Generic Model Releases

Gracey · #1 (**permalink**) 02-02-2007, 11:14 AM

Here is a copy of a generic model release which I use with my logo in the blank spot at the top. These are in .jpg format, and print out on an 8.5X11 sheet. Just right click and select "save as" to save it to your hard drive.

When filling in your name, also use any pseudonyms you use, like your submitter name and/or your company name, like this:

Jan Gracey Stinson (aka Gracey, J. Stinson, Photography of Grace)

Generic Model Release (for adult models)

Generic Model Release for Minors

If you submit to multiple sites check the model releases for each site and add whatever is necessary to a generic release for each site - this way you can use one release for each site you submit to.

FlemishDreams · #2 (**permalink**) 02-03-2007, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gracey

Generic Model Release (for adult models)

Just one remark. You guarantee that the photo of the model won't be used in a pornographic or slanderous way. Dreamstime does that too, but in a much more courious way: they just mention slanderous use is a breach of TOS. Many some sites don't even mention it. That's prudent: there is no way you can make a guarantee like that as a photographer.

The only thing you can do is object, whenever a case like that comes to your knowledge.
As it is written now, the model can sue YOU for slanderous use.
That's why I simply let that clause out:

Code:

RELEASE OF PHOTOGRAPHER FROM LIABILITY.

The Model releases the Photographer and all other persons entitled under this Agreement to use the Photographs from all liability for libel, invasion of privacy, and all causes of action whatsoever in relation to the Photographs, their making and use, the Model or the Model's property including without limitation any liability for alteration of the Photographs, whether intentional or otherwise, that may occur during the making or subsequent use of the Photographs.

Gracey · #3 (**permalink**) 02-03-2007, 12:49 PM

Well, that phrase is part of many of the standard model release forms, which is where I got it. In the minor's release, it's a pretty good guarantee, but in the adult release, you have to be careful. Good point.

I think people have to use a little sense in creating their model releases - when you are completing your own releases - these aren't meant for anyone to use 'whole hog', but as a sample to create their own multi-use forms.

If you shoot nude people, or partly nude people (as in underwear or lingerie), you might expect that somewhere, sometime, someone may use them in a pornographic way, even when they aren't intended for that.

If you shoot people fully clothed (as I do) then they better not find their way into porno, or I can guarantee there's gonna be a lawsuit

(whether it'll be won or not is a different story). I won't shoot nudes - ever, so my release it suitable for my business, but I should have made a notation in the original post. It might be worthwhile to change the clause to indicate that every effort to prevent that use will be made or something similar.

The types of people I shoot wouldn't likely sign a release if there wasn't something about that in there. I only submit to a few sites, so this part of the forum is open for anyone to post their release forms for others to use or adapt.

I thought about posting links to all the ones from various sites, but more and more people just want one that all sites will accept and that they can use daily for their own business.

One thing I always have wondered about tho - some of those uh, what to do they call them, 'tabloids'...do they actually take someone's head from a photo and put it on another body? Because that could happen with the photo of a fully clothed person.