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Answering a Reader Question #20


Ki-Ki Wrote:

Hey, Dania
I recently did a photo shoot. Which, by the way, went very well. I cant wait to get the pictures. But, I was asked to sign a photo release. I will see my photographer today to pick to sign it. Is there any warning or good signs I should look for before signing a it???

Your post has also helped me come a long way. Thanks and Congratulations on your recent success, your an inspiration.

Hey, Ki-Ki!

Congrats on a successful shoot. You are definitely on the right path and thank you for the kind words…very much appreciated. =)

As far as the model release forms, these are among the most common documents in the modeling industry. Since there is no money involved, the chances of you having issues with this particular model release form is slim to none. It should contain the most basic information stating that you are waiving (giving up) your rights to the images and are not allowed to sell them for profit. It will also say that the photographer is free to use the images as well. This is all part of the business and is normal. It may outline what compensation you’ve been promised.

Just take a few minutes to read it and make sure that nothing weird jumps out…if so, or if you don’t understand something, please tell the photographer and ask whatever questions you may have. Because you are still new, I’m sure the photographer will have no problem answering your questions.

You rarely have to worry about a basic model release form for test shoots so read it over carefully and sign it once you are comfortable with your understanding of the content.
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Anonymous said…
My understanding is that agency models should NOT sign a release at a test. Really you have signed a contract with your agency that says you only sign releases that they approve. The agency also considers the usage agreement very important.

Similarly girls who think they have a chance at signing with a fashion agency should test for portfolio use only, which normally does not require a release.

Most Model Mayhem type photographers want you to sign a release that gives them the rights to commercial usage, without restriction, which may be unwise for a budding Jessica Stam. Of course not too many girls are potential fashion models.
August 6, 2008 at 1:55 PM
Dania Denise said…
That is true in some cases but not all. Many agency represented models do not always follow the rules. Test shoots mean that no one is making money off of the images, so in that sense, most models are fine with signing releases. And Ki-Ki in particular does not have an agent yet so she doesn't have anything to worry about.

Agency represented models, commercial/print and fashion alike, sign model releases for shoots all the time. All model releases do not contain the same content and can be tailored for each photographer's purposes.

So it's basically a choice the model has to make and most don't involve their agents.
August 6, 2008 at 7:20 PM
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