Thread: Can you share your model release?

I know we've had some talk of a model release form lately, but I don't think my specific question has come up. Since I am focusing more and more of my work on teaching, rather than gigging, I would like to have some nice professional photos taken of me in the studio. I don't own the studio, but I do know that students don't sign a waiver.

I think I need written permission (aka a model release) from my students in my class in order to have a photographer. My photographer is my boyfriend and as far as he is concerned, I will own the copyright of the images. I asked the studio owner if photos would be ok, and she said yes, and that she would like me to share them with her.

So, have you ever brought in a photographer to your classes and if so, what did you use as a model release? Thanks in advance! ..g.:

Hey ya'll! Good bump to you!

Andalee, there are several examples of model releases on the web. Just google it.

Thanks, but I was hoping someone had one that they've specifically used for students...Should I move to the instructor section?

I doubt many dancers have needed to use a model release. You're better talking to one of the photographers on this site. A basic release is pretty general--I would say use a basic one and tweak it to your needs. And maybe pm JShane or one of the other photographers on this board with specific questions.

You know how some teachers have waivers that they make their students sign? I was hoping that there would be one that including photography. Oh well. I have one that I use for my day job. I'll just tweak that. Thanks!

It's a difficult question to answer because most pro photographers that I know have had their releases drafted by lawyers to ensure that they're legally sound. I would be reluctant to suggest a wording to use because I'm not a lawyer and because, in any case, some of the applicable laws vary by state, so what's appropriate where I live may not hold up where you are.

That said, something is of course better than nothing, so, if you use releases at your day job, following that format may work well enough for your purposes.

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

My photographer is my boyfriend and as far as he is concerned, I will own the copyright of the images.

I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but you should get this in writing. It's not standard to transfer copyright to the client, so it would be best to have proof of copyright transfer (or at least a written usage license) from him just in case you need it in the future. You may want to have the studio owner sign a release, too, to make sure that you're all on the same page.

You can email me at JeremyShanePhotography@gmail.com and I'll send you some generic PDF files of release forms if you want Andalee. They are part of a membership I have with a photography association and have been reviewed by lawyers.

And yes, Ainsley is right about not taking your bf or the owners word on things being OK. Get it in writing. Trust me, things can change even if you can't imagine it happening. (And even if he didn't want to make trouble for you, if you wanted to use them later for a publication or something, the business would require you to have the release of the photographer as well)

Personally I make my own using them as a guide because I run into different circumstances with clients. One might say I get permission to use in my portfolio as part of a normal shoot, another might say they have to give me individual permission (like in boudoir shoots) to use in portfolio, my TFCD/TFP forms give me total control of the pictures to sell or publish if needed, etc.

Also if any of your students are under 18, you'll have to get parent/guardian permission as well.

I know, I know, it's just so funny because my BF and I live together and have been together for awhile. :D He doesn't even want photo credit! He works at a business school and goes to a very conservative church, so he wants to be left out of it. He's just a GWC. ;) I'll get it in writing. Do you think an e-mail would work?

I have a little included something just for this on my student registration form...

_____ Photo and Video Consent: consent is granted for the student to be photographed and/or videotaped. These may be used without compensation to the student in public presentation, including but not limited to advertising, promotion, demonstration, and for profit endeavors within the constructs of all media application. The student is free to refuse to be photographed or videotaped.


They have to initial next to it - but even if they don't there is a sentence at the end where they sign the overall form stating that they have read and understood all that the registration form includes and that their signature is agreement/consent and proof therof.

as a professional model....

If this will be a TFP OR TFCD* situation meaning no one gets paid then both party's have ownership over the images and each student should get a CD of their individual images. Your model release can say pretty much whatever you want just as long as both party's agree, sign, and abide by the rules.

If your students are paying for a service then the rights belong to the photographer. But the photographger allows a certain number of images to be purchased by the client/student in some sort of a package. Three is common.

