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Photography Release Form Template PDF Free Download
Photo Release Form
A photo release form allows an individual or photographer to obtain consent from the other party in order to use photographs for personal or commercial use.
The releasing party, the “releasor,” can choose to give away the rights to the images for free or charge a fee or royalty.
In the case where there is payment involved, the rights of ownership to the images do not become final until the payment has been made and the release form has been authorized.
As a reference, it is also known by other names:
Photo Consent Form
Video Release Form
Likeness Release Form
Model Release
Photo Copyright Release Form
What is a Photo Release Form?
A photo release form is a legally binding document that grants a photographer, business entity, or specified individual (the “Releasee”) authorization to obtain photographs for personal or commercial use.
The model or specified individual (the “Releasor”) provides authorization, can request payment, and royalties or can provide the rights to future use, free of charge.
When a Photo Release Form is Needed
Event organizers or business owners will often use photographs in a brochure or videos on their websites to promote their businesses.
Even a professional photographer might want to use past photos of clients to try and get new business.
However, to use these photographs or videos, these businesses will first need permission from the people in them.
Individuals have the exclusive right to control the commercial use of their name, image, likeness, and other aspects of their identity under the right of publicity.
Anyone who uses a photograph or recording of an individual for commercial use or advertising needs permission or a release to use that photograph or recording.
Sometimes, a photographer may be able to use a photo through implied consent.
If a subject knows they are being photographed and does not object, a reasonable person might assume that they consent to the photograph.
However, implied consent to be photographed may not extend to consent for the photograph to be published.
The best practice is to obtain consent from anyone whose image or likeness you plan to use or publish.
A signed Photography Release Form grants you this permission and protects you from challenges down the road about your use of these photos or recordings.
How to Make a Photo Release Form
This type of release is designated for individuals seeking to obtain ownership of photos they have requested or were taken.
If the photos were taken by a photographer, the form grants ownership of the form to the buyer which usually involves removing any copyright watermarks.
If the photos were of someone else, the form acts as a release allowing someone else to use the individual in the image for commercial or promotional use.
Step 1 – Download the Appropriate Photo Release Form
There are many types of photo release forms depending on the subject being photographed.
The most popular form is the Model Photo Release Form. Most forms include the following general information:
Name of Photographer or Releasee
Name of Model or Releasor
Address and phone number
Description of specified photographs
Longevity of the validity of the form
Detailed intent of photographic use
Conditions of participation
Step 2 – Give Clear Instructions to the Client (Releasor)
The Photo Release Form should be discussed between the Releasee and the Releasor to confer and ensure understanding of the intent of the photographic image and distribution intention (i.e., advertising, commercial business purpose – calendar, website, poster, etc.)
as well as how and when the payment (amount and date of payment must be specified) will be made or what will be exchanged, if applicable.
Additionally, instructions should be provided to the client if revocation of the Photo Release Form is allowed, and under what circumstances it can be done, any royalties to be received by the releasor should be identified on the form, along with where to sign and who is required to sign.
Step 3 – Sign and Begin Taking Photos
A photo release form is easy enough, typically 1 page in length, that a lawyer is not needed for consulting.
A photographer will normally have a large batch full of model release forms in a folder when showing up for a job.
A model will typically sign the form just prior to the shoot being filmed.
Once signed, the photographer should safely store the form away in their bag or folder.
Common Situations to Use a Photo Release Form
| RELEASOR | RELEASEE |
|---|---|
| Model | Photographer |
| Concert Goer | Concert Organiser |
| Gala Attendee | Gala Host |
| Skydiver | Skydiving company |
| Customer | Store owner |
| Student | School or University |
| Sports fan | Sports team |
| Event participant | Event organizer |
A business might use a photo or video in various advertising mediums – printed brochures, email flyers, website promotion, Instagram posts, and Youtube videos.
| Author | – |
| Language | English |
| No. of Pages | 1 |
| PDF Size | 1 MB |
| Category | Form |
| Source/Credits | eforms.com |
Photography Release Form Template PDF Free Download