the location, the property. Indicate in the comment that this is Lake Baikal, which is a public domain, and anyone can photograph it (if, of course, you made a vector from your photo); otherwise, specify the source as public domain (like, for example, flags of countries and some maps). Even better (if it concerns Fotolia, they are quite picky) is to re-upload your image, and perhaps less vigilant inspectors will pass it.
Wish you good luck!
If, for example, I am the organizer of some photo shoot, what release should I sign with the model to use her photos for my purposes? And if I represent an organization that provides a location for the photo shoot, what should I do in this case if I want to use it for advertising my venue, like a nightclub?
Let me clarify a bit: are you a photographer? And are you a stock photographer? And do you want to shoot a model in a nightclub to promote it and sell the photos on stock sites?
If that’s the case, then you should sign a regular release with the model since the photos are commercial, and the model will be present in them. You can also attach a property release—it confirms that you have the right to shoot on that property and sell the photos.
If you are just ordering a photo shoot solely for the advertisement of your establishment, then the model should sign a regular shooting contract, and stock agencies are not involved here.
Do models and the witness need to have foreign passports?
And my second question: should the release in Russian be identical in content to the release in English?
Regarding the first question:
No, it is not necessary at all.
Regarding the second:
Yes, in this case, it should be literally word-for-word.
How do I upload two model releases for one photo on iStockphoto?
In Photoshop (or any other program), combine the two releases into one image, since they were all in .jpg format anyway.
Can I submit photos from world championships, etc., as editorial? Or do I need a release?
(I photographed at the Sambo World Cup (but often the faces of the sambists are hardly visible), but the whole gang of referees is in the frame. And at the Russian Fitness Aerobics Cup, all team members’ faces are clearly visible, including children’s teams). If I send them the form via the Internet, can I ask them to sign it and send me a scan?
As an editorial, you can sell any photos for which you do not have a release. From competitions, from the streets, from everywhere. Photos from world championships can and should be submitted as editorial.
If you have releases, you can submit photos not as editorial, but you need to understand that the requirements for editorial photos are less strict, while releases must be obtained from absolutely everyone present in the photo, including people turned partially or even with their backs to the camera, if they can be recognized from that angle (for example, by a birthmark). Also, there should be no logos (even on athletes’ uniforms and walls) or recognizable brands in the frame.
Regarding sending the release online, you still need to send it in scanned form, so your option is quite acceptable.
If I am a makeup artist collaborating with photographers, what form should I use? I believe I need to create two documents: 1. For the photographer – a model release, 2. For me, along with the photographer, confirming that I have the right to publish and use these photos for my portfolio and that the model agrees – we will sign it with the model and the photographer together?
Martina!
Do you do exclusive makeup? If so, then yes! You sign a property release stating that you are the author of the makeup and agree to publish it. It’s like with tattoos!
If you are just tidying up the models before the shoot, then you don’t need to sign anything.
Good luck!
I don’t understand the issue with the release: if there is a huge crowd of people spontaneously gathered for a flash mob and then planning to disperse quickly after, should we really be catching everyone for the release? That seems like science fiction!\r\n\r\nAnd what about shooting concerts?
Yes, you need releases from all people whose faces and recognizable body parts (notable and recognizable birthmarks, scars, tattoos) appear in the frame.\nBut I have a counter question: if you are photographing, for example, a flash mob, why not sell the shot as editorial?
You wrote, “you can download the Model Release form from the stock photo site.”
I searched the entire BigStockPhoto page and could not find such a file. I also did not see where to upload photos with the Model Release. There is a warning, “Do not use this form to upload Model Release,” but where should I upload the Model Release?
Thank you!
Anatoly, releases are uploaded on the page >>http://www.bigstockphoto.com/account/uploads/releases/
You can get the release forms here:
* Adult Model Release Form >>http://www.bigstockphoto.com/pdf/model-release.pdf
* Minor Model Release Form >>http://www.bigstockphoto.com/pdf/minor-model-release.pdf
* Property Release Form >>http://www.bigstockphoto.com/pdf/property-release.pdf
Photos are uploaded separately, then you link the release to them.
Good luck!