If the photographer is paying the model, or is being paid by a client who pays the photographer who hires the model, the model can request 1-3 different shots for her personal portfolio. When I am being paid, I sign a waver to my image in exchange for money. But I get a tear sheet for my book/portfolio.

Good luck, sweetheart!

Here is the last TF release I used.

Model and Photographer Release and Agreement

I, photographer name who resides at photopraher's address will be working with Marisa Rojo, of Melusine Bela Redd on date of shoot. This is a nonmonetary agreement for both parties. The photographer however in respect to the models time, wardrobe, styling, skill, and efforts must provide a CD of all raw images taken (within fourteen (14) days of shoot date) as well as ten touched up images of a mutual agreement (within thirty (30) days of shoot date). These ten images will be the only images that can be used for commercial, selling, advertising purposes. If any image is to be sold, the other party is to be notified and is entitled to receive 50% of the profits.
All images taken will be of mutual ownership to both the photographer and the model. These images may not be used or sold for pornographic or sexual purposes, or slander the model in any way. Any Photoshop must be tasteful, skillfully executed and must not misrepresent the model. The model has the right to hire a Photoshop artist. All ten photo shopped images must be approved by both parties before they can be posted as advertisement on any site or sold. This is in respect to both parties.
If the photographer fails to supply the raw images within fourteen days, he must pay the model her rate as follows:
$100 per hour. This rate applies for underwear, transparent or translucent articles. One (1) hour minimum time on set or location. Every 15 minutes after a full hour is computed into the next hour. All implied nudes, partial, and full nudes are triple regular rates.


Marisa Rojo and Anthony McCall understand the terms and conditions of this shoot. Please sign and date at the bottom with an electronic signature.


Marisa Rojo x 6/28/09

photographer name x 6/28/09

Originally Posted by Nadirahdances

If this will be a TFP OR TFCD* situation meaning no one gets paid then both party's have ownership over the images and each student should get a CD of their individual images.

I just want to caution everyone that this is not the case as far as the courts are concerned. The photographer retains sole ownership of his or her images unless s/he explicitly signs that ownership away. What is bought by a model through payment or trade of her time is usage rights to the images, not ownership over them.

As to what each person involved in a shoot should receive following the shoot, that's subject to negotiation, which of course should be conducted prior to the shoot. There's nothing that binds you to providing copies of images you intend to use for self-promotional purposes to your students unless they require that as a provision of signing a model release for you and you agree to those terms.

Also keep in mind that the model release and usage license are typically (although not always) separate documents: the release describes the model's concessions as to use of his/her likeness and is signed by the model, while the usage license describes the specific ways in which the photographer agrees that the model can use his/her images and is signed by the photographer. For more information on both, see NewModels.com.

Originally Posted by Ainsley

I just want to caution everyone that this is not the case as far as the courts are concerned. The photographer retains sole ownership of his or her images unless s/he explicitly signs that ownership away. What is bought by a model through payment or trade of her time is usage rights to the images, not ownership over them.

As to what each person involved in a shoot should receive following the shoot, that's subject to negotiation, which of course should be conducted prior to the shoot. There's nothing that binds you to providing copies of images you intend to use for self-promotional purposes to your students unless they require that as a provision of signing a model release for you and you agree to those terms.

Also keep in mind that the model release and usage license are typically (although not always) separate documents: the release describes the model's concessions as to use of his/her likeness and is signed by the model, while the usage license describes the specific ways in which the photographer agrees that the model can use his/her images and is signed by the photographer. For more information on both, see NewModels.com.

That's a good distinction.

When I do a photoshoot for trade, the subject is getting a free photoshoot out of it, not the rights to the photos. What I get, is the full rights to sell and distribute them instead of getting paid, but I don't give those rights to the subject. (Something I don't normally get in a basic model release or contract for a paying job)

But a lot of photographers work differently. And different terms can be negotiated. If the subject was famous for example, I'd see more benefit on my end and open up my terms more.