Lightfolio Forms

Model Release Form

Use this form to obtain consent from photography models

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Old school form, circa the 1990s. Your clients deserve better.

Model + Photographer If you anticipate any possible commercial use of your work, have the subject(s) sign a release.
Online Use Having a signed release allows you to use photos featuring your clients on your website, social media and more.
Consideration A best practice is to be sure you're actually offering your subject a fair exchange of value for the release.

Model Release Form

Photographer:
Session Date:
Session Location:
Model Name:
Phone number:
Email
Mailing Address:
Terms
Model, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is acknowledged, hereby grants to the Photographer, its legal representatives, assignees, and those acting under its authority, the unrestricted right and permission to copyright and/or use, and/or publish photographic portraits or pictures of the Model (the "Pictures"), and the negatives, transparencies, prints, or digital information pertaining to them, in still, single, multiple, moving or video format, or in which Model may be included in whole or in part, or composite, or distorted in form, or reproductions thereof, in color or otherwise, in any media for advertising or any other lawful purpose.

Model hereby relinquishes any right that he/she may have to examine or approve the finished product or products or the advertising copy or printed matter that may be used in connection with an image that Photographer has taken of the Model, or the use to which it may be applied. Model waives any ownership and publication right he/she might be entitled of in connection with the Pictures, with the exception of the personal use of the Pictures as part of personal modeling portfolio. Model agrees he/she has no right to sell, license or publish any of the Pictures to any person or entity.

Model further releases Photographer its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, agents, servants, or employees ("Releasees") from any claims for remuneration associated with any form of damage, foreseen or unforeseen, associated with the proper commercial or artistic use of these images unless it can be shown that said reproduction was maliciously caused, produced and published for the sole purpose of subjecting the Model to conspicuous ridicule, scandal, reproach, scorn and indignity. Model also waives any and all claims, demands, actions and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, that may be sustained by Model, or any of the property belonging to Model, whether caused by the negligence of the Releasees, or otherwise, while performing the photography session, or while in, on or upon the premises where the photography session was performed.

It is the express intent of Model that this document shall bind all members of Model's family, heirs, assignees and personal representatives.

Model represents that he/she is 18 year or older, that the photography session was conducted in a completely proper and highly professional manner, and this release was willingly signed.
MODEL SIGNATURE:
TODAY'S DATE:

What is a model release form?

A model release form is a legally binding agreement between a photographer and a model, whose purpose is to outline rights and protections for both parties. The model must be at least 18 years of age to sign any agreement--otherwise, consider using a minor model release, which will require the signature of a parent or guardian.

Why you need a model release

Whether or not you anticipate any future commercial use for the photographs in question, it is best to err on the side of caution and obtain a signed release before the photoshoot. This will shield you from future liabilities and possible lawsuits. Do yourself a favor and obtain a signed release for every session. The extra effort is worth the peace of mind.

Benefits of a model release

Typical benefits of a signed model release includes conferring exclusive rights to the photographer, to publish images on a website, blog, advertisement or other marketing materials. You might also consider adding clauses that give you permission to sell, license or transfer rights to another party.

Best practices

In addition to the considerations outlined above, you may also want to add specific language that is tailored to your particular use cases. For example, it may benefit you to include provisions that allow for digital manipulation (retouching, editing, Photoshopping) or to be clear about using sensitive images (boudoir, as an example) for marketing purposes.

Also, if you intend to offer some sort of compensation to your model, it is best to have it documented in your contract. Include language that specifies any payment or products (often, prints or digital files) that are to be offered in exchange for the assignment of any rights.

Disclaimer

The forms and contract templates made available on this website are a starting point and are offered for demonstration purposes only, and are not legal advice. When considering using any legal document, be sure to consult a practicing attorney to ensure the documents you use include the necessary language and that they comply with all laws in your area.