There are "model
releases" and then there are model releases. Simply because someone has signed a
piece of paper that looks like a model release, that doesn't mean it has been
"perfected". We don't want to get into a lot of legal mumbo-jumbo here, but for
those of us who have been in the stock photo business for decades, we know that obtaining
a solid, thorough, unchallengeable model release that has been "perfected" with
"valuable consideration" and other things-- is one of the most important things
we do. One of the worst situations is being lulled into thinking everything is fine because a piece of paper has been signed by the model-- and then finding out that there are all kinds of loopholes-- or that it is so shabbily done as to be virtually worthless. |
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Tip: Call the agency you are working with and ask to see the "standard" model release form they use. Take a look at it and use your common sense as to whether it is the type of thing that seems adequate. (Helpful exercise: Imagine you were a model who signed this form. What would you think it meant?) Better yet, let your attorney take a quick look at it. It might cost you a couple of bucks to do so now-- and save you a lot later. | |
Red Flag: If the agency tells you they do not have a "standard" model release form-- that they leave it up to the photographers-- find out exactly what procedures they employ to make sure the various releases are adequate. If you don't like their answer-- shop elsewhere. |
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