Model Release Forms...
What is a Model Release?
A model release, or sometimes known as a liability waiver, is a legal document typically signed by the subject of a photograph granting permission to publish the photograph in one form or another. The legal rights of the signatories in reference to the material is thereafter subject to the allowances and restrictions stated in the release, and also possibly in exchange for compensation paid to the photographed person.
Publishing a photograph of an identifiable person with out a model release signed by that person can result in civil liability for whomever publishes the photo. In the UK, there are exceptions to this if the photograph was taken and used for editorial purposes.
It is rarely the photographer that publishes a photo, more usually an agency, publishing house or company that commissioned the photo by the photographer.
However, for a photographer to be able to offer a photograph or electronic version of it, for sale, he/she MUST have a model release signed by the subject, which will accompany the image when it is sold to the publishing concern. Usually, all that is required is the photographer confirm to the publisher that he/she has a signed model release. Information about the model is not usually passed on to the Publisher of the image.
Click for pdf sample of my Model Release - it will open in a new window
What's on a Model Release?
Well it all depends on the Photographer.
Most model releases are similar as to the legal sections but the forms will also ask for you to fill in additional details like your real name, modeling name (if you use a different one) Agency and agency registration number. Some agency's will require a copy of any releases you have signed so they can keep a track of your published photos and photographers you have worked with.
There will also be a section that will describe the photo shoot and what the images from the shoot will be used for. So if a photographer completes this section with "Images to be used for advertising swim wear" the images can only be used for that, if he/she sells an image to advertise a beach resort, the model release is not valid for this and you will be able to claim additional fees or ask for the images to be withdrawn.
There will also be a section for "Consideration". This is the fee that will be paid to you. Sometimes, this will say "TFP" or "TFCD"
TFP or TFCD (Time for Prints or Time for CD) is usually entered when the model and photographer are exchanging their time for free, and no fee is paid either way... the fee is the time given for the shoot. This is usual when models are starting out and want to build their portfolio and the photographer wants to add images to their own portfolio. It is a mutual agreement.
Any fee's paid to you for expenses (traveling etc) will not be shown on the model release.
Don't forget, you are in the business of being a model, so for any fees received, you should issue an invoice to the photographer as part of your business. Even if a shoot is TFP/TFCD and expenses are paid for traveling, you should issue an invoice. It will help when you come to complete your accounts for the revenue services. (Yes, even if you give your time for free for a shoot, the tax people will want to know.....!)
Types of Release:
Adult Release: This is the form most commonly referred to as a "model release". The language of this release is intended for use by models over the age of 18 (the age of majority)
Minor Release: This variant of the model release contains language referring to the model (who is a minor) in the third-person, and required signature by a parent or other legal guardian of the model. Many standard Model release forms combine Adult & Minor in one form, with just a section for the parent or legal guardian to sign.
Group Release: This is a modified version of the Adult Release which includes additional signature lines to accommodate use by multiple models or subjects in a single image.